NHL Christmas Wishlist

It has been a chaotic few weeks in the NHL. COVID-19 reared its ugly head and forced league-wide postponements, resulting in a suspension of play until after the holiday break.

 

On Tuesday, it was reported that NHL players will not attend the Olympics this coming February in Beijing. This is a massive disappointment, but it had to happen for many reasons. 

We are all sick of COVID discussion by now, and it will not be going away anytime soon. Nonetheless, we will lighten the mood and take a look at what each NHL franchise is asking for this holiday season. 

Anaheim Ducks: John Gibson to return to his old ways

Arguably the most compelling story of this young season, Anaheim sits atop the Pacific Division at Christmas. Who had that on their bingo card? Keep in mind this is a team that won just 17 of 56 games last season. Troy Terry is having a fantastic breakout year, Trevor Zegras is a legit superstar, and veterans like Kevin Shattenkirk and Ryan Getzlaf have been reliable presences.

The only real complaint the Ducks could have is that John Gibson has not been playing up to his usual standards. That's not to say he has been terrible, but his goals saved above expected are far from recent years. 

It's a minor nitpick, but when you're having the type of season the Ducks are having, there's not much to complain about. 

Arizona Coyotes: The 2022 Draft to happen

It has been a disastrous season for the Coyotes. Expectations were low after Bill Armstrong gutted the team this past summer, and the team has lived up to those expectations. At this point, Arizona is essentially a retirement home for bad contracts (e.g. Loui Eriksson, Andrew Ladd, Antoine Roussel, and Anton Stralman). 

While this has been far from a 'successful' season in Arizona, there is good reason to be optimistic about the future. The Coyotes have more draft capital than any team in the league. Those picks combined with a historically bad NHL roster should mean that reinforcements will be on the way in a few seasons. 

The good news for Yotes fans is that it cannot get much worse than it is currently...right?

Boston Bruins: The East to slow down a bit

This is a transitional year for the B's. They don't look like the powerhouse they have for the last decade. It doesn't help that the East currently has seven teams on pace for 100+ points. Nonetheless, the Bruins control their destiny. They should still make the playoffs barring an unexpected playoff push from either Detroit or Columbus, but Boston will need to play much better down the stretch if they want to seriously contend in the East. 

I think they'll look to address their depth scoring near the deadline and maybe add a piece or two defensively. Other than that, the core four of Bergeron, Marchand, McAvoy, and Pastrnak are more than good enough to carry them to the playoffs. After that... well we'll see. The East playoffs will be a bloodbath.

Buffalo Sabres: Continued development from the young guns

The laughingstock of the last decade, the Sabres are icing a somewhat competitive roster this year. It's not a playoff team, far from it. But the strides taken by players like Tage Thompson, Rasmus Asplund, and Dylan Cozens have to be encouraging for Sabres fans. 

At this point, even the smallest of victories have to feel good for the Sabres. The rebuild is far from over, but they have the pieces in place they just need to continue to build on an encouraging start to the season. 

Calgary Flames: A quality middle-six forward (or two)

Another compelling story from this young season, Darryl Sutter's Flames are playing sound defensive hockey. They regularly dominate possession and limit high-quality chances against. The only real bone to pick with this team is that they're not as explosive offensively as some of the other top teams in the league. 

When the top line of Matthew Tkachuk, Elias Lindholm, and Johnny Gaudreau isn't clicking, the goals seemingly dry up. Andrew Mangiapane is having a great season on the second line, but his 23.94 shooting percentage is bound to regress eventually. Calgary may want to gauge the market for a solid middle-six forward down the stretch. Jake Debrusk comes to mind as a potential scoring winger the Flames could acquire for cheap. Tomas Hertl also comes to mind as a more expensive acquisition. 

Carolina Hurricanes: An exciting World Junior Championships

Not much to complain about in Raleigh these days. 

The Canes currently sit atop the Metro Division. Equipped with one of the most complete and talented rosters in the league, they seem poised for a deep playoff run. 

They also have 10 prospects on showcase at this year's World Junior Championships. With the NHL suspended indefinitely, Canes fans will have more than enough hockey to watch this holiday season. 

