A short post today.
Presented below is a list of 30 players - one per team - focusing on the potential for greater contribution in this shortened season.
There are a few familiar names and few that may seem out of place (Tomas Kaberle) but there is value identified here.
I've tried to isolate one player from each team with upside in 2013 for improved offensive results.
Player |
Team |
Notes |
| Nick Bonino | Anaheim | Slated to line up between Bobby Ryan and Teemu Selanne with more responsibility and good production |
| Rich Peverley | Boston | Plug-n-play forward is an undervalued late round gem, hanging in queues too long year after year |
| Ville Leino | Buffalo | Skilled playmaker hit rock bottom after signing long-term yet has the ability to make it up in a rebound season |
| Jiri Hudler | Calgary | Ended tenure in Detroit with benefits of better conditioning, positioning and net presence required for impact in Calgary |
| Justin Falk | Carolina | Started '11-12 as a green rookie and ended an All Star on the World Stage .. won't be cheap or overlooked this season |
| Nick Leddy | Chicago | Speedy rearguard established himself as a dangerous part of the Hawks mobility adding depth to the blueline |
| P.A. Parenteau | Colorado | Talented playmaker energized Islanders top lines and will do the same in Avalanche silks |
| Brandon Dubinsky | Columbus | More offensive responsibility and power play time translates into improved overall numbers for former Blueshirt |
| Alex Goligoski | Dallas | Mobile rearguard may benefit most from playmaking upgrades up front, especially on the power play |
| Mikael Samuelsson | Detroit | Shaking off injury-riddled season, prodigal son rides shotgun as the trigger man beside fellow Swede Zetterberg |
| Justin Schultz | Edmonton | Marvellous pro debut in Oklahoma City has amplified whispers of Calder Trophy Candidate. Excuse early bumps and think longer term |
| Scottie Upshall | Florida | Injury-plagued season and only two goals will drop him at the draft table, but he's capable of 20 goals and a rebound |
| Slava Voynov | Los Angeles | Sleek blueliner's skating ability and big shot from the point provided the Kings the option to trade Jack Johnson |
| Mikael Granlund | Minnesota | Potential rookie of the year made considerable gains in Houston that will benefit in the NHL. Second line center for now |
| Tomas Kaberle | Montreal | Skilled Czech rearguard has a 40 point bounce back potential with upgrades in conditioning and greater rushing freedom |
| Roman Josi | Nashville | Swiss rearguard steps into the void created by the Ryan Suter departure as he enters next stage of development |
| Marek Zidlicky | New Jersey | Mobile rearguard salvaged at the deadline will QB the Devils power play and lead the blueline in scoring |
| Nino Niederreiter | New York Islanders | Scorched a path through the AHL as a run up to a much improved NHL sophomore campaign |
| Carl Hagelin | New York Rangers | Industrious sophomore compliments thrives through sheer will and determination as a scoring threat. Starts on the top scoring unit to start the season |
| Kyle Turris | Ottawa | A full training camp and advances in strength and conditioning has a breakout signals all over 2007 first rounder |
| Jakob Voracek | Philadelphia | That bubbling you hear is the Czech's untapped upside surfacing to a breakout after signing a new four-year deal |
| Mikkel Boedker | Phoenix | Great Dane should build off impressive playoffs while readiness and necessity set the background in a prime scoring role |
| Brandon Sutter | Pittsburgh | Shutdown pivot has a realistic shot to return to the 20-goal plateau with boost in talented surrounding cast |
| Martin Havlat | San Jose | Extended time off by the lockout has to have helped one of the NHL's most fragile wingers |
| Alex Steen | St Louis | Health is the only concern for the industrious and versatile son of former Swedish star Thomas Steen |
| Victor Hedman | Tampa Bay | Greater support cast on the blueline opens the opportunity to showcase offensive creativity |
| Nik Kulemin | Toronto | Much too talented and complete a player for the Russian to rebound from abysmal 7 goals in '11-12 |
| Jason Garrison | Vancouver | Bestows a howitzer point shot that enhances an already lethal Canucks power play |
| Mike Green | Washington | Vowed to return to 70-pt level after signing contract. Health permitting the world awaits |
| Tobias Enstrom | Winnipeg | Enters his prime as the Jets best puck mover on the blueline, and a blistering point shot |
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