NHL Season Preview: One Question For All 30 Teams

NHL Season Preview (2016-17): One Big Question For All 30 Teams

Next in our NHL season preview, we take a look at all 30 teams around the league asking one (or two) big questions heading into the 2016-17 campaign. Now, obviously each and every team has several burning questions heading into a new season, but we want to specifically address perhaps the most intriguing question/story lines.

Some of these questions could have answers before puck drop on opening night. Others will need help from other struggling teams to find solutions to their problems, while the rest should have an answer as the new season plays out.

NHL Season Preview: One Question, 30 Teams

January 8, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Shea Theodore (53) shoots on goal against St. Louis Blues during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Anaheim Ducks: Where does Shea Theodore fit?

Left-Handed Shots: Hampus Lindholm, Cam Fowler, Shea Theodore, Simon Despres, Clayton Stoner
Right-Handed Shots: Sami Vatanen, Kevin Bieksa, Josh Manson, Korbinian Holzer

Apr 7, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) makes a save during the first period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Coyotes: Will goaltending need an eventual upgrade?

Current Depth Chart: Mike Smith, Louis Domingue, Justin Peters

Mar 8, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Bruins center Ryan Spooner (51) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Bruins: Will B’s use David Backes as a 3rd line center, sliding Ryan Spooner to the wing, or use their new arrival as a top six right winger?

Backes has always been known as a center, although he spent a large majority of his time on the right side in St.Louis. Given the success Spooner had in 2015-16, Boston might consider using David as a RW.

Mar 31, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (15) skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Buffalo Sabres: Ready for a playoff push?

The Sabres added a couple of key pieces in Kyle Okposo and Dmitry Kulikov. Add a year of development for numerous young blossoming stars and a (hopefully) healthy starter, Buffalo has a good recipe for success.

Oct 21, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks assistant coach Glen Gulutzan during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Canucks 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Calgary Flames: How will team respond to new bench boss Glen Gulutzan?

Gulutzan is known as a players coach that is approachable with excellent communication skills. Former colleagues praise his coaching style and structure – he was able to make the Canucks at top 10 penalty killer two years in a row.

Nov 7, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner (53) is congratulated by teammates forward Victor Rask (49) Carolina Hurricanes forward Kris Versteeg (32) defensemen Justin Faulk (27) and forward Jordan Staal (11) after his 3rd period tying goal against the Ottawa Senators at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Hurricanes: Top six forward group a concern?

Locks:Jeff Skinner, Jordan Staal, Victor Rask, Elias Lindholm, F Teuvo Teravainen
Capable/Potential: F Sebastian Aho, F Andrej Nestrasil, F Joakim Nordstrom, F Bryan Bickell, F Lee Stempniak

Apr 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) celebrates his goal with right wing Marian Hossa (81) against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Blackhawks: Who fills the void alongside Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa?

Potential Candidates: F Richard Panik, F Tyler Motte, F Tanner Kero, F Dennis Rasmussen

Mar 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard (31) makes a pad save in the first period against the Florida Panthers at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Colorado Avalanche: Will the Avs give Calvin Pickard an extended look?

With expansion on the way, G Semyon Varlamov could potentially be left unprotected after the emergence of Pickard in 2015-16. If Colorado wants to ensure Calvin is the starter of the future, they need to give him a heavier workload to feel comfortable moving forward.

Mar 17, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) against the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena. The Red Wings won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Columbus Blue Jackets: Recent Calder Cup champions have followed it up with success at the NHL level. What type of impact will prospects such as Oliver Bjorkstrand and Zach Werenski have in year one?

Bjorkstrand had a point streak to close out the NHL season and went on to capture Calder Cup MVP honors. Werenski signed with Columbus after wrapping up his NCAA career at the University of Michigan. He appeared in the final seven games of the regular season, and gave the Monsters a massive boost in the postseason with 14 points in 17 games.

May 3, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Dallas Stars goalie Antti Niemi (31) makes a gloves save against the St. Louis Blues during the second period in game three of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Stars: Goal scoring shouldn’t be an issue once again, but will the goaltending be good enough this year?

Kari Lehtonen put up a game seven performance that should continue to give him nightmares for years to come; how will he respond in 2015-16? Will Dallas give former Cup winner Antti Niemi the bulk of starts, or similar split to last season? If goaltending becomes an issue, how long before GM Jim Nill makes inquires on Ben Bishop or Marc-Andre Fleury?

Apr 19, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Alex Killorn (17) skates with the puck around the goal of Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek (34) defended by defenseman Danny DeKeyser (65) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Tampa won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Red Wings: Is the quarter century playoff streak at risk?

GM Ken Holland did his best to replace the legend Pavel Datsyuk, but the pieces need to fall in place for a successful season. That means Dylan Larkin needs to fill massive shoes and avoid the sophomore slump. It also means Frans Nielsen and Thomas Vanek stepping up to provide depth scoring.

