The Edge - Offseason Review

L: Ovechkin-Wsh FP, Elias-NJ FP, Higgins-Mtl RFA

Rating: 5

Ovechkin is arguably the most explosive goal-scorer in the league, frequently turning solo-rushes up ice into red-lights for himself. Scary thing is that the talent around him is steadily improving, and we almost certainly have not seen his ceiling yet. Elias has fought through injury and line-mate issues for several years now. When healthy he's still an elite talent, but with the Edge picking 4th overall, the opportunity to replace him has to be considered. Unfortunately, with only 3 elite FP candidates available (Spezza, Lecavalier, and Kipprusoff) and the likelihood that those same three players will be picked ahead of him, the decision to drop Elias becomes much more difficult. Why bother to turn him loose if the best guy you can get to replace him (say Zetterberg) is only a couple of years younger and not much better? Higgins is an all-weather winger who tops out around 50 pts in a good year.

C: Weiss-Fla P3

Rating: 1

Weiss had his first ever 20 goal season and promptly signed a ridiculous long term contract with the Panthers. A high skill pivot, he's needed 6 years to break through and post even remotely draftable numbers. Nobody is banking on an improved performance over last season yet (Ok, the Panthers clearly are).

R: Perry-Ana P3, Stewart-Fla P3

Rating: 2

Perry is part of the youth movement in Anaheim that paid dividends in their Cup winning drive. A big smooth skating winger with deceptive gears, elite hand skills and a nasty edge to his game, he gets by without elite wheels. Just scratching the surface of his potential, but he should have dressable numbers this year, and could seize a roster spot. Stewart is heading in the opposite direction from Perry. After a terrific final year in the OHL, Stewart has plateaued. No longer projected as an elite goalscoring power winger, he now appears to be firmly on the Brad May track.

D: Erhoff-SJ RFA, Malik-NYR RFA, Witt-NYI RFA, de Vries-Col RFA, Green-Wsh P2, Volchenkov-Ott P2

Rating: 2

Erhoff is no threat to break out from his #5-6 defense spot, but should be steady in that role. Mailk is a potential freak-show +/- performer and could put up dazzling numbers in that regard again - just don't expect any actual offense from him. Witt is the teams designated thug, and should push his PIM over 100 again as the lone Islander defenseman over 210lbs. de Vries is crapshoot to hold on to any powerplay time, but if injuries hit the Colorado blue-line again he could slip into a dressing role. Green is a potential offensive defenseman with a good chance of cracking the weak Capitals blue-line. Still likely a year or more away from having any offense. Volchenkov has blossomed into half of the Senators top 'shut-down' pairing with Chris Phillips - but that means his offense isn't likely to take a step up. There is a longer shot he may have +/- abilities though.

G: Lehtonen-Atl P4, Niitymaki-P3, Pogge-Tor P2

Rating: 2.5

Lehtonen has been on the cusp of stardom for three straight years, but hasn't managed to put in a full healthy season. He has the talent to be a 60-70 game starter and full time #1, but injuries have robbed him of any stability so far. Worse, the teams defense hasn't improved in three years and he'll too many odd-man rushes against to post elite numbers this year. Niitymaki was yet another casualty of the Flyers goaltending-merri-go-round-of-death. He had his shot last year now it's Marty Biron's turn. If Biron falters, Niitymaki could be back in the good books, but if not, he could be in the Euro-leagues next year. Justin Pogge will one day be the Leafs top netminder, but that isn't likely to happen any time soon.

Overall Rating: 12.5