Each NHL team’s most important player entering the 2019-20 season

Calgary Flames – Mark Giordano

The Calgary Flames are defined by their strong defense. That defense is led by reigning Norris Trophy winner Mark Giordano. The pressure will be on him to continue to lead one of the NHL’s top bluelines.

With less than ideal goaltending, Giordano will be asked to do even more. Most defensemen over the age of 35 start to decline. Giordano is the exception to the rule, laughing in the face of Father Time. The Flames better hope he can continue to do that.

Carolina Hurricanes – Sebastian Aho

Sebastian Aho emerged as a potential franchise center last season. The Carolina Hurricanes center is no longer underrated. That’s what happens when you finish among the league leaders in goals and points.

You can’t win the Stanley Cup without a franchise center. It’s debatable if Aho is one. If he’s not one, he’s darn close to being one. What’s undeniable is the Hurricanes need Aho to be a franchise center to bring the Stanley Cup back to Carolina for the first time since 2006.

Chicago Blackhawks – Patrick Kane

Back in 2014, the Chicago Blackhawks signed Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to matching eight-year deals worth a combined $21 million a year ($10.5 million each). It’s remarkable, but somehow, they’ve made those deals look not so bad.

Yes, the Blackhawks haven’t won a Stanley Cup since those deals went into effect. But it sure isn’t Kane’s fault. Since then, he has taken a much larger role in the team. Kane is one of the few elite offensive talents in the NHL. The Blackhawks postseason hopes fall on his shoulders.