Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports activities
Polling 34 individuals on NHL predictions forward of the 2023-24 season can carry fairly quite a lot of responses.
In Half 1 and Half 2 of this three-part collection on ballot outcomes from The Hockey Information internet staffers, most of the solutions had clear front-runners. This time, we take a look at broader questions concerning modifications in sceneries, aberrations, overpaid and underpaid gamers and extra. The great thing about having web site editors in all places means many of those questions carry cut up opinions, together with some questions that had been so unfold out that we’re sticking to a top-five record for them.
Let’s get began with a type of nearer questions, which had 19 completely different solutions:
What Participant Will Profit the Most from a Change in Surroundings?
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Ryan Johansen had 28 factors in 55 video games in 2022-23 earlier than a season-ending ankle harm. He was on tempo for 40 factors in 79 video games, which might’ve been 23 factors fewer than his 2021-22 whole of 63. The Nashville Predators traded him to the Colorado Avalanche over the low season. If he can get time on the second line, there’s an expectation for him to bounce again as soon as once more.
Alex Newhook, in the meantime, was traded from the Avs to the Montreal Canadiens, who proceed to rebuild. He may nonetheless be a third-line heart, however there’s room for him to develop with the membership.
Many of the gamers listed had been those that had already joined a brand new crew. However some voters selected gamers who would profit essentially the most in the event that they left their present crew, equivalent to Connor Hellebuyck, who acquired a tally.
Response:
– Will Ryan Johansen Have a Breakout Season In His First with the Avalanche? (The Hockey Information Colorado)
– Erik Karlsson and Kyle Dubas Carry Conflicting Ballot Outcomes for the Pittsburgh Penguins (The Hockey Information Pittsburgh)
– Alex DeBrincat Divides Opinion in THN Prediction Ballot (The Hockey Information Detroit)
What Workforce Will Endure the Most from Purchaser’s Regret?
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have many writers cut up on whether or not bringing in Erik Karlsson amongst new GM Kyle Dubas’ additions was a good suggestion. Pittsburgh additionally introduced in Reilly Smith, Ryan Graves, Lars Eller, Noel Acciari and extra. These strikes may end up splendidly and open up Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup rivalry window for a short time longer, or it may maintain the Penguins within the mushy center.
Ottawa acquired some votes after signing Joonas Korpisalo to a long-term contract and Vladimir Tarasenko, whereas Detroit acquired the third-most votes for including J.T. Compher, Justin Holl and extra. And it is price noting the one vote for Columbus had Mike Babcock listed as the explanation why, and this ballot occurred earlier than he resigned on Sept. 17.
Response:
– Erik Karlsson and Kyle Dubas Carry Conflicting Ballot Outcomes for the Pittsburgh Penguins (The Hockey Information Pittsburgh)
– Alex DeBrincat Divides Opinion in THN Prediction Ballot (The Hockey Information Detroit)
What Star Participant Will Be Traded?
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All indicators level to Connor Hellebuyck on his method out of Winnipeg with 12 votes. We will see if GM Kevin Cheveldayoff decides to proceed what he began when he offered Pierre-Luc Dubois. If the season goes south, Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele might be gone as properly. Winnipeg’s all-time chief in wins can be within the last yr of his contract, so it’s simpler to deal with if it comes all the way down to buying and selling him.
Response:
– Hellebuyck, Schiefele Probably Passed by Season’s Finish, In accordance with THN Employees Ballot (The Hockey Information Winnipeg)
What Rookie Are You the Most Excited to See Different Than Connor Bedard?
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With a whopping 23 votes, Adam Fantilli takes the cake for essentially the most thrilling prospect in addition to Connor Bedard, and it is for good cause.
Columbus faces many questions on how properly it is going to bounce again from a Thirty first-place end, and seeing Fantilli lead the rookie invasion is thrilling to witness for Blue Jackets followers. Already getting ice time with Patrik Laine within the pre-season is a pleasant option to arrange early chemistry.
