NHL Season Preview: Bounce Back Candidates or Veteran Decline

NHL Season Preview: Will These Veterans Bounce Back in 2016-17 or Sign of Veteran Decline?

Yesterday we posted an NHL season preview piece dedicated to younger players who should bounce back after a disappointing 2015-16 campaign. As promised, today we shift our focus to veterans who fell short of expectations this past season.

We don’t typically question a younger player’s ability to rebound, but in today’s NHL, a sub-par season for an aging veteran can be a one-way ticket to a professional tryout offer (PTO) or short-term deal.

For example, Jiri Hudler and Radim Vrbata are proven snipers, yet both are still looking for work. Rewind a few years, Brad Richards was forced to accept a one-year “prove you can still play” deal with Chicago after being bought out by the Rangers.

The question we’re trying to answer today is whether or not the following players have hit that veteran decline, or if 2015-16 was simply a blip on the radar.

NHL Season Preview: Veteran Decline or Bounce Back Candidate?

Matt Moulson, Buffalo Sabres

Nov 19, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Matt Moulson (26) in action during a game against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center. The Blues won the game 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /

Walking into 2015-16, Matt Moulson had produced 40 points or more in seven straight seasons, including 44 points during the 48-game lockout shortened season in 2012-13. He has a career-high of 69 back in 2011-12 with the NYI, and has a career total 337 points in 555 games.

Unfortunately, this past season was a year to forget. He scored eight goals, 13 assists (21 points) in 81 games. The 32-year-old saw his ice-time/role diminish throughout 2015-16 leading to his worst performance since breaking into the league with 30 goals back in 2009-10.

Verdict: Bounce Back Candidate

There’s no way Matt Moulson can duplicate his play in 2016-17. While he may not be able to retain as significant of a role, there’s still a few good years left in the tank. That is good news considering he makes $5 million dollars/year for three more seasons.

His days of scoring 30-plus goals are likely behind him, and some veteran decline is occurring, but he can still be a very useful player.

Eric Staal, Minnesota Wild

Apr 4, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers center Eric Staal (12) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Rangers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

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The numbers would suggest that Eric Staal is facing a steady decline. Last time he reached 70 points was in 2011-12, and has since followed with 53 in 2012-13 (48-games), 61 in 2013-14, 54 in 2014-15, and a career-low 39 points this past season between Carolina/New York.

In all fairness, the only time Eric Staal had legitimate first line talent was the early days when he posted 100 points during the Canes Stanley Cup winning season in 2005-06.

Since then, offensive talent to play alongside Staal was embarrassing. The fact that he could manage 60-70 points with those linemates was an accomplishment in itself (especially given the lack of overall team success).

Verdict: Bounce Back Candidate

At just 31-years-old, Eric has plenty left to offer. He signed a bargain $3.5 million dollar deal for three years with Minnesota that should pay off in a big way. He never had an opportunity to settle into his new environment on Broadway after 12 years in Raleigh, but should have no problem finding comfort in the State of Hockey.

Thomas Vanek, Detroit Red Wings

Mar 5, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Thomas Vanek (26) against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Minnesota beats Buffalo 3 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Vanek was bought out by Minnesota earlier this summer after a disappointing 41-point season in 2015-16. He signed a one-year $2.6 million dollar contract with Detroit on July 1st. The Red Wings hope the 32-year-old sniper can rebound from his lowest single season goal total (18) of his career.

Verdict: Veteran Decline

One could argue that Detroit overpaid even on a low-risk one-year deal. Truth be told, Vanek’s game has been on a steady decline since the latter years in Buffalo. He was once a dangerous offensive threat that you wouldn’t give much room to shoot the puck, but those days are gone. He still possesses a fantastic shot/release that should help extend his NHL career, but you have to wonder how many years he has left.

Jason Pominville, Minnesota Wild

Apr 20, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Jason Pominville (29) waits for the faceoff in the second period against the Dallas Stars in game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Daniel Sedin/Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

Nov 22, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks center Henrik Sedin (33) drops a pass to forward Daniel Sedin (22) against the New Jersey Devils at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /

After the Swedish twins took back-to-back Art Ross Trophies (most points) in 2009-10 and 2010-11, it seemed their play was peaking.

A half decade later, it seems the 35-year-old brothers best years are now behind them.

Henrik posted 55 points in 2015-16, his second lowest total in the past 11 years (50 points in 2013-14). Daniel had a decent season with 28 goals (61 points), marking his second lowest total since 2003-04 (not including lockout shortened season of 2012-13).

Next: Bounce Back Candidates in 2016-17

Verdict: Bounce Back Candidates on the Decline

There’s no simple answer here. A drop in production is likely related to the mess GM Jim Benning has created, but there is definitely some decline in the Swedish duo’s game.

That being said, the addition of Loui Eriksson is a major upgrade on the likes of Jannik Hansen or Radim Vrbata (UFA). So the pair should bounce back in 2016-17, and could produce at a near point-per-game rate. Don’t be surprised if Daniel and Henrik can produce at a fairly high level until they decide to retire.

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