Apr 6, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle (14) and forward Connor McDavid (97) discuss a plan prior to a face-off against the Vancouver Canucks at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Edmonton Oilers: Who becomes the benefactor of playing alongside phenom Connor McDavid?

Logic would suggest that free agent addition Milan Lucic fits best along the left side, although Benoit Pouliot is a possibility as well. Jordan Eberle is the most likely fit along the right side, but if you’re Todd McLellan, aren’t you at least obligated to see if Connor McDavid can generate chemistry with Jesse Puljujarvi?

Oct 13, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov (16) is congratulated by teammates forward Jaromir Jagr (68) and forward Jonathan Huberdeau (11) after his third period goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida Panthers: Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov ready to lead hungry team deep into the playoffs?

The Panthers spent over $200 million dollars this summer between free agents/extensions, and also made numerous trades. Even with the massive roster overhaul, Florida need their two young stars (Huberdeau and Barkov) to take another step in development leading this team both on and off the ice.

Feb 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) celebrates his goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period at Gila River Arena. The Kings won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Kings: How will Dustin Brown respond in 2016-17?

Brown was stripped of his captaincy early in the summer (handed to Anze Kopitar) due to a decline in play over the past couple of seasons. He still owns a lengthy lucrative contract, putting the Kings in a difficult position. Some have questioned how one re-enters that change-room, so it’ll be interesting to see how Brown responds.

May 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau throws out the ceremonial first pitch to Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor in a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Wild: Boudreau, Staal the missing pieces?

Minnesota hired Bruce Boudreau as new bench boss, and signed free agent Eric Staal to a very cap friendly deal. Fans in Minnesota have reason to be excited; Bruce has a great coaching resume; and Eric Staal is hungry to rebound from an ugly season.

Nov 20, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (31) defends his net against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Montreal Canadiens: Will a healthy Carey Price and a pair of impact additions help make the Habs an Eastern Coference powerhouse again?

No matter your stance on the blockbuster deal, there’s no way to change the past. On a positive note, Canadiens fans will quickly fall in love with Shea Weber.

The big question mark is KHL transfer Alexander Radulov. A one-year contract should be low-risk, but this is a special circumstance. Radulov has character concerns due to past behavior and he’s joining a vulnerable dressing room.

Feb 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban (76) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) chases in the second period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Nashville Predators: Will David Poile’s defensive experiment finally push the Preds over the hump?

Opting to switch from a punishing defender (Shea Weber) to a bigger offensive threat (P.K. Subban) will hopefully pay dividends. The Preds are looking for anything to push this team over the hump, and hoping their blue line setup gets the job done – although truth be told, they need to replace several ageing veterans (i.e. Mike Fisher, Mike Ribeiro, etc.)

Mar 4, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) faces the Dallas Stars attack during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

New Jersey Devils: Healthy Schneider, impact additions make NJ a playoff contender?

Devils a playoff contender (puckprose article)

Apr 15, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd (16) in action during game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center. The Blackhawks won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Islanders: Will the Isles take a step back after losing Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen, and Matt Martin?

GM Garth Snow replaced longtime Isles players (Okposo, Nielsen, and Martin) with free agent signings Andrew Ladd, P.A. Parenteau, and Jason Chimera. Failing to once again address the biggest issue – finding suitable linemates for John Tavares – all hope dwindles on the shoulders of inexperienced promising rookies (i.e. Michael Dal Colle, Mathew Barzal, etc.).

Dec 29, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; iFlorida Panthers center Brandon Pirri (73) skates in the third period of a game against the Montreal Canadiens at BB&T Center. The Panthers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Rangers: Enough scoring depth added to escape first round (minimum)?

GM Jeff Gorton made a number of moves this offseason. They acquired Mika Zibanejad from Ottawa in exchange for Derrick Brassard, and signed free agents Michael Grabner, Brandon Pirri, Nathan Gerbe, Josh Jooris, and Jimmy Vesey. Time is running out for Henrik Lundqvist to win a Stanley Cup; do the Rangers have enough to make a push in 2016-17?

Apr 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers center Derick Brassard (16) reacts on the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Ottawa Senators: Did new GM Pierre Dorion do enough to get the Sens back into the postseason?

Philadelphia Flyers: How will young blue line perform?

Can Shayne Gostisbehere build off a strong rookie season, or will he fall victim to the sophomore slump? What type of offensive impact will Ivan Provorov have from the back end in year one? Can Samuel Morin or Travis Sanheim find a way to crack the NHL roster? It will be interesting to see how this group rounds out on opening night.

Jun 12, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (C) and his teammates pose for a team photo with the Stanley Cup after defeating the San Jose Sharks in game six of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Penguins: Can the Pens repeat as Stanley Cup Champions in a league that prides itself on parity?

