The Verdict: 6 NHL Teams Poised To Do Major Damage In 2014-15′ Season

Mar 4, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Matt Niskanen (2) brings the puck up ice during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. The Penguins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Mike Strasinger-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Capitals:

For a team whose defensive struggles played a huge role in their first postseason miss since 2007, the Capitals scored big by acquiring former Pittsburgh Penguin teammates Matt Niskanen (pictured above) and Brooks Orpik. They then added backup goaltender Justin Peters to take some pressure off young starter Braden Holtby.

Only 27 years old, Niskanen set a number of career highs last season. He led all NHL blueliners with a plus-33 rating and tallied six game-winning goals, ranking second on the Pittsburgh team behind Chris Kunitz. Orpik, meanwhile, topped all teammates in blocked shots and all team defenseman in hits during the 2013-14′ season. He’s also served as an alternate captain for the past six years.

In net, Peters allows the Capitals to take their time bringing up Philip Grubauer. He posted an alright 7-9-4 record, 2.50 goals-against average and .919 save percentage while appearing in a career-high 21 games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season. Not exactly eye-popping numbers, but solid for a guy who’s likely only playing in back-to-backs.

Their offense is pretty much set with 2014 Rocket Richard Trophy winner Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Joel Ward among others. Even so, they drafted AHL Hershey left winger Nathan Walker 89th overall in this years draft. That move proves beneficial now, as the fact he’s already part of the Capitals minor league system makes him eligible for a call-up quicker than most draftees.

All things considered, the Capitals look to have filled all pressing needs, therefore making them a team to watch out for next season.

Apr 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Jussi Jokinen (36) moves the puck ahead of Columbus Blue Jackets left wing R.J. Umberger (18) during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Florida Panthers:

After another season marred with bitter disappointment, finishing second to last in the entire NHL, Panthers general manager Dale Tallon finally wised up and spent money on some good, experienced free agents.

One name that jumps out is defenseman Willie Mitchell who’s fresh off helping the Los Angeles Kings capture their second Stanley Cup in two years last month. His plus-10 rating in 18 of 26 postseason games played tied Tanner Pearson for second on the team, behind only Justin Williams plus-13. During 78 regular season contests he produced a plus-14, tying Williams for fifth among teammates.

Down south, he’ll likely pair up with fellow veteran Brian Campbell to help solidify the Panthers biggest weakness in recent years. The 37-year-old could also serve as a mentor for what might easily end up being one of the league’s youngest bluelines, with 2014 first overall draft choice Aaron Ekblad and prospect Alex Petrovic among others expected to crack the big league roster come fall.

Meanwhile, Jussi Jokinen provides young Finnish phenom Aleksander Barkov, the second pick in last years draft, with an experienced linemate who can set up prime scoring chances. His 36 assists tied Matt Niskanen for third on the Pittsburgh Penguins roster this past season, and he tallied 21 goals, 57 points to place fifth. During the playoffs he really came alive though, producing 10 points in 13 games as well as leading the team with three game-winners.

Another recognizable name is gritty forward Shawn Thornton. Known for using his fists and agitating opponents, Thornton battled injuries but still managed to place second on the Boston Bruins with 74 penalty minutes in 2013-14′. He can also score, though not particularly much, evidenced by the five goals and eight points he put up in just 64 appearances last year. Playing for a team with immense talent up front it’s very likely he’ll see fourth line minutes, trying hard to agitate an opponent so they lose their cool and take undisciplined penalties.

Then there’s goaltender Al Montoya and defenseman Dave Bolland. A season removed from scoring the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup clinching goal, Bolland struggled with the Toronto Maple Leafs this past season. Montoya, on the other hand, put up a respectable 13-8-3 record, 2.30 goals-against average and .920 save percentage with the Winnipeg Jets last year.

Put together, all of these additions, one I didn’t mention (Derek MacKenzie) and top draft pick Ekblad make the Panthers significantly better than they were in 2013-14′. So much so that their long playoff drought (one appearance in over 10 years time) could finally end this upcoming season.

