NHL Bold Predictions: 2015-16

NHL Bold Predictions: 5 More in the 2nd Edition at the 23-25 Game Mark

Before the 2015-16 campaign kicked off, we released our NHL bold predictions for the new season (link can be found here). We’re just past the quarter-mark of the new year, which brings forth the second edition of NHL bold predictions for 2015-16. Look out later in the season for more predictions around the halfway mark, and closer to the trade deadline.

5 NHL Bold Predictions: Second Edition (numbering is not a ranking system)

1. Max Domi, Dylan Larkin, and Artemi Panarin Finish Top 3 in Calder Trophy Voting

Nov 20, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (72) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, the three mentioned above currently rank top three in scoring, but they’ve also got a slight separation from the rest of the draft class. Panarin has looked like a seasoned veteran, quick and elusive. Domi has emerged as the Yotes top player from day one and shows no signs of slowing. Larkin has continued to impress since opening night, legitimately earning his ice-time through terrific play.

Before the new season began, it was a safe assumption that Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Buffalo’s Jack Eichel would battle for the Calder Trophy. Even though McDavid will likely come back from injury and continue to score at a higher pace than any other rookie, he may not have enough games played. With so much talent in this year’s rookie class, it could be difficult to make a case for the young phenom.

The omission of Jack Eichel is anything but a criticism of his talent or play. He’s arguably been the best player in Buffalo this season. The numbers don’t quite tell the whole story of what this young man does on the ice. If this were any of the past five seasons other than 2015-16, he’d easily be a winner in several of those seasons. But we’re coming off an extremely talented 2015 draft class, mixed with some of the top talent drafted over the past few seasons. We haven’t seen this type of rookie class in several years, and there’s easily up to 10 guys we could make cases for in the Calder conversation.

Other notable rookies performing well this season include:

Oct 13, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (55) passes the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. St. Louis Blues won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Oscar Lindberg, New York Rangers
Anthony Duclair, Arizona Coyotes
Sam Bennett, Calgary Flames
Colton Parayko, St.Louis Blues
Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg Jets
Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Noah Hanifin, Carolina Hurricanes
Mattias Janmark, Dallas Stars
Colin Miller, Boston Bruins
Ben Hutton, Vancouver Canucks
Robby Fabbri, St.Louis Blues
Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers

2. Dallas Stars John Klingberg Finishes Top 3 in Norris Trophy Conversation

Nov 17, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg (3) and Buffalo Sabres center Sam Reinhart (23) go after a loose puck during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Last month, we wrote a piece titled “John Klingberg has Norris Trophy Potential” (linked), and he continues to score above a point per game pace. Like Erik Karlsson, Klingberg will always have some critics, which comes with being a highly explosive offensive defenseman. Those type of players have vulnerabilities in their own end that can be exposed at times.

After starting the 2014-15 season in the AHL, Klingberg got the call-up from Dallas and never looked back. He even outscored fellow Calder Trophy winner Aaron Ekblad by one point, playing significantly fewer games. Stars fans will tell you that even though there’s a little more left to be desired defensively, there’s certainly been growth in year two. If he can continue to score at a similar pace as fellow Swede Erik Karlsson, while the Stars continue to dominate the West, then Klingberg could easily win the Norris Trophy.

3. Sharks Will Trade 1 of Patrick Marleau/or Joe Thornton Before Trade Deadline

Nov 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Patrick Marleau (12) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

These moves will not be particularly easy with both aging vets carrying hefty price tags, along with no trade clauses. Trades into today’s NHL with the salary cap are hard to come by, but it’s important that San Jose turns the page on these two older players.

Rumors were swirling around Marleau a few weeks back, to a point where his three team destinations were made public. Unfortunately, the three names given are particularly difficult partners to trade with. GM Doug Wilson still has options with both Marleau and Thornton though. Both these guys can turn down offers (and maybe they have), but at some point you’ve gotta realize you’ve worn out your welcome. San Jose would be very wise to start a new chapter with players such as Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl, and Nikolay Goldobin at the fore-front.

4. Montreal Canadiens Will Win the Presidents Trophy in 2015-16

Nov 27, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Montreal Canadiens goalie Mike Condon (39) makes a save during the third period at Prudential Center. The Canadiens defeated the Devils 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

No Price? No problem. After a solid 2014-15 season in the AHL, Mike Condon earned a spot with the big club in 2015-16 and has looked great. It sounds as though Carey Price could be out till the middle of January, but the early sample size suggests that Condon should be able to carry the load long-term.

Critics of Montreal have long praised Carey Price as the sole reason for the success of the Canadiens. But this group of players has shown the hockey world that they’re more just a really good goalie. New captain Max Pacioretty has stepped up in a huge way, proving why he was the right selection to lead this team. Montreal’s defense core, while the most expensive group in the NHL, has proven to be one of the league’s best already. They’ve also got players like Tomas Fleischmann sending a message the 29 other teams that were unwilling to take a chance on him in the summer.

Barring some sort of bad string of injuries to top-notch players, there’s little that can stop the Canadiens this season. They haven’t just been the best team in the Eastern conference, they’ve been best team in the entire NHL.

5. Toronto Will Find a Trade Partner for Joffrey Lupul Before the Trade Deadline

Nov 20, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul (19) reacts after his shootout game winning goal against the Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward (30) at PNC Arena. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

He’s coming off 21 points in 55 games in 2014-15, but has struggled to stay healthy his entire career. He carries a $5.25 million dollar cap hit through 2017-18, with a limited no-trade clause (Lupul would need to present 14 teams).

There were rumors of a potential buy-out in the offseason, and remains an option if Lupul finds himself on the IR once again this season. He had a couple 81 game seasons at the beginning of his career, but the most he’s played in the past decade is 69 games in 2013-14. It’s been a solid start to 2015-16 for Joffrey Lupul, and if he can continue to stay healthy and produce the way he’s proven he can throughout his career, Toronto will find a trade suitor.

Next: Top 300 Prospects Yet to Make True NHL Impact

Other players with a year left on their deals that could be potential rental targets for other teams include:

P.A. Parenteau, Shawn Matthias, Daniel Winnik, Nick Spaling, Brad Boyes