Cossa was Central Scouting's top-ranked North American goalie, and for good reason. The 18-year-old has posted dominant numbers in the WHL the past two seasons, and his blend of size and technical skill make him a can't-miss prospect - even though drafting netminders in the first round has become less frequent in recent years.
The young backstop's likely a few years away from making an impact in the pros, but with the right development, Cossa could be the next big thing - literally - in the NHL's goaltending landscape.
What they're saying
"His athletic toolkit is very intriguing as a 6-foot-6 goalie who can move very well for that size," said The Athletic's Corey Pronman in his final prospect rankings.
"He covers a lot of net with his length. He has some quick twitch in his frame in how he moves around the net and gets in and out of his butterfly. Cossa’s reads are typically great. He loses track of some pucks and can be a bit busy in the net but usually anticipates the play very well. I love his selective aggressiveness with his positioning, and how he takes away angles with his size as well as how well he uses his stick to break up a lot of plays."
Most experts and insiders expected Power to be the No. 1 pick, though he wasn't as much of a slam dunk as Alexis Lafreniere last year. Nevertheless, the towering blue-liner oozes potential.
NHL Central Scouting named Power the No. 1 North American skater on its final rankings. He impressed during his freshman season with the Wolverines after playing two campaigns for the USHL's Chicago Steel. That league named him defenseman of the year in 2019-20 after he led all players at the position with 40 points over 45 games.
The Ontario-born rearguard also contributed internationally, helping Canada claim gold at the World Championship in Latvia back in May while producing three assists over 10 games.
Matthew Beniers - Center, Michigan (NCAA)
Beniers had an incredible freshman season with Michigan, ranking third among rookies in points in the NCAA. His season was ultimately cut short due to COVID-19 cancellations, but he's indicated that he may return to college for at least one more campaign.
Despite being the youngest player on Team USA's roster at the 2021 world juniors, Beniers played a vital role in helping lead his team to a gold medal. Centering the second line, he recorded one goal and two assists.
William Eklund - Left wing, Djurgarden (SHL)
Eklund was arguably the top prospect from outside North America in this draft, as NHL Central Scouting slotted him No. 1 among European skaters in its final rankings.
That distinction was warranted, given how well Eklund played in one of the world's best professional leagues at just 18 years old. The promising winger did so despite testing positive for COVID-19 - which forced him to miss the world juniors - and undergoing an appendectomy.
Dