Latest on Lars Eller, Linden Vey, Leon Draisaitl and Nikolaj Ehlers, plus updates on the Senators, Maple Leafs and Flames.
SPORTSNET: Eric Engels profiles Montreal Canadiens center Lars Eller, including his ability as a shutdown center and his offseason routine.
Mika Zibanejad is among several players expected to step up this season for the Ottawa Senators
OTTAWA CITIZEN: It’s time for the Senators draft class of 2011 (Mika Zibanejad, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Matt Puempel and Shane Prince) to step up.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of the four, Zibanejad made the most progress, netting career-highs in goals (20), assists (26) and points (46) last season. A 25-30 goal, 55-60 point performance in 2015-16 isn’t out of the question for him.
THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks center Linden Vey admits this season could be “do or die” for him, as he must establish himself with the club.
EDMONTON SUN: Given the Oilers depth at center for the coming season (Connor McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Anton Lander and Mark Letestu), Leon Draisaitl could be playing on the wing.
TORONTO STAR: New Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello has yet to fully put his stamp on the team.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s hardly surprising, as he was only hired in late-July and the team hasn’t opened training camp yet. It will take some time until Lamoriello makes his presence felt.
WINNIPEG SUN: Nikolaj Ehlers tallied three assists to lead the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-4 overtime victory over the Edmonton Oilers in their final game of the Young Stars tournament. The Jets finished with a 1-2 record.
CALGARY HERALD: Despite an overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks in the final game of the Young Stars tournament, Flames brass felt it was productive in their evaluations.
There is a vast difference at the Centre position for the oilers from last year to this year. Any increase in the Oilers over all standings from last year to this year will be due to this reason in my opinion. I think Putting Draistle on the winger for the first 9 or 10 games is a sound idea but perhaps letting him develop in the minors would be ideal medicine for an organisation who historically rushed their prospects to quickly.
I am eager to see if Prince and Peumple can bring anything to to the big club. I don’t envision Pageau bringing much more. Just more the same energy, speed and determination. Hopefully Zbad continues to show improvement.
There are a lot of question marks on the Senators roster this upcoming season. I am optimistic that the system Cameron employs is much more conducive for this team then what Maclean was utilizing last year. Ryan absolutely needs 21+ goals. Cowen needs to stake his claim to a roster spot or he will be moving on to other endeavors. Hoffman shouldn’t feel to much pressure to achieve 27 goals again. 40-50 points is a reasonable expectation. Of coarse if he can continue last season pace and get some PP time he may surprise again. The lack of PP time will hold back his production and I hope many don’t see it as a regression if he doesn’t get 27 goals again.
Another player I am interested in watching this year is Weirciouch the pundits seem to think he had a excellent world cup. Hopefully lessens learned their benefit him in the NHL.
jeff…. ive held on to weircoch in my lifetime fantasy pool for 2 yrs now he has showing glimpses of a good dman and looked good at the world cup! im hoping this yr he puts it all together
I’m hoping our defense can get there, but I’m more worried about our bottom 6 forwards tbh. Purmpel and Prince have to be stepping up or shipping out soon.
Either way I’m hopeful for the team.