We’re yet to see back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions in the modern-day salary cap era. The NHL prides itself on parity, which makes a repeat performance unbelievably difficult. Obviously the right pieces would need to fall into place at just the right time (as they did in 2015-16 with a late push), but the Penguins certainly have a strong enough lineup to give it their best shot.

Mar 18, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche left wing Mikkel Boedker (89) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Colorado Avalanche won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

San Jose Sharks: Finally getting over the hump, the Sharks taste blood now that they know they’re good enough. Did GM Doug Wilson make the necessary additions for a return to the Cup Finals?

San Jose signed free agents Mikkel Boedker, David Schlemko, and Tim Heed. They could also get a little help from prospects such as Nikolay Goldobin or Timo Meier (among others) in 2016-17.

It seems GM Doug Wilson did the best job he could with limited money to spend this summer, whether it’s enough to make a Cup Finals return, we shall see.

May 23, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Jake Allen (34) looks on in net against the San Jose Sharks in the first period in game five of the Western Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

St.Louis Blues: Will goaltender Jake Allen be able to flourish as the undisputed number one starter?

Goaltenders are a strange breed in comparison to skaters. Deeply psychological individuals, one can imagine the presence of Brian Elliott having a disturbance on the overall play/development of Jake Allen.

Now as the undisputed no.1 starter, Allen should be able to flourish in a more comfortable setting (and could eventually find his name in Vezina Trophy conversations).

Apr 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) works out prior to game two of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Islanders at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Lightning: Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson are coming off a disappointing season; can they rebound from a sophomore slump, or reason for concern?

More from Puck Prose

After posting 50 points in 2013-14, followed up by 72 points in 2014-15, Tyler Johnson took a step back with a disappointing 38-point performance this past season.

Ondrej Palat racked up 59 points back in 2013-14, followed by 63 points in 2014-15, and saw his numbers fall to 40 points this past season.

In all fairness, the Tampa Bay Lightning were not that high scoring offensive threat in 2015-16 they were the previous two seasons. Look for this group to generate a lot more offense in 2016-17.

Apr 4, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (39) looks to pass the puck against the Florida Panthers during the second period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Maple Leafs: How will opening night roster shake-up? Will Frederik Andersen be the answer between the pipes?

Biggest questions surround the Maple Leafs prospect pool. It might a safe assumption to include William Nylander, while others such as Nikita Soshnikov, Zach Hyman, Connor Brown, Kasperi Kapanen might fall under the category of grey-area.

Toronto also needs to figure out what to do with Mitch Marner.

If he is unable to crack the NHL roster this Fall, the CHL’s most outstanding player in 2015-16 will be forced to return for another year of junior.

Mar 15, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Loui Eriksson (21) shoots and scores against San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer (34) in the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports. /

Vancouver Canucks: Will this re-tool on the fly while we’re still going for it philosophy pan out for GM Jim Benning?

It’s difficult to make sense of what Jim Benning is doing, but give him credit, he did make a pair of moves that should make the Canucks more competitive in 2016-17. They definitely overpaid at $6 million dollars/year with Loui Eriksson, but there’s something to said for finally addressing that void alongside the Sedin twins (and best of all, Eriksson has international chemistry with the pair).

The addition of Erik Gudbranson is also a major upgrade, and here’s a guy that will quickly become a fan favorite. There’s nothing flashy about his game, just a solid defensive player.

May 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game four of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 3-2 in overtime to take a 3-1 lead in the series. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Capitals: With a similar roster intact for the new season, will the Caps be able to repeat as Presidents’ Trophy winners?

The Caps were fairly fortunate in 2015-16. They began the year without Nicklas Backstrom, but stayed relatively healthy all season long.

Sure, Jakub Vrana is equipped to step up and replace an injured forward, just as Madison Bowey is ready to fill a defensive hole, but what happens if the Caps find themselves in a similar Blues situation from 2015-16? Not sure they have the depth to handle it.

Next: Season Preview: Who Got Better, Who Got Worse

Jan 26, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (30) makes a save during the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /

Winnipeg Jets: What will the Jets do about their goaltending dilemma? Can they honestly force Connor Hellebuyck to another year of AHL service after his impressive NHL stint/2015 World Hockey Championship performance?

It would make absolutely zero sense if Kevin Cheveldayoff has convinced himself that another year of AHL duties is the right answer for Connor Hellebuyck.

The only logical answer is that no one has shown interest in Czech netminder Ondrej Pavelec – which is shocking if true. He carries a $3.9 million dollar cap hit for one more season, and if WPG retained $1.9 million, we’re talking about a $2 million dollar goaltender capable of carrying the load.

If we had to guess, it’s a waiting game for teams to struggle; it’s only a matter of time before Arizona realizes that Mike Smith, Louis Domingue, and Justin Peters aren’t good enough.

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