Eastern Conference break-out centres
Since the 2004-05 National Hockey League lockout, there's been a steady crop of good young players assuming roles of greater importance for each of their NHL clubs. Below is a list of centres that should be expected to become household names by the end of 2010-11.
John Tavares – New York Islanders
It is no secret that Tavares is going to become a star in the National Hockey League. After a very successful junior career, hockey fans were set to be amazed last season as Tavares made his debut with the Islanders. He did not disappoint, notching 24 goals and 54 points.
Tavares was the centre-piece of the Islanders’ offence, playing on the first line, and the first power play unit. Next year will be no different for the Ontario native, as he begins the season with an even younger New York squad.
Tavares will be more comfortable in his second full season in the NHL, and will be surrounded by more experienced players, as the plethora of Islanders’ rookies have grown a year. The Islanders improving as a club is based around the success of their star player Tavares.
With a thin line-up Tavares cannot be expected to have a Steven Stamkos-like sophomore season, but expect him to hit the 30-goal plateau for the first of what should be many times in his career.
Artem Anisimov – New York Rangers
Anisimov played his first NHL season last year and recorded 28 points to finish eighth on the Rangers in scoring. He is expected to play a larger role for New York come October.
Anisimov spent one year in the American Hockey League, playing with the Rangers affiliate the Hartford Wolf Pack and blew away the competition, scoring 80 points in 81 games. The strong performance earned him a full time spot in the Rangers line-up last year. However, he was hindered by his lack of ice time.
Next season Anisimov ought to see more ice time. With a dynamic offensive centre on a team full of average or defensive centres Anisimov could see minutes playing on the first line with Marian Gaborik. The Rangers plan last season did not pay off and the team could barely put the puck in the net. Expect things to change in October, particularly if the highly paid Chris Drury begins playing to his full potential.
Anisimov should see an influx of ice time, as a result of a Rangers shake up, and perhaps the possibility of a team re-build, mid season.
Shawn Matthias – Florida Panthers
Matthias was traded to the Panthers by the Detroit Red Wings for Todd Bertuzzi in 2006. Thought to be one of the most promising youngsters to come out of the 2006, draft Matthias has not been given a great deal of ice time with the Panthers. He finally joined the squad for 55 games last season and notched 16 points.
With a limited amount of centres Matthias is expected to play the full 82 games for Florida next season. As a young team the Panthers can offer Matthias a great deal of ice time for a player his age.
The one thing that may hinder Matthias next season is the Panthers lack of depth. He will not have talented wingers to play with in his first NHL season, and his inexperience may be exposed. However, the youngster is due to break out, and the minutes and responsibility will come in the 2010-11 season. Expect Matthias to jump at the opportunity and tally between 40 to 50 points next year.
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