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