The Scourge

L: Vanek-Buf, Clowe-SJ, Kunitz-Pit RFA, VanRiemsdyk-Pha RFA, Perron-StL P3, Benn-Dal P2, Tangradi-Pit P2

Rating: 3

Vanek is a decent enough first line option when he is motivated and healthy, but he has been neither since signing his huge contract offer by the Oilers. Clowe is a nice blend of scoring and toughness who continues to improve. Kunitz has all but bombed as a complimentary winger for Crosby and Malkin, failing to be either the reliable trigger or setup man they crave. VanRiemsdyk has all the tools to be an impact forward, but his development has been at a snails pace (remember he was selected right after Patrick Kane). Perron is gradually morphing into a Martin StLouis clone, and another step forward will have him displacing someone from the active roster. Benn is also poised to take over an active roster spot, though Dallas' insistence on trying him at center may blunt that progress. Tangradi was a highly sought after prospect because of his potential to play a Kevin Stevens role on one of Pitts top lines. So far though, he has struggled to keep pace with the NHL and is back in the AHL for more seasoning.

C: Spezza-Ott FP, Datsyuk-Det, Krecji-Bos RFA, Staal,J-Pit RFA

Rating: 4.5

Spezza is still an elite playmaker, but he lacks a finisher to keep his assist totals up. A healthier season coupled with a linemate who can finish his setups and he could threaten for the Art Ross. Datsyuk is a machine who should easily reach ppg marks after stumbling last season when every Red Wing forward spent time in the infirmary. Krecji should benefit from the absence of Marc Savard, but his breakout season was in part due to having others face the top checking lines while he feasted on the weaker lines and he won't have that opportunity now. Staal seems perpetually poised to emerge from his designated role as a Selke shutdown pivot as a true #2 center capable of logging heavy minutes in all situations - we'll see when the boot comes off his busted up foot.

R: Stewart-Col, Kovalev-Ott RFA, Samuellson-Vcr, Vrbata-Phx, Hornqvist-Nsh P3, Eberle-Edm P2, Skinner-Car P1

Rating: 2

Stewart had a huge breakout season last year, but it remains to be seen whether he can even repeat that magic act, let alone improve on it. Kovalev appears more disinterested than is usual even for him, a gradual slide in his production is inevitable at his age, but his wandering focus could make it even more precipitous. Samuellsson likely had his career season as all the stars aligned for him to produce. Another 30 goal season will be unlikely for the career 3rd liner. Vrbata bounced himself to Phoenix, which as we know is merely one step away from the KHL, and he is likely to be bumped by one of the Scourge's prospects. Hornqvist broke out for a 30 goal season, but just saw his pivot jump ship to the Devils. If he can sustain the momentum from last year without Arnott around he will easily land an active roster spot. Eberle is one of the three wunderkind the Oilers are counting on. Not the fastest or biggest guy, but absolutely loaded with hockey sense, he may find himself in the mix as soon as this year - but more likely next. Skinner is a pure sniper and is on a team that lacks exactly that. A strong opening to the season could see him stick with the big team and take a run at the Calder. For now though the jury is still out.

D: Boyle-SJ, Enstrom-Atl, Timonen-Pha, Robidas-Dal RFA, Corvo-Car RFA, Boychuk-Bos RFA, Meszaros-Pha, Hickey-LA RFA, Fowler-Ana P1, Gudbranson-Fla P1

Rating: 4

Good thing its a fantasy pool roster as none of the top 4 defenseman are over 6 ft or 200lbs! Boyle will once again anchor the blue for the Scourge and be counted on for 50+ points. Enstrom could also again score 50 or so, but the Atlanta situation is not as certain to produce that much offense. Timonen suffered the same malaise that afflicted all of Philly last season and he could rebound into the mid 40's or low 50's if he can keep his powerplay spot. Robidas has been gradually used more and more as a shutdown guy, and less as a powerplay QB, expect a slight dip or even a decline in his points moving forward. Corvo in contrast is a powerplay specialist, and he should get back to the 30 point range assuming the rest of his game can stay at least mediocre. Boychuk surprised last year as the roulette wheel for Bruin d-men landed on his number. Could be a fluke, or could be more to come. Meszaros is a hard-rock defender who will likely be asked to concentrate on defense and obliterating forwards into the boards. Hickey is a slow developing prospect in LA having a hard time cracking the roster - another year in the AHL is probably in the cards. Fowler is a high flying rocket shooting D-man with gaps in his defensive game - but so far Anaheim has in the mix to start the season and he could surprise by staying on. Gudbranson is an all-round defender physically mature enough to play now - expect him to land a role but be eased into the offense gradually.

G: Lundqvist-NYR FP, Ward-Car RFA

Rating: 4.5

Lundqvist is an elite netminder amongst the best in the game. Ward is a nice, if unsteady backup who has battled injuries and inconsistency the last two years, and if he is thrust into a starting role things could unravel in a hurry.

Total: 18