Bonsignore Division Preview 2013-10-09 1. Vancouver Canucks The Canucks continue to be the benchmark for being a great franchise in the MRFHL. The Nucks went through some changes this off-season sending out starting goalie Cam Ward and Pavel Datsyuk. With top scoring wingers, elite centre depth, a young top end D and handing the reigns over to Cory Schneider, expect lots of good things from Vancouver this year. Prediction: Top Scorer: Steve Stamkos, 104 points Wins: 51, 112 Points 2. Los Angeles Kings The Kings are out for revenge this year after missing out in the finals for two straight years. The team may not be the flashiest on paper but it is still an all around solid team. Kari Lehtonen provides stability in net and they have brought back former King and Panthers playoff hero, Patrik Elias. Prediction: Top Scorer: Patrik Elias, 84 points Wins: 47, 105 Points 3. Anaheim Ducks The Ducks made huge inroads last year, going from the basement to a playoff spot. They did shock everyone trading Calder winner Adam Henrique, but picking up one of the best netminders in Roberto Luongo, shoring up a glaring hole. The team also just acquired veteran Shane Doan, and with the addition of Nail Yakupov to the lineup – the Ducks should be in for more success this year. Prediction: Top Scorer: Andrew Ladd, 79 points Wins: 45, 98 points 4. Calgary Flames The re-tooling Flames continue to make inroads and make their team better. With the addition of youngster Justin Faulk and Thomas Vanek, the Flames seem to be heading to another post season. They have an inexperienced D, the bottom 6 is weak and they don’t have a clear number 1, but both Bryzgalov and Varlamov are capable. They should be able to claim a wildcard spot. Prediction: Top Scorer: Matt Duchene, 87 points Wins: 43 wins, 93 points 5. Phoenix Coyotes On paper the Coyotes are one of the deepest teams in the MRFHL. Thought the biggest problem is that all their players are good, but no standout players to carry a team. Martin Brodeur is still a top end goalie and will still steal games. Consistency may be the major issue coming out of Phoenix this year. They could compete for the final wildcard spot, but it will be close. Prediction: Top Scorer: Loui Eriksson, 73 points Wins: 41, 88 points 6. San Jose Sharks There are plenty of holes in the Sharks roster, but there are some bright spots on the team. With the loss of back to back Art Ross winner, Andy McDonald (due to retirement), offense will need to be found in San Jose. With the additions of Gaborik, Riberio and Marleau; the Sharks seem to have succeeded. The problem is the D is weak, Halak is an unproven #1 and there is just not enough options up front. Prediction: Top Scorer: Marian Gaborik, 94 points Wins: 39, 83 points 7. Edmonton Oilers While there was a huge re-modelling this offseason in Edmonton, but the re-build is still far from over but it’s heading in the right direction. The offense and defense are a mish mash of veterans and rookies, with Stephen Weiss being maybe the only legit top 6 player on the team. Viktor Fasth is interesting, but far from being a proven number 1. Expect some growing pains in Edmonton this year. Prediction: Top Scorer: Stephen Weiss, 69 points Wins: 35, 75 points
