Biggest Winners in this NHL Offseason
As the National Hockey League's (NHL) offseason comes into its final throws, it is clear that some teams have done a better job of preparing for next year’s puck drop than others. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks look to be this offseason's biggest winners so far.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning, now under the control of general manager Steve Yzerman, finally look like a franchise that has a direction. Since Tampa won the Stanley Cup in 2004, they have looked like a team that lacked a plan. They have been taken apart and put back together again several times, all based around the tandem of Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier.
This offseason, Yzerman is looking towards a long-term rebuild. He has gone with youth and picked up an expiring contract in Simon Gagne. With only Paul Ranger and Steve Downie to re-sign as restricted free agents, Tampa still has $16 million to spend. It is unlikely that they will spend that much due to financial difficulties, but one can expect Yzerman to make a few more minor moves before the season begins.
Tampa could be the biggest surprise of the 2010-11 season. They have two exciting forward lines and enough skill on the back end to really compete. If Yzerman keeps it up, this team could really challenge in a couple of years.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto GM Brian Burke is always looking for the next deal and this off-season was no different. The Leafs are still a very young team in the middle of an important rebuild, and seem to be moving forward every year. The addition of Colby Armstrong is a classic Burke move, as he brought in some grit and defensive ability in a third-line player. Burke then went out and countered the move by acquiring the slick Kris Versteeg off of the Chicago Blackhawks. Versteeg will be a solid top-six forward for the Maple Leafs and should fit in well on the teams special teams. Despite these moves, Burke still has some work to do, as he signed defenseman Brett Lebda and is looking to move Tomas Kaberle. Nonetheless, Burke has done a good job of moving his team forward and getting them ready for next season.
The Leafs should not be expected to have a break-out year next season, but it looks as though Burke has prepared them to once again take the next step. Their youngsters will get a great deal of time, and the team should steadily improve throughout the course of the campaign.
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks are a team on the rise, and have been for the last couple of years. Their problem, however, has been getting to the Stanley Cup Final. This is the year that could all change with the good work GM Mike Gillis has done. Gillis has kept together an offensive unit that was very potent last year, while at the same time adding the defensive minded Manny Malhotra. The top-six forwards in the franchise are locked up for the long-term, something that was well planed out by the organization.
This offseason was characterized by the bolstering of the defensive core. After the addition of Keith Ballard and Dan Hamhuis, the Canucks back end looks second to none. Add in the constant growth of youngster Alex Edler, and the Canucks look prepared for many seasons to come.
The moves made by Gillis this offseason addressed all the questions the team had after their playoff exit. Snapping up Hamhuis and Ballard, as well as acknowledging the need to clean up the bottom-six with the signing of Malhotra. All these moves should really improve their chances come 2010-11.
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