Ek’s Note: Rumor Blog Coming…But lets start off with the latest from Kevin Allen…
In comparison to previous summers, NHL teams didn't have an abundance of money to spend this offseason. But somehow plenty of teams made changes that will impact how they look and play. Here are the storylines that intrigue me for the 2022-23 season.
1. Will the Edmonton Oilers or Toronto Maple Leafs end up with their the better goaltending after their goaltending alterations?
A long-time NHL figure said he didn't think either team ended up with the help they needed. I like what the Oilers did by signing Jack Campbell. I believe Edmonton has a more desirable goaltending situation than it had last season. I am less enthusiastic about the Toronto tandem of Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov. Very curious about how this will play out.
2. Also curious to see how strong the Vegas Golden Knights will be this season. Are they the contender we thought they were going into last season or the team that missed the playoffs?
That seems very much up in the air, particularly now that goalie Robin Lehner will be gone for the season. Two keys: First, Jack Eichel. Can he play a full season and re-establish himself as one of the most elite centers in the game? Second, Logan Thompson. He showed plenty of promise at the end of last season. His sample size is small. But potential for success seems strong.
3. John Tortorella's fit with the Philadelphia Flyers should be highly entertaining.
Feels as if bombastic Tortorella was born to coach the Flyers. An aggressive, hard-edged coach in charge of a team that has a reputation for pushing the envelope when it comes to hard-nosed play. To be honest, I don't believe Tortorella can do much with this Philadelphia roster. But he will make the team accountable. He will insist the Flyers be challenging to play against. He's the right coach in for the Flyers. Philly fans should look forward to John Tortorella Show. He is never dull.
4. Looking forward to seeing Mason McTavish playing for the Anaheim Ducks.
I continue to remind myself that he's only 19. Need to temper my expectation. But the truth is I can't wait to see how he navigates against NHL talent. He is going to be a full service player, an offensive force with a mean streak and a physical presence. Won't be surprised if he is in contention for the Calder Trophy.
5. Also curious about how much better the Detroit Red Wings will be this season?
GM Steve Yzerman changed a third of his roster. He signed two forwards who will play in his top six (Andrew Copp and David Perron), another who has netted 31 NHL goals in a season (Dominik Kubalik), a goalie who played exceptionally well last season (Ville Husso) and a proven shutdown defenseman (Ben Chiarot). He has two of the NHL best young players (Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond) and another touted rookie (Simon Edvinsson) coming aboard this season. I don't believe the Red Wings will make the playoffs this season, but this season they seem like they have a shot. They will be improved.
6. Wondering how many goals Auston Matthews will score this season
If he stays healthy, Matthews can score 65-plus this season. He's 24 years old and boasts 259 NHL goals. Shot. Release. Accuracy. Matthews has it all. What's his average salary going to be on his next contract? Thirteen million? Fourteen million? Fifteen million?
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