Pittsburgh Penguins Offseason: Metro Division Under-the-Radar Impact Players
Apr 22, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center
Sidney Crosby(87) takes the ice against the New York Rangers during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
We have not seen this much talent and excitement for the Metropolitan division in a long time. Even going back to before the Metro existed, when it was called the Atlantic Division. Big name players have headed to Pittsburgh, Washington and Columbus this offseason, while the big names such as Sidney Crosby, John Tavares, Alexander Ovechkin, Rick Nash and Brandon Saad will be in the spot light for their respective teams.
I wanted to take a look at some under-the-radar players who will make a huge impact for each team in the Metro division. These players will be vital to the success of their respective teams, moving forward towards playoffs and hoping to bring Lord Stanley back to the Eastern Conference for the first time since the Boston Bruins did so in 2011.
Next: Mats Zuccarello
Mar 26, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers right wing
Mats Zuccarello(36) skates with the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Rangers defeated the Senators 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
New York Rangers – Mats Zuccarello
Mats Zuccarello will be huge to the success of this team going into the 2015-2016 season. Zuccarello finished fifth in points for the Rangers last season, twenty points behind leader Rick Nash. He was severely injured in game 5 against the Pittsburgh Penguins when he took a slap shot to his head and was not able to play in the series against the Washington Capitals. The Rangers did not make many offseason moves this year, other than sending Carl Hagelin to the Anaheim Ducks and the addition of Jarret Stoll and Viktor Stalberg. This maintains the work load that awaits Zuccarello.
Not having Zuccarello in the lineup was detrimental to the Rangers in their series with the Washington Capitals. Others stepped in and were able to contribute offensively but Zuccarello was greatly missed. His speed on the wing is a huge asset to this team going forward especially with the loss of the speedy Carl Hagelin.
The Rangers are hoping to have a perennial twenty-goal scorer in Zuccarello. New York has struggled to score goals as of late, which will put a heavier load on Zuccarello’s shoulders.
Next: Kyle Okposo
Apr 19, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders right wing
Kyle Okposo(21) celebrates his goal during the second period against the Washington Capitals in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
New York Islanders – Kyle Okposo
Rumors have been flying that the Islanders and 27-year old power forward Kyle Okposo are working on a contract extension to keep him in New York. Okposo has a $2.8 million dollar cap hit going into the last season of his contract. He will likely see a raise at the $4.5 million range if the two decide on a contract in the coming weeks due to his 69 points in 2013-2014 and 51 points in only 60 games-played last season.
Kyle Okposo has been one of the best things to happen to Islander’s captain John Tavares. The two work incredibly well together, complementing each other’s weaknesses and strengths. They make for one of the most dangerous pairs in the entire NHL. Both are nightmares for defenders and should continue to do so in 2015-2016.
Okposo was forced off the ice and into the hands of medical professionals during the season due to an issue with his vision. He ended up having surgery, which is why he only played in 60 games. At the rate Okposo and Tavares were producing points, there is no telling which one would have won the Art Ross Trophy.
The injury was the worst news for the Isles, as they finally hit full stride and were forced to shake up their lineup. Goal production decreased for the Isles as number 21 was in recovery from surgery. Kyle Okposo is looking to get back on the ice and continue where he left off on the score sheet. He will be crucial for a team looking to win the Eastern Conference. Everyone knows that Okposo is good but many don’t realize exactly how big his impact has been in New York.
Next: Evgeny Kuznetzov
May 2, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals center
Evgeny Kuznetsov(92) celebrates scoring a goal against the New York Rangers during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Capitals – Evgeny Kuznetsov
The Washington Capitals are hoping that what they saw from Kuznetsov at the end of the season will be what they see in the 2015-2016. This summer, the Caps rewarded his efforts with a two year contract at $3 million annually. He finished with twelve points in his last fifteen regular season games and seven points in fourteen playoff games.
The arrival of Justin Williams and T.J. Oshie have given Kuznetsov better offensive minded wingers by his side. With the breakout of this young NHL star, the Capitals may have found their permanent second line center behind Nicklas Backstrom. He will see a more increased role in the lineup because Backstrom will likely be out of the lineup to start the season.
Kuznetsov will be looking to ramp up production earlier in the season rather than later. If he can continue his clutch scoring and his adaptation to North American hockey, he will more than likely be another superstar in this league.
Next: Jack Johnson
Mar 10, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman
Jack Johnson(7) looks on during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. Columbus defeated Carolina 4-3 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Columbus Blue Jackets – Jack Johnson
Much like the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Blue Jackets have question marks on their blue line. Also similar to the Pens, they made key acquisitions on offense such as Brandon Saad but will roll the dice with their current blue line and address needs as they go.
Jack Johnson is coming off a 2014-15 campaign in which he recorded 40 points (8g, 32a). He is likely in the prime of his career at 28 years old and time is running out for him to make a Stanley Cup run. Many CBJ faithful think it is time to trade Jack Johnson this season and hike up the price for the versatile blue liner.
