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Kevin Allen: Eight thoughts with NHL training camps just around the corner |
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Eight thoughts entering my head as we aprepare for next month's NHL training camp:
1. Rookie defenseman Simon Edvinsson's chances of making the Detroit Red Wings' roster seem solid
The Red Wings expecting, or at least hoping, he will be ready to play among their top six defensemen. It's not unthinkable that rookie forwards Elmer Soderblom or Jonatan Berggren could make the roster. But Edvinsson probably has the best chance. With Steve Yzerman, a rookie has to earn his place. He won't put a player on the team to see how he does.
2. The New York Rangers expect Alexis Lafreniere to be significantly improved this season
Based on how he looked late last season and in the playoffs, he could push toward 50 points this season. Would guess the Rangers are hoping for 25 goals out of him. The team will be better this season and that could super-charge his development. This should be his breakout season.
3. Kaapo Kakko needs to step up his game for the Rangers.
He's only 20, but this will be his fourth NHL season. He is an NHL player, but it's fair to wonder whether he can be the scorer the Rangers hoped he would be. Kakko just hasn't yet showed an elite scoring touch. This is a critical season for him. The Rangers need to see a giant leap in his growth as an NHL player.
4. The Ottawa Senators could be the NHL's most improved team.
We may not be ready to say the Ottawa Senators will make the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2017. However, they should be dramatically more competitive. Wouldn't be shocked if they are 15 to 20 points better than they were last season. The addition of Claude Giroux, Alex Debrincat and Cam Talbot will have a major impact. They are more dangerous offensively and Talbot should give them steady goaltending. Defenseman Jake Sanderson will have more impact as the season progresses. They are just a defenseman or two away from being very good.
5. P.K. Subban is going to help a quality team
If Subban signs with a contender for a low salary, the deal has the potential to be one of the better offseason signings. Impact + low salary is always a winning equation in a salary cap world. Maybe he's not a top pairing guy anymore, but he can certainly play the game. Eighteen minutes out of Subban is still a desirable situation.
6. Islanders fans may wish GM Lou Lamoriello was more successful in adding players to the roster, but they will like new defenseman Alexander Romanov.
He plays with passion and he has talent. He also can deliver a heavy payload as a bodychecker. Romanov will make hits that will bring New York fans out of their seats.
7. Islanders Fans are also interested to see whether new coach Lane Lambert offers a different coaching style than Barry Trotz's.
Fans want to see players, particularly Mathew Barzal, be given more offensive freedom. People believe this team can generate more offense if the team plays a less restrictive defensive style. No one is suggesting the Islanders play showtime offense: But it will be welcome if Lambert lets the horses run once in a while.
8. After all of the changes, are the Calgary Flames still a contender?
Fair question. Some believe the Flames could be a better team. They gave up Matthew Tkachuk, Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. They bring in Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri and MacKenzie Weegar. It's different. That's all we know for sure. But maybe it's better in this way: The Flames come to training camp with no questions about their future. Huberdeau and Kadri want to be there. Tkachuk and Gaudreau didn't. They have recovered nicely.
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