Apr 5, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler (17) skates against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Anaheim Ducks:

After falling just short of advancing to the Western Conference finals, the Anaheim Ducks decided it was time to add offensive threats with playoff experience. Both Ryan Kesler, acquired via a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, and Dany Heatley fit that bill.

In 77 appearances this past season, Kesler’s 25 goals topped everyone on the Canucks team, while his 43 points ranked third behind twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin. He struggled defensively though, posting the second worst plus-minus (-15) among teammates and the worst of his career. That could have to do with the teams struggles, as he had a plus rating in every season except the one he split between the AHL and NHL (2003-04′) and the injury-shortened 2012-13′ year where he only played 17 of the lockout-shortened 48 possible games.

Starting fresh with the Ducks, he could end up centering a line which includes elite goal scorer Corey Perry. If that occurs, watch out NHL! Two guys with a nose for the net presents a unique challenge for opponents. To offer a comparison, it would be similar to the former line of Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos down south. That’s how lethal it might end up being.

With Kesler a center, however, the team needed to get a winger to replace the retired Teemu Selanne. Even though he’s known for playing on the left side, Dany Heatley provides the team with a player who can produce big offensive numbers in the right setting. His past two seasons as a member of the Minnesota Wild weren’t good, but overall he’s been able to score with the best of them. Six years potting 39+ goals and 372 in 863 career appearances proves that much.

They also signed former Arizona Coyotes and Edmonton Oilers backup netminder Jason LaBarbera, Wild defenseman Clayton Stoner and acquired via trade gritty 4th liner and superb penalty killer Nate Thompson from the Tampa Bay Lightning during Steve Yzerman’s pre-free agency frenzy.

Each one fills a need for the Ducks and, combined with their significant acquisitions up front, the Ducks could see themselves playing into late May or even June next spring.

May 10, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brian Gionta (21) skates with the puck during the first period against the Boston Bruins in game five of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Sabres:

Coming off what can only be labeled as a forgettable season, finishing last in the entire league, the Buffalo Sabres had to make improvements pretty much everywhere but especially up front. That they did, drafting top offensive prospect Sam Reinhart with the second overall pick, then signing or trading for experienced veterans to help lead the teams youngsters going forward.

A few notable signings include former Montreal Canadiens captain Brian Gionta and Matt Moulson. Fresh off helping to lead the Habs further than they’d been in years, making it all the way to the Eastern Conference final, Gionta was a steady presence on a team stacked offensively. His numbers (40 points, 81 games played) weren’t eye-popping last season but they got the job done, as three of the 18 goals he scored were game-winners.

Moulson, meanwhile, returns to the Sabres after being shipped to the Minnesota Wild at the 2014 Trade Deadline. In 20 games there, he tallied 13 points and an extremely respectable plus-7 rating. His clutch performances (three game-winning goals) were huge as well, helping to propel them into the Western Conference’s final playoff spot.

The Sabres also signed veteran defenseman Andrej Meszaros, then traded for Gionta’s teammate, Josh Gorges. An alternate captain with the Canadiens, Gorges 14 points and plus-6 rating in 66 games last season were solid. Both guys bring experience to arguably one of the league’s youngest bluelines.

With these additions, it’s entirely possible for the Sabres to catapult from the league cellar to a contender capable of making noise in a years time.

Mar 28, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza (19) skates with the puck in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Blackhawks 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Stars:

Fresh off their first playoff appearance in awhile, the Dallas Stars didn’t need to spend much during free agency. They didn’t, instead acquiring former Ottawa Senators captain Jason Spezza in exchange for Alex Chiasson, Alex Guptill, Nicholas Paul and a 2015 second round draft pick hours before the July 1 signing frenzy began.