If the Blue Jackets want to keep up with the rest of the talented Metropolitan Division, Jack Johnson will have to be at his best every night. He will constantly be going against guys like Ovechkin, Crosby, Giroux and Nash week after week and will be given the task of shutting them down. Not only will he be given that task, but he will also be counted on to mentor the young D-men the Blue Jackets have coming up to play next year.
Next: Steve Mason
Apr 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie
Steve Mason(35) makes a save against Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Flyers – Steve Mason
It has been a long time since the Philadelphia Flyers have won a Stanley Cup. 1975 seems like forever ago to many fans who wish to see Lord Stanley back in the hands of Flyers nation. Though it seems very likely that we will see the Flyers losing streak continue, there is one player who will have to come up huge next season to get some wanted hardware back to the city of brotherly love. A play other than Claude Giroux and Jakub Vorachek and that is goalie, Steve Mason.
Steve Mason went 18-18-11 last season, which doesn’t seem all that impressive, but some stats say otherwise. His save percentage was .928% (Ranks 3rd) and GAA was 2.25 (Ranks 7th). In the 2014-2015 season, the Flyers had 43 of their 82 regular season games decided by one goal and 26 of those headed into OT or a shootout. That says a lot about having Steve Mason in goal. He kept games close, giving his team an opportunity to win. But, the offense was no where to be found.
Mason’s numbers were impressive but they were mainly due to a hot start, as he ended up finishing 2-12-6 with a 2.56 GAA. He dealt with an injury plagued season and will sure look to bounce back this season. Mason is one of the best goalies they have had in the crease for a while and if he can remain healthy, get some proven defenders in front of him and the Flyers improve their offensive production they could be built for success in the near future.
Next: Kris Letang
Mar 26, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defensemen
Kris Letang(58) skates with puck as Carolina Hurricanes forward
Nathan Gerbe(14) chases during the second period at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Penguins – Kris Letang
While many fans will be looking at the additions of Phil Kessel, Nick Bonino and Eric Fehr for the offensive power that the Penguins so desperately need, Kris Letang will have to be a Norris Trophy candidate if the Pens want to get back to the big dance with Lord Stanley.
Kris Letang is arguably a top-five defenseman in the NHL when healthy. The keyword in that statement is “healthy”, as he has not been able to play a full 82-game season since 2010-11. Last season, he was on pace to be a Norris Trophy candidate before he was ruled out for the rest of the season due to concussion symptoms. When out of the lineup, the team is not the same. Letang provides so much more than his speed. He contributes incredible puck moving abilities, puck possession numbers and a top power-play guy.
With the departures of Paul Martin and Christian Ehrhoff, Kris Letang will be given a very heavy workload on and off the ice this coming season. Letang will likely be paired with 21-year old Olli Maata, who is also coming off a season ending injury. Through social media, Kris has expressed his dedication to get in better shape and be even better than he was last season. If that’s the case, watch out for the Penguins.
Next: Travis Zajac
Jan 6, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils center
Travis Zajac(19) shoots the puck at Buffalo Sabres goalie
Jhonas Enroth(1) during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
New Jersey Devils – Travis Zajac
Last season was very disappointing for all New Jersey Devils fans. They will be wanting to put the 2014-2015 season in the rear view mirror and start fresh in the upcoming season. It was not only a mediocre season for the entire Devils team, but also for Travis Zajac who finished with 25 points in 74 games. Zajac makes $5.75 million, which is incredibly high for a player who only registered 25 points last season.
With the Devils looking to re-tool and gain some ground in the Metropolitan division this season, Zajac needs to produce 50 points. The Devils will likely have to deal with the burden of this contract because no team will take such a high cap hit on a player who has been struggling recently.
I believe Zajac will have a bounce back season this year, because he knows that last year wasn’t his best and he wants to win a cup. By no means am I saying the weight of the season will be on his shoulders, but he must be a difference maker on the ice. General manager Ray Shero and company will be counting on him to be more productive.
Next: Jordan Staal
Mar 26, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward
Jordan Staal(11) skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes defeated the Penguins 5-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Hurricanes – Jordan Staal
I add another injury plagued player to this list. Jordan Staal broke his leg last season and missed a significant amount of time which led the Carolina Hurricanes to finish dead last in the Metropolitan Division. The Canes have been overpaying Jordan for his services for too long. Injuries are one thing but when he is playing and healthy he needs to be the second line center that the coaches want him to be.
Staal is a very important piece to this roster but he surely is not worth the $6 million he is getting. Jordan has deeply expressed how excited he is to start the 2015-2016 season and get back on the ice with teammates. The most difficult part for him will be getting back into the grind of the season, being able to get back into shape and playing a full 82 games.
I think the Canes will be slightly better than last year, but still are no where close to getting back into the playoff race. However, while Staal is all but forgotten among most of the hockey world, he’ll be pivotal in their resurgence if he can find the level he played at in Pittsburgh.
Next: Rutherford May Not Be Done With Roster Moves