Here are 10 people who will have a say in how the NHL story will be written this season.
1. Carolina Hurricanes goalie Freddie Andersen: The Hurricanes have a potent offense and an impressive defense. Coaching is first rate with Rod Brind’Amour. The only question about this team is their goaltending. They feel they improved it when they acquired Andersen. He has played superbly (7-0, 1.29 GAA, .953 save percentage). If he is consistently strong this season, ‘Canes will be among the NHL’s top Cup contenders.
2. Florida Panther general manager Bill Zito: This team is playing strong in all facets of the game. Zito has to get it right when he picks a permanent coach and when he makes his final moves at the trade deadline.
3. Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper: What can he do to get this Lightning team organized for a push for a third consecutive title? Odds are against them. But there is enough talent there to at least entertain the notion.
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4. Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid: He’s rung up 16 points in his first seven games and his Oilers team is 6-1. How many points will McDavid get this season? This could be a very entertaining season for those of us who like high scorers. And do we dare believe we might see McDavid last multiple rounds in the postseason?
5. New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello: How many more tricks does he have up his sleeve. You know he’s going to land another veteran defenseman before the playoffs. This is a team that could barely make the playoffs and have a chance to win the Stanley Cup.
6. Detroit Red Wings rookie defenseman Moritz Seider. He has eight points in nine games and offense may not be the best part of his game. He’s a big, strong physical presence. Seider could end up being Detroit’s most valuable player by the end of the season.
7. Colorado coach Jared Bednar: What’s wrong with the Avalanche? The talent is there to be the Stanley Cup favorite. But they are not performing like a contender. It’s up to him to get this team Alerebooted and ready for the Stanley Cup push.
8. Washington left wing Alex Ovechkin: This is the season we are beginning to talk about Ovechkin’s march to hunt down Wayne Gretzky’ goal record. The way Ovechkin is playing, he might score 60-plus goals this season. It’s not too soon to be Washington box score watching.
9. NY Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin: He’s been exceptional for the Rangers and this could be the season the entire league discovers how sensational he can be. He’s currently most entertaining circus performer among the goalie.
10. Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel. Don’t laugh. If he gets traded in the next week or so to a contender. He could be ready to play in the stretch run. You don’t usually acquire a No. 1 center during the season.