Some may find this to be a crazy move by the Stars. Why trade top prospects, players that could be very special in just a few years, for a 31-year-old whose 2013-14′ season wasn’t up to the standards many have come to expect? The answer’s easy. Spezza offers experience and depth. Put bluntly, he offers a mentor for young center Tyler Seguin, plus production that Chiasson wasn’t giving. 10 more goals and nearly double the number of points in four less games proves that much.

Other notable Stars additions include Spezza’s teammate, Ales Hemsky, and Patrick Eaves. Limited to just 20 games last season, Hemsky tallied 17 points. That was slightly better than Chris Neil or Erik Condra, both of whom had over 50 more appearances than he did. Eaves, meanwhile, only played five games with the Nashville Predators after being acquired from the Detroit Red Wings late last year. Overall, he’s produced 74 goals and 146 points in 444 regular seasons contests, as well as 13 points in 67 postseason games.

In net, the Stars signed former Tampa Bay Lightning backup Anders Lindback to a one-year deal. He wasn’t great down south, with a save percentage below .900 in 22 starts. It’s possible some of that could have been a direct result of his workload, which went down when Ben Bishop emerged as a clear No. 1, but he never seemed to show the same promise from Nashville in the Sunshine State.

Given these additions, plus a couple of key re-signings (Vernon Fiddler for one) and a farm team that just won the Calder Cup championship, it’s hard to imagine a team better equipped than the Stars for what could easily be a deep Stanley Cup run next summer.

May 4, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Anton Stralman (6) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game two of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Lightning:

On a team that finally broke a two year playoff drought, it’s easy to believe things are perfect as is. But they aren’t, something exposed by the Montreal Canadiens during an embarrassing four game sweep in Round One. General manager Steve Yzerman realized that and set about finding the right fit to fill any holes the Lightning had.

Defense topped the priority list, as the Bolts defense has seen its fair share of struggles shutting down opposing players during recent years. Adding Jason Garrison via a draft day trade and Anton Stralman early in free agency shores this up. Both have experience but are still relatively young (5-6 years in the league), something that will only help an extremely young blueline containing 2009 second overall pick Victor Hedman and last seasons rookies in Mark Barberio, Andrej Sustr and Radko Gudas.

Not known for his offense, Stralman tallied 13 points in 81 regular season contests last season. His plus-9 rating, however, ranked fifth best on the New York Rangers team. During the teams run to the Stanley Cup final he had a plus-4 rating though, good for third best among anyone wearing Broadway blue, and five points (all assists).

Garrison, on the other hand, is known for making opponents pay for penalties taken. Last season, his four power play goals tied Henrik Sedin and Alexander Edler for third among all Vancouver Canucks players. That was more than half of his overall goal total. Defensively, he’s pretty reliable as well, evidenced by a plus-rating in four of his six NHL seasons. In fact, during the lockout shortened 2013 season he posted a career-high plus-18.

With Ryan Callahan added at the 2014 trade deadline in exchange for Martin St. Louis, the Lightning added some grit and toughness up front. They needed more though, especially when Yzerman went on a selling frenzy after the draft in an attempt to free up salary. He got that by signing Stralman and Callahan’s teammate, Brian Boyle, to a three-year contract. Last season, he had 18 points and a plus-1 rating in every regular season game, then added eight points in the Rangers’ Cup run.

Finally, the Lightning needed a backup goaltender. Enter Evgeni Nabokov, the former San Jose Shark great who’s struggled a bit on Long Island. He had a 15-14-8 record, 2.74 goals-against average and .905 save percentage, including four shutouts, with the New York Islanders this past year. Of course, the lack of offensive support he received likely hurt his win-loss total. A healthy Steven Stamkos, 2014 Calder Trophy finalists Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson, plus Valtteri Filppula and 2013 third overall draft choice Jonathan Drouin, should make his job easier and hopefully boost those numbers.

Looking forward, these additions strengthen the Lightning into a force to be reckoned with. A team that, if everyone can stay relatively healthy and performing to the best of their ability, could end up vying for the chance to give Lord Stanley another much-needed tan as early as next summer.