Chicago Blackhawks: A clear path forward

Last season it seemed like the Blackhawks were entering a full-on rebuild after a decade of dominance. Then, former GM Stan Bowman acquired Seth Jones and Marc-Andre Fleury, signaling his intentions to ice a competitive roster. Needless to say, things didn't quite go as planned. Stan Bowman "stepped down" in wake of the Kyle Beach story, Jeremy Colliton was fired after a horrendous start to the year, and the team has been mediocre at best thus far. 

What the Hawks need is to fully commit to a rebuild or take one last shot with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. No more of this half-ass "re-tool" that is not working for them. It's time for the franchise to put up or shut up. 

Colorado Avalanche: A healthy end to the season

Colorado is deservedly cup favorites once again this season. A slew of injuries to key players resulted in a slow start, but they've been demolishing opponents leading up to the COVID break. When healthy, the Aves are clear favorites in the Western Conference.

They're out of excuses this year, it's cup-or-bust in every sense for them. To make that deep playoff run the fanbase so desperately yearns for, they'll need a clean bill of health. Hopefully, they can use the time off to get healthy and come back prepared for a potential cup run. 

Columbus Blue Jackets: Some lottery fortune

The Jackets find themselves surprisingly in the playoff hunt through 30 games. This is a young team with a promising future ahead of them, even if they're not quite there right now. 

They currently own Chicago's 2022 first-rounder which they acquired in the Seth Jones trade this summer. If Chicago doesn't win the lottery and picks outside the first or second picks, Columbus gets the pick. Chicago has the third-worst point percentage in the league right now. If they end up picking third or fourth, Columbus will have an absolute gem of a deal on their hands (if it isn't already).

Dallas Stars: 2014-15 Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn back

Dallas is tricky. On paper, they should be really good. Maybe they are, but we have yet to see them find some consistency in their game. They need more offense, which it's not getting from the two highest-paid players on the team. 

Combined, Benn and Seguin eat up 23.8% of the Stars salary cap. When those two are not producing (Benn with 15 points in 29 GP, Seguin with 12 in 29), the team is gonna struggle to win games. If they can find some consistent scoring from their once dynamic duo they could sneak into a wild card spot. Until then, things are not looking so good in Dallas. 

Detroit Red Wings: A shared Calder Trophy

We knew that the Yzer Plan would eventually pay off, but did we expect it to happen this quickly? 

The Wings are another surprise playoff contender, fueled by the emergence of Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider as exciting young stars to build around. The duo (along with Trevor Zegras) headlines the early Calder Trophy conversations. I would give the slight edge to Seider right now, but Raymond could sneak back into the conversation in the new year.

If the Wings don't make the playoffs (which is entirely likely), fans will take solace in knowing the organization is in a good spot with these two leading the charge. 

Edmonton Oilers: Any depth scoring

The Oilers have cooled off after a blistering start to the season. It was an ugly month of hockey for the Oilers, who lost six in a row at one point and went from the top of the division to a wild card spot. 

Coincidentally, the skid comes as Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid stopped averaging two points a game each. This is nothing new for Edmonton, as they've struggled to build a cohesive roster around the two despite them being on heavily team-friendly contracts. 

It's pretty embarrassing to see them consistently whiff on every roster move they make. They've yet to properly address their defense or goaltending, and they get little to no production from their bottom-six forward group. 

At some point, Ken Holland will have to figure out how to build a proper contender. If he doesn't, I could see one or both of his superstars wanting out. 

Florida Panthers: This version of Sergei Bobrovsky to continue

After a disappointing start to his seven-year, $70 million contract with the Panthers, Bobrovsky is again playing at an elite level for the Panthers. 

He is currently top ten in goals saved above expected and wins above expected, two categories he was abysmal in his first two years in Florida. 

Panthers fans have a lot to cheer about these days. They'll hope that Bobrovsky can continue this high level of play for years to come. 

Los Angeles Kings: The future to step up

When the Kings selected Quinton Byfield with the second-overall pick in the 2020 Draft, he was deemed to be the long-term successor of Anze Kopitar. The big-bodied, two-way center has all the tools to be a number one center in this league, he just hasn't had an extended run with the big club yet. 

There will likely be some growing pains when he eventually makes his season debut, but the Kings could use a burst of energy and youthfulness right now. 

Minnesota Wild: Kevin Fiala to snap out of his scoring slump

At his best, Kevin Fiala is an electric player for the Wild. He's tied with Kirill Kaprizov for the team lead in expected goals with 11, yet has six goals compared to Kaprizov's 12. He is easily the most snakebitten player in the league this season, shooting at just 6.9%. 

