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Players to Watch in the Southeast

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Players to Watch in the Southeast
An up and coming division, the Southeast could be one of the most intriguing races next year in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Atlanta Thrashers, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, and the Florida Panthers will all battle for the top spot. Below is one player from each team to watch for next season.
Semyon Varlamov – Goalie – Washington Capitals
The Capitals have elected to go with youngster Semyon Varlamov for the duration of next season. Varlamov played in 26 games last year and recorded 15 wins with a 2.55 goals-against-average.
Deciding not to sign Jose Theodore means that Varlamov takes over the number one job for Washington starting in October. The 22 year-old has show flashes of brilliance, especially in the playoffs, but is generally untested. The good news for the Capitals is that they do not need an all-star net minder. Last season, Theodore’s numbers were not exceptional, and they did not have to be, as it seems as though the Capitals can score at will. Therefore, Varlamov will just be counted on to keep the easy ones out.
Evander Kane – Forward – Atlanta Thrashers
Only 18 years old, Evander Kane is going to be a very important piece for the Atlanta Thrashers down the line. Next year will be the beginning of what the Thrashers are hoping is a long and productive career in Atlanta.
Last season, Kane was called up permanently by the Thrashers and played 66 games with the squad recording 14 goals and 26 points. Next year will mark his first full season with the franchise, and he is expected to play a major role. With lots of work to do still in this offseason, it is unclear where exactly Kane will stand on the Thrashers depth chart, but one can expect him to be slotted on the left-wing on either the first or second line.
Cam Ward – Goalie – Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are not the most skilled team in the NHL and depend more then most on the quality of their goaltender. Luckily, they have Cam Ward. Ward and Eric Staal are the most important players to this franchise, and the clubs success is usually tied to them.
The Saskatoon native only managed to play in 42 games last year due to an injury, and now that he is back to full health he will be expected to play over 70. With a weak defence and a lack of scoring upfront, Ward always needs to be sharp if the Hurricanes plan on getting back into the playoffs.
Simon Gagne – Forward – Tampa Bay Lightning
The newly acquire Gagne will be one of the most important pieces next season to a rebuilding Tampa Bay club. Gagne can give the Lightning a legitimate second line threat if he is able to stay healthy.
Gagne was moved to Tampa earlier in the week and will be looking to improve the play of Vincent Lecavalier, who had a difficult season in 2009-10. If Gagne can stay in the line-up, he should contribute a great deal up front. One can expect him to get back to his 2005-06 form, when he notched 79 points in just 72 games.
Stephen Weiss – Forward – Florida Panthers
The Panthers had been waiting six seasons for Weiss to break-out, and last year they believe he finally did. Weiss will be the Panthers first line centre next year, and is expected to continue with last year’s success.
The Panthers do not own a great deal of offensive talent, and with David Booth out for most of last season with a concussion and post-concussion symptoms, Weiss was expected to take the reigns. Weiss was able to do pretty well, scoring 60 points in 80 games. However, next season that will not be enough. After trading away Nathan Horton, the Panthers are left with a goal scoring void up front that Weiss will have to fill if they are to improve.   

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