Severed Heads - Offseason Review

L: Heatley-Ott FP, Nash-Clb RFA

Rating: 3.5

Heatley has had two monster 50-50 seasons in a row, and the latest came despite the extended absence of his playmaking centre. Could reach 60-60. Nash is a pure goal scorer - but lacks assists because he is the sole offensive option for his team, and is always looking to shoot. Has plenty of untapped upside.

C: Lindros-UFA RFA, Malkin-Pit P3, Schremp-Edm P3, Backstrom-Wsh P2, Frolik-Fla P2, Couture-SJ P2

Rating: 3.5

Lindros is a long-time member of the Heads, but his time is up and a retirement notice is expected. Malkin is the teams heir apparent to Jagr, and has many of the same attributes including; fear my wingspan, and a bullet slapshot. He was on well over a 100pt pace at midseason when the larger number of games wore him down untile he was labouring in the playoffs. Schremp is a front-line or bust proposition. He should be better than Mike Comrie, but the similarities are too disturbing to ignore. Backstrom is the GMs prize pet, and his playmaking abilities are smoother than a handful of KY jelly. What happens when a pass first cerebral pivot like Backsrom joins up with a one-touch gunner like Ovechkin? Points. Lots of points. Frolik had a solid debut with the Q this year, and the budding power winger/centre looks to have the stuff required to eventually make a mark in Florida. Won't be rushed, and the team is hoping for a move back to the wing where spots are easier to find. Couture is a finesse pivot who endured a hardship season fighting through Mono. Landing in San Jose will be good for him, but he'll need time to get the pivots ahead of him out of the way.

R: Jagr-NYR FP, Zherdev-Clb RFA, Ryan-Ana P2

Rating: 3.5

Jagr had an off-year battling a shoulder injury and still managed to rack up over 96 points. Appears to be immune to age as almost all the compatriots from his draft year are using adult diapers and need help getting out for some sun. Zherdev is a Kovalev clone, and has the talent necessary to put up huge numbers. It's his head that is the issue as it's not clear he 'gets it' yet - or ever will. Ryan is a burgeoning power winger with a fearsome shot and one-touch scoring ability. Has outgrown the OHL, but there is a spot waiting for him with the Ducks. Should be groomed slowly, so draftable numbers are still probably a year away.

D: Corvo-Ott RFA, Ranger-TBay RFA, Pothier-Wsh RFA, Hamhuis-Nsh RFA, Lee-Ott P2

Rating: 2

Corvo is a big ticket for the Sens to swallow, but he does bring a potent powerplay presence to the team that includes above average mobility and an accurate point shot. Ranger is still feeling out his role on the Bolts blue-line, but has shown promise on the PP. Pothier is unlikely to repeat his numbers as he recieved an uncommon amount of powerplay time over better candidates. Hamhuis is part of the getting overcrowded Predator rearguard corps. He's fast, strong and can jump start the offense, but with all the other kids pushing for ice-time, he may get moved around. Lee is a former Mr. Hockey from the state of Minnesota. A quick skating defender he's gradually added muscle to his otherwise thin frame. Has a pedigree for offense at lower levels, but it isn't clear whether he'll be given a similar role at the NHL level.

G: Denis-TBay RFA

Rating: 1

Denis is now entering Tommy Salo territory.

Overall Rating: 13.5