Fiala, an RFA at the end of the year, is doing all the right things besides putting the puck in the net. He has four goals in his last five games, so hopefully, that's a sign of prosperous times ahead. The Wild's chances of making a deep playoff run look much better with Fiala firing on all cylinders. If he continues to struggle, don't be surprised if he's moved at the deadline or next offseason. 

Montreal Canadiens: A coaching change

Dominique Ducharme deserves a ton of credit for coaching Montreal to last season's cup finals. That being said, his methods haven't transitioned over to this year's Habs team. 

His Canadiens are playing boring, uninspired hockey that's seen them win just six of their first 31 games. Not good.

He seemingly has no idea how to develop the organization's young players, Cole Caufield being the glaring example. For a team that's likely entering a major rebuild, that's not going to cut it. 

Nashville Predators: Some Juuse Saros respect

Saros is far from a household name in the NHL, but he deserves to be. The Finnish netminder has been a reliable presence on the backend, leading a resurgent Nashville club to second in the Central Division before the weeklong NHL pause. 

He's not the name brand that would usually garner some Vezina votes, but his play this year certainly warrants some national respect.

New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes to earn his extension

I'm a big believer in Jack Hughes. I think he will live up to his 8-year, $64 million extension. However, Devils fans do have some reason to be worried about the price tag, especially given Hughes has only played 130 career games with the club. 

The move makes sense for the Devils, who now have both Hughes and Nico Hischier locked up on long-term deals. With that pricetags come expectations, expectations that aren't being met by this year's Devils team. It's still early, certainly too early to sound the alarm on Hughes, but his underlying numbers do not suggest he's playing up to his price tag. 

New York Islanders: Some youth

Not an ideal start for last year's playoff semifinalists. The team took a big step back and now is probably a long shot for the playoffs. The league is only getting younger and Isles seem to be only getting older. Maybe having a season where the team comes down to earth and lands itself in a position to draft a blue-chip prospect wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for the Islanders?

New York Rangers: Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere to take the next step

The Rangers benefitted from some lottery fortune in back-to-back years, which saw them select Kakko and Lafreniere second and first overall respectively. Both have had extremely whelming starts to their NHL careers, Lafreniere in particular. 

Despite this, the Rangers are off to a fantastic start this season and seem bound for a playoff spot. If they want to make a run this year, they'll need both Kakko and Lafreniere to step up big time. It's still early, and playing in a market like New York is never easy, but they really should be starting to put it all together. 

Ottawa Senators: The rebuild to be “done”

Pierre Dorian claimed the rebuild was over, that wasn’t quite the case. Granted, Ottawa has struggled with injury issues and lineup inconsistencies, but this team was supposed to be better. They still have a strong prospect pool and will have a chance to grab another high-tier prospect this summer, but at some point, things have to click for this team. 

The Sens get a pass this year, but if we’re having this same conversation a year from now things may have to change in the Canadian Capital. 

Philadelphia Flyers: A sneaky playoff run… from Claude Giroux’s new team

Chuck Fletcher went for it this summer. He traded for Rasmus Ristolainen, Ryan Ellis, and Cam Atkinson. It hasn’t been a completely bleak season in Philly like it was last year, but the team is far from where Fletcher would like them to be in the standings. Barring a midseason playoff push under interim Mike Yeo, Philly will probably spend the playoffs on the golf course rather than at the arena. 

If the Flyers can’t put it together here quickly and salvage the season, it may be time to move on from captain Claude Giroux. Giroux is 33 and a pending UFA this summer. I’d imagine the Flyers could get a hefty return for Giroux, and he would have the chance to make an impact on a contender. 

Pittsburgh Penguins: An Evgeni Malkin return

I’d say the Penguins are in a pretty good place right now. The league’s most spoiled franchise is having a great season despite some notable extended absences. No matter what roster they ice, they win games. 

A healthy Evgeni Malkin should make a difference for the Pens down the stretch. 

San Jose Sharks: The year 2026 to come

The unfortunate reality is that the Sharks will be tied down by bad contracts for the foreseeable future. With 49.3% of the salary cap tied up in five aging veterans until at least the end of the 2024-25 season, it’ll take some finessing to get out of cap hell. 

