Five centres to watch
The National Hockey League training camps have yet to begin and most rosters aren’t even entirely finalized. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile to discuss important players to watch for next year. These players might either dazzle and grow or fall apart and underperform. There are some up-and-comers who need to perform as well as they have in past years and some veterans who need to show that they’ve still got it. Here are the list of centres to watch for this upcoming season:
Vincent Lecavalier: It’s been a rough few years for the No. 1 pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft and the franchise player of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Lecavalier has persistently been plagued by shoulder and wrist injuries as well as trade concerns due to Tampa Bay wanting to dump his huge contract.
The 30-year-old has seen his goal production decline steadily from an elite 52 goals to just 24 over the span of four seasons, but could be due for a return to form. Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman has said he is has faith in Lecavalier and will not be attempting to move the Lightning’s captain anytime soon. If Lecavalier can remain healthy and get back some of his confidence, the Lightning could very well be back in the postseason.
Jason Spezza: Spezza is another example of an elite centre plagued with injuries and franchise tension. The 27-year-old got off to a very strong start last season for the Ottawa Senators prior to getting injured. When he came back he played strong and in total amassed 23 goals over 60 games. Prior to that he had four straight seasons of at least 30 goals.
He struggled in the play-offs and scored just once during the Senators’ losing series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Additionally, the Senators fans booed Spezza mercilessly, which led to rumours of him being traded. Spezza has remained a Senator and said he has come to terms with the fans. If he plays well, Ottawa is back in the play-offs. If not, the boo-birds are coming back and a trade will be imminent.
Joe Pavelski: When it came to being “Big Joe” for the San Jose Sharks, the title generally belonged to Joe Thornton. The tides have turned though after Pavelski’s incredible play-off grit. Last post-season, Pavelski managed an incredible 17 points in 15 games and scored nine goals in the Sharks' failed bid to reach the Cup finals.
Pavelski is emerging as one of the NHL’s best centres and his play is the reason the Sharks are projected as remaining one of the Western Conference’s top contenders.
Peter Mueller: Mueller didn’t feature for the Colorado Avalanche for too long after only joining the team mid-season and then suffering an injury. However, he seemed like a perfect match to the Avalanche system. Mueller joined Colorado from the Phoenix Coyotes on the trade deadline and was the only traded player to average more than a single point per game.
This season it’ll be evident if Mueller is the real thing or just caught a lucky break before getting injured.
Olli Jokinen: Jokinen’s troubles are perhaps best summarized by the haphazard shoot-out miss that resulted in the New York Rangers missing the play-offs. Jokinen is touted as a team leader and top player but has been unable to deliver the level of play expected from him in recent years.
He flamed out in Calgary before being traded to New York where his limited range resulted in little offensive impact. He now has a second chance in Calgary and given his play in recent seasons, it could easily be Jokinen’s last chance to figure among star centres. His play should be an important indicator of how the Flames will do this year.
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