'The D is led by Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin and tough Matt Dumba. I also like left winger Jordon Greenway's fierce edge as well as Joel Eriksson Ek and young buck Matt Boldy who's looking at a breakout season after a relatively smooth jump to The Show. Ryan Hartman delivered 34 goals and a hefty plus-31. Start with Mats Zuccarello who finished last season with 24 goals and 79 points, not too bad for a 35-year-old. I see them being paced by – who else? – Kirill Kaprizov who totalled 108 points last season. 'Out West – or Midwest, if you will – Billy Guerin's Wild are my dark horse winner. What's more, the club's defensive unit is admirable – I particularly like Adam Boqvist who had 22 points in 52 games – as well as the ever-productive Zach Werenski who tallied 48 points in 2021-22 and could vie for the Norris Trophy this coming semester. 'The BJ's trick now is to develop chemistry, and coach Brad Larsen will solve that equation, especially since his staff has returned intact. And let's not forget promising young center Kent Johnson (fifth overall in 2021) who could be a sleeper for the Calder. Gaudreau enjoyed a productive-plus last season – 40 red lights and 115 points – not to mention his mighty fine plus-64. ' 'Johnny Hockey' is in town and the fans won’t have a frown. 'Then, there's the new headliner who'll put them over the top. Very gifted Patrik Laine is looking for a bounce-back season, although he still managed 26 goals.

He had 56 assists and 62 points last season, and Jack Roslovic, the hometown kid, produced 22 goals, totalling 45 points. 'One of my favorites, right winger Jakub Voracek, has always been more than dependable.

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