In second comes Logan Cooley in Arizona, and we will see if he can be part of guys like Dylan Guenther and Barrett Hayton to assist revitalize the crew from their struggling occasions.
Response:
– Adam Fantilli Voted Most Thrilling Rookie to Watch in 2023-24, Not Named Connor Bedard (The Hockey Information Columbus)
– Logan Cooley Headlines Coyotes in Hockey Information Pre-Season Ballot (The Hockey Information Arizona)
Who Will Problem Connor McDavid for the Artwork Ross Trophy?
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Difficult the man who simply received the award 3 times in a row and 5 occasions in whole to date appears not possible, however 12 voters assume teammate Leon Draisaitl has what it takes. Draisaitl received the award in 2019 when he put up 110 factors, and Edmonton’s offense exhibits no indicators of slowing down.
Nevertheless, Nathan MacKinnon is a detailed runner-up who lastly broke for 111 factors final season after coming shut quite a few occasions and may hopefully maintain tempo with their harmful offense in Colorado.
What Off-Season Transfer is the Most Efficient?
High 5:
1. Erik Karlsson traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, six votes
T-2. Toronto Maple Leafs rent GM Brad Treliving, 4 votes
T-2. Pittsburgh Penguins rent Kyle Dubas as GM and president of hockey operations, 4 votes
T-4. Alex DeBrincat traded to Detroit Crimson Wings, two votes
T-4. Patrice Bergeron retires from the Boston Bruins and NHL, two votes
There was a big number of responses, which additionally included Ryan O’Reilly, Tyler Toffoli, Matt Duchene, J.T. Compher, Ross Colton and Ryan Reaves becoming a member of new golf equipment. Some coaches earned a vote as properly, equivalent to Peter Laviolette becoming a member of the New York Rangers, former Windsor Spitfires coach Marc Savard becoming a member of the Calgary Flames as an assistant, and Ryan Huska changing Darryl Sutter as Calgary’s new coach.
However Erik Karlsson was the favored selection as soon as once more. He was additionally voted because the participant most certainly to take a step again this season, however he is nonetheless able to being a big difference-maker. Maybe hiring Dubas is what made that transfer doable, which is why he earned votes as properly. There will likely be a detailed eye on him in Pittsburgh and on the Toronto Maple Leafs to see in the event that they made the best selection not renewing Dubas’ contract and going with Treliving as an alternative.
Response:
– Erik Karlsson and Kyle Dubas Carry Conflicting Ballot Outcomes for the Pittsburgh Penguins (The Hockey Information Pittsburgh)
Who’s the NHL’s Most Overpaid Participant?
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There could be completely different causes for a participant to be thought-about overpaid. Maybe it is inconsistency, or it is underwhelming level manufacturing, or it is merely not discovering methods to assist carry the crew to wins.
With slightly below 18 % of the vote, Seth Jones has been voted essentially the most overpaid participant. After his time in Columbus ended with a commerce to Chicago in hopes of a playoff push, it got here with a direct contract extension valued at eight years and $9.6 million yearly.
Response:
– Sharks Vlasic Seen as Overpaid by THN Ballot (The Hockey Information San Jose)
Who’s the NHL’s Most Underpaid Participant?
High 5:
T-1. Jack Hughes, three votes
T-1. Leon Draisaitl, three votes
T-3. Joe Pavelski, two votes
T-3. Carter Verhaeghe, two votes
T-5. 23 gamers, one vote
New Jersey Devils heart Jack Hughes is in Yr 2 of an eight-year contract price $8 million per yr, and he is already incomes recognition for outperforming that deal. A complete of 60 gamers have a bigger cap hit than Hughes, per PuckPedia, however he completed the 2022-23 season tied for twelfth within the NHL in factors.