That’s the cost of success in this league, they had a window, went for one last hurrah with their aging core, and didn’t win. Now they have to live with the consequences. This is going to be a long rebuild for the Sharks unless, by some sort of miracle, a few teams bite on their bad investments. 

The Sharks have a lot of questions facing the franchise right now, but the most pressing issue is their highest-paid players not living up to what their contracts ask of them. 

Seattle Kraken: A time machine

I do wonder, does Ron Francis regret how he constructed this team at all? He left a lot of value on the table and downright punted on a few expansion packs. Yes, there are more teams than roster spots in the NHL, but that doesn't change the fact that Seattle squandered its greatest asset: being able to steal a player from every single NHL roster. 

Perhaps this is unfair to the Kraken. After all, if they got just league average goaltending they would probably be in a playoff spot.

That being said, they still left a ton of value on the table and failed to weaponize the $81.5 million in cap space. It isn't a team built to win now, nor is it a team that stockpiled assets to be good a few years down the line. 

St. Louis Blues: A consistent lineup

The Blues are a really good team. They have three reliable scoring lines, a solid blue line, and a capable goaltender in Jordan Binnington. St. Louis is right up there in contention for the top spot in the Central Division despite some notable absences from key contributors.

Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou were having a great start before injuries. With those two back and playing as they have all season, the Blues are poised for another deep postseason run.

Tampa Bay Lightning: A lifetime contract for Andrei Vasilevskiy

I know I just called the Penguins the NHL's most spoiled franchise, but I am starting to think Tampa claims that award quite easily. The back-to-back champions are a well-oiled machine that can win with any roster. 

Andrei Vasilevskiy is the best goalie on earth, and it is not particularly close. The 2021 Conn Smythe winner is good enough to win a playoff series by himself. The Lightning has a fantastic roster, but no piece is more important than Vasilevskiy. 

Toronto Maple Leafs: One more top-four defenseman

Realistically nothing matters for the Leafs until the playoffs. Until they overcome their playoff demons it doesn’t matter how good the roster is. That being said, they could use one more piece defensively. 

Mark Giordano comes to mind as a rental for the right price, maybe John Klingberg, although that seems less likely. Perhaps even Ben Chiarot would be available, but I am not convinced he moves the needle enough for the Leafs to target. 

Whatever Kyle Dubas does to bolster the roster will be scrutinized until Toronto fans see a playoff series go their way for once. 

 

Vancouver Canucks: The Bruce train to keep rolling

“Bruce there it is” chants rang throughout Rogers Arena during a 4-0 Canucks victory over the Kings in Bruce Boudreau’s debut behind the Vancouver bench. Now 6-0 under Boudreau, the Canucks still have a long way to the playoffs. But if they continue playing this way, they may sneak in. 

Vancouver was the early season hub of dysfunction in the NHL, only heightened by the Canadian media. Bruce has come in, steadied the ship, and has the Canucks playing like a team with a new purpose about them. 

The Canucks are still sub .500 and six points out of a wild card spot, but the start of the Boudreau tenure has got to have the team excited for more. 

Vegas Golden Knights: A Jack Eichel debut

One of the weirdest trade sagas of recent memory, Vegas got Eichel for a bargain price due to the uncertainty around his neck injury. Eichel is now skating again, hoping to soon impact a Vegas team that is one of the favorites to win the West (again). 

When healthy, Eichel is a top twenty player in the league. It is almost unfair that Vegas got him for such a reasonable price. His debut is much anticipated, and he very well could be the piece to push Vegas over the edge.

Washington Capitals: Alexander Ovechkin to never retire

How can you not love the Great 8? The best goal-scorer of all time has yet to show any signs of slowing down. Ovi is currently having one of his most productive seasons ever, trailing only McDavid and Draisaitl in points through the Christmas pause. 

His chase of the Wayne Gretzky goal record is a great story, and he seems determined to play long enough to beat it. It truly is a shame that he will eventually retire. Easily one of the greatest to ever do it. 

Winnipeg Jets: A new coach bounce

Last week, Paul Maurice made the shocking decision to resign as Winnipeg head coach. Maurice felt that the team needed a “new voice” to reach its full potential.

Winnipeg is not having an awful season, but the roster is still relatively underachieving. They will hope that interim Dean Lowry can push the right buttons to get this team playing some consistent hockey again.