A flurry of activity has already been seen around the NHL this summer, but teams still have a long way to go before they’re ready to drop the puck in 2016-17. The PDL team is going to take a look around the league and examine each team to see where they’re coming from and what they need to do to take the next step.
This series continues with a look at the Atlantic Division.
Boston Bruins
What happened in 2015-16?
The Bruins had a relatively solid season considering expectations were at an all-time low following a puzzling offseason. The team finished tied with Detroit with 93 points, but lost a tie-breaker which made them just miss out on the third playoff spot in the Atlantic.
How do they take the next step?
By not making bad decisions like extending Kevan Miller. The Bruins barely missed the playoffs and don’t need heavy retooling. Potentially losing 30-goal scorer Loui Eriksson will hurt, but the team’s main core is coming back. Boston needs to sign a quality backup (or let Malcolm Subban take the reigns), look to add a puck-moving defenseman or two, a top-six forward and look to extend Brad Marchand. This team could go either way.
Buffalo Sabres
What happened in 2015-16?
The Sabres were greatly improved from a season ago where they finished at the bottom of the standings, but still have work to be done. With Robin Lehner missing most of the season, the club relied heavily on Chad Johnson to solid results. Jack Eichel looks like a future star, Evander Kane and Ryan O’Reilly delivered when healthy and Dan Bylsma justified his high coaching salary. Buffalo needs to take the next step.
How do they take the next step?
Buffalo will improve by letting their young core grow together. A healthy Lehner should be huge for the team. Eichel, Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Ristolainen will all get better. Tim Murray needs to find a way to cut the dead weight of Matt Moulson and Brian Gionta – neither of whom have lived up to their hefty contracts. Adding forward depth and a middle-pair defenseman is needed. If the Sabres can add Jimmy Vesey, it’s another nice piece going forward. The Sabres should challenge for a playoff spot in 2015-16.
Detroit Red Wings
What happened in 2015-16?
The Red Wings just slipping into the playoffs, before being bounced by the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the first round. Detroit failed to have a single scorer hit more than 50 points and had dynamic two-way forward depart for Russia, leaving behind a $7.5 million cap hit.
How do they take the next step?
They shouldn’t try to. This team isn’t the Red Wings of old and general manager Ken Holland should try to start to a mini-rebuild. Detroit needs to move out some big contracts including Datsyuk’s, Jimmy Howard’s and Niklas Kronwall’s. It’s time to embrace a youth movement – otherwise, 2016-17 will be a repeat of 2015-16.
Florida Panthers
What happened in 2015-16?
The Panthers were the feel-good story of the NHL as they topped the Atlantic Division with 103 points. Behind Aaron Ekblad, Jaromir Jagr, Aleksander Barkov and Roberto Luongo, the Panthers were a lot of fun. Despite the awesome regular season, they were bounced in the first round against the New York Islanders. The team reshuffled its management in the offseason and are going all-in on analytics.
How do they take the next step?
The Panthers need to improve their defense. Trading Erik Gudbranson and adding Keith Yandle will help. Retaining Brian Campbell at a reasonable cost should also be considered. If the defense is addressed and youngsters continue to improve, the Panthers will be Atlantic favorites for seasons to come.
Montreal Canadiens
What happened in 2015-16?
Carey Price got injured and the Canadiens never recovered. Alex Galchenyuk and Max Pacioretty both scored 30 goals, P.K Subban chipped in 50 points and some youngsters got to see action throughout the course of a lost season. Michel Therrien somehow kept his job, but Kirk Muller was brought in to shore up the team’s power play and step in case the Canadiens falter early.
How do they take the next step?
Having a healthy Carey Price sure helps. As long as he’s healthy, the Canadiens will be competitive – how competitive is up to the rest of the roster and coaching staff. Montreal doesn’t have any notable unrestricted free agents, but could shore up their bottom-six by avoiding using enforcers and embrace speed at the bottom of their lineup. Trading David Desharnais and Tomas Plekanec to try to change the top-six wouldn’t be the worst approach either.
Ottawa Senators
What happened in 2015-16?
Andrew Hammond (while a capable backup) wasn’t the answer between the pipes as the Senators missed the playoffs, got a new general manager and coach and will look to get back to contention.
How do they take the next step?
Hiring Guy Boucher was the right first step. He’s a creative mind who should work well with Erik Karlsson. The Senators really need to shore up their defense and find a top-pairing and middle pair defenseman to compliment Karlsson. Offensively, adding a top-six forward and skilled middle-six forwards will help the team. Employing Chris Neil needs to change. There’s lots of work to be done.
Tampa Bay Lightning
What happened in 2015-16?
The Lightning were ravaged with injuries to key players, but still managed to make it to the Eastern Conference, losing to the Stanley Cup champions Pittsburgh Penguins.
How do they take the next step?
First off, the Lightning need to decide what to with Steven Stamkos. Signing him is a top offseason priority for general manager Steve Yzerman. The Lightning should also look to take advantage of the goalie market and trade Ben Bishop for a high return, allowing Andrei Vasilevskiy to start full-time. The Lightning are in good shape with the triplets and the emergence of Jonathan Drouin. Few tweaks are needed – unless Stamkos bolts.
Toronto Maple Leafs
What happened in 2015-16?
The season went exactly according to plan. The Maple Leafs totally stunk, acquired assets for expiring contracts and landed the top pick in the NHL draft.
How do they take the next step?
Continuing to be smart. Getting Auston Matthews to join an elite prospect core which already includes William Nylander and Mitch Marner is going to make next season’s Leafs squad fun. While the cost was high, getting Frederik Andersen from the Anaheim Ducks should at least mean the Leafs are competitive. I wouldn’t expect Toronto to make the playoffs in 2016-17, but they will get better and continue to add to a promising future core. Steven Stamkos might throw a wrench in their future plans.
