10 newly added NHL Players expected to change their teams around next season– Part 1
During the offseason, it is the goal of most National Hockey League (NHL) teams to become much better than they were before, especially those who were struggling last season and made the playoffs at the last moment or even did not make the postseason at
all.
It is usually the best time to lay down all the option cards and strategically view what choices are available at the moment, which could be available later on and which one of those would be most valuable to the team.
New additions on a team are always beneficial if chosen properly. During the offseason, franchises try and choose the best talent from the free agency and most of the time it is a way they change around their team image when the new season kicks off.
This 2011 NHL offseason had many shockers and also surprises in store for fans who were blown away by some of the choices made. The top 10 newly added players that have the most expectations from their teams are the following.
Note: we will begin by the lowest to highest.
10. Erik Cole (Montreal Canadiens)
Montreal Canadiens are without a doubt an extremely talented team but have their shortcomings which they paid heavily for last season. One of those shortcomings was not being physical enough to stand up to teams like Boston Bruin, especially during the playoffs
when they were knocked out during round-one of the postseason.
Montreal went to the extent of adding a veteran forward enforcer like Erik Cole, to a huge four-year, $18 million contract right after he became an unrestricted free agent following three seasons with three straight seasons with Carolina Hurricanes.
Most viewed the decision as a surprise and something that would not be as beneficial for the team as they expected due to the length of the contract and Cole’s age (32), but other analysts are of the view that the former 71st overall draft pick
during round-three of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by Carolina is coming out of a big season in which he played all 82-games and scored 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) and can continue his healthy shooting streak with Montreal as well.
Obviously Montreal has full intention of playing the experienced forward full-time on their roster, which would mean that Cole would have to give twice the performance if he wishes to continue his multi-million dollar contract.
Tags: