NORRIS DIVISION PREVIEW

NORRIS DIVISION
May be one of the most interesting divisions in the league boasting one of the best teams, one of the worse teams and another team that could be on the verge of becoming the best or worst pending how the ship is steered and even the captain himself doesn't know where he is steering. So let's preview this crazy division shall we. Teams are ordered by I think the teams might finish.

1 - LEAFS
This is a team that needs no introduction. The defending PHL Cup Champions. No matter how you look at it, whether they are rebuilding or not, you can never take the Leafs too lightly. They may start slow but by mid season you can guarantee this team will be clicking on all cylinders and if not, their GM is more than capable of fixing the problems.

TOP PLAYERS: Sergei Federov (C), Maxim Afinogenov (RW), Martin St.Louis (RW), Joni Pitkanen (D), Manny Malhotra (C), Stefan Legein (LW), Oscar Sundh (LW), Niklas Lidstrom (D), Ryan Whitney (D), Jonathan Bernier (G), Andrej Nederost (LW), John Madden (C)

FUTURES: Matt Christie (C), Justin Scott (C), Peter Tsimikalis (LW), Matt Moulson (LW), Alessandro Chiesa (D), Cam Barker (D), Jeff Hamilton (RW), Michael Dubuc (RW)

2 - HAWKS
Which way will this team go? Up or down? After years of rebuilding, this team finally has the squad to compete in this league and should probably compete with the Leafs for first in the Norris. Their wingers are as good as any at putting the puck away and the defense should have no troubles breaking out from their own zone. Still lack that superstar center that they wanted but Malkin and Nokelainen should do just fine. The real question is, how long before this team is blown to pieces?

TOP PLAYERS: Jonathan Cheechoo (LW), David Laliberte (RW), James Wisniewski (D), Lukas Vantuch (LW), Simeon Varlamov (G), Matt Niskanen (D), Matheiu Carle (D), James Neal (LW), Petteri Nokelainen (C)

FUTURES: Mike Cammalleri (C), Sean Bentivoglio (RW), Dustin Penner (RW), Jeff Ricciardi (D), Cal O'Reilly (C), Matt Beleskey (LW), Ryan Johnson (LW), Linden Rowat (G)

3 - WINGS
A team that has been going steady the last few seasons. Haven't been at the top of the division nor have they been at the bottom either and that shouldn't change this season. But I wouldn't chalk up easy wins against this team. They still have the personnel to compete any day and in this league anything can happen. The future does look bright with Tyler Spurgeon and Jordan Eberle not too far away.

TOP PLAYERS: Tyler Spurgeon (C), Sergei Samsonov (LW), Andrew Ladd (RW), Tyler Plante (G), Erik Johnson (D), Tyler Plante (G)

FUTURES: Jordan Eberle (C), Ryan Hillier (LW), Steve Mason (G), Matthew Spiller (D), Brad Boyes (RW), Craig Switzer (D), Jhonas Enroth (G)

4 - JACKETS
No more Forsberg means a huge offensive drop for the Jackets and they lost out onthe Richards sweepstake, hopes in landing another huge signing. However, this team is still capable of competing on any given day. They just won't be competing for first place like the previous seasons unless a big trade comes this way. Perhaps this is the beginning of a rebuilding year again? The Jackets and Blues will battle for the last place, most likely the Jackets losing out on that battle.

TOP PLAYERS: Patrice Bergeron (C), Mike Ribeiro (C), Jozef Balej (LW), Sheldon Souray (D), Aaron Johnson (D), Konst. Barulin (G)

FUTURES: J.T. Wyman (RW), P.K. subban (D), Taylor Dakers (G), Justin Jokinen (RW), Marc-Andre Cliche (C), Tony Salmelainen (LW), David Bouchard (LW)

5 - BLUES
Last but not least, the last place Blues. At best they may finish fourth, but most likely will end up in the cellar as they are in a rebuilding phase. All the major pieces are on the farm. It's not to say the Blues are going to be giving points away as they have shored up the defense and will have a full season with the Bulin wall. Wins won't come easy for this squad but they will try to make it as difficult for the other team as possible.

TOP PLAYERS: John Tavares (C), Patrik Elias (LW), Zach Parise (C), Nikolai Khabibulin (G), Jay Bouwmeester (D)

FUTURES: Gilbert Brule (C), Fabian Brunnstrom (LW), Andrew Alberts (D), Alexander Fallstrom (LW), Matt Frattin (LW), Kyle DeCoste (RW), Benoit Mondou (RW), Niklas Backstrom (G), Ryan Ellis (D)