In the meantime, the Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl completed second within the NHL with a whopping 128 factors behind Connor McDavid’s 153. With two seasons remaining in an eight-year deal and an $8.5-million cap hit, all indicators level towards a big pay elevate if he desires it.
The one requirement for this reply is that it could not be a participant presently on an entry-level contract, so Matty Beniers and his 57 factors on a $925,000 deal did not qualify for votes.
What Participant or Workforce’s Dangerous Season Was an Indicator of Actuality?
High 5:
1. Washington Capitals, seven votes
T-2. Calgary Flames, three votes
T-2. Montreal Canadiens, three votes
T-4. San Jose Sharks, Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Geese, Philadelphia Flyers, Patrick Kane, two votes every
Not solely did the Washington Capitals miss the playoffs for the primary time since 2014-15, however they fell 12 factors brief and completed thirteenth within the Japanese Convention. They’ve a brand new coach in Spencer Carbery and introduced in Max Pacioretty amongst their new additions, however seven voters assume these strikes will not be sufficient to recommend final yr was dangerous luck.
What Participant or Workforce’s Good Season Was an Aberration?
High 5:
1. Seattle Kraken, 5 votes
2. Florida Panthers, 4 votes
T-3. Boston Bruins, three votes
T-3. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, three votes
T-3. Brandon Montour, three votes
The Seattle Kraken had one of many greatest single-season enhancements in NHL historical past after which knocked off the defending Stanley Cup champions within the first spherical. Was it a fluke or an indication of long-term success? 5 voters assume it is the previous.
In the meantime, the Florida Panthers had been one sport away from not having a very good season within the first place. However the Pittsburgh Penguins dropping to the Chicago Blackhawks allowed Florida the chance to defeat the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes within the playoffs. 4 voters do not assume they’re going to get that far within the playoffs in 2023-24.
Response:
– Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Had a Profession Yr in 2022-23, which THN Website Editors Noticed as an Aberration (The Hockey Information Edmonton)
– Was Seattle’s Final Yr an ‘Aberration?’ Some THN Pollers Imagine It Might Have Been (The Hockey Information Seattle)
– Panthers’ Success from Final Season Seen as Aberration (The Hockey Information Florida)
What Older Participant Will Present the Most Indicators of Ageing?
High 5:
T-1. Patrick Kane, 4 votes
T-1. Jamie Benn, 4 votes
3. Sidney Crosby, three votes
T-4. Erik Karlsson, Marc-Andre Fleury, Alexander Ovechkin, two votes
Sidney Crosby hasn’t produced at beneath a degree per sport in his profession. Three voters might imagine that is in danger this season as ‘Sid the Child’ turned 36 in August. Patrick Kane, 34, remains to be ready to signal a contract as he recovers from an low season process. Jamie Benn turned 34 in July after a powerful bounce-back season wherein he put up 78 factors in 82 video games. Maybe that was an aberration as properly.
Response:
– A Pair of Pittsburgh Penguins Veterans Have been Voted as Most Prone to Present Indicators of Getting old by The Hockey Information (The Hockey Information Pittsburgh)
What Backup Goalie May Finish Up as a No. 1?
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Boston Bruins backup Jeremy Swayman was extra of a 1B netminder, as he and Ullmark began 13 video games apiece from Feb. 21 to the tip of the common season. If Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark falters, look ahead to Swayman to attempt to take the reigns.
Pyotr Kochetkov was the Carolina Hurricanes’ third-string goalie final season behind Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta. All three netminders are again for 2023-24, but when both Raanta or Andersen will get injured and Kochetkov will get referred to as up, he’ll as soon as once more attempt to give the Canes no selection however to maintain him within the NHL.
Response:
– Pyotr Kochetkov With Greatest Odds to Make Leap to Starter per THN Ballot (The Hockey Information Carolina)
Information Abstract:
- THN Writers Ballot: Voting on NHL Overpays, Underpays, Flukes and Extra
- Examine all information and articles from the most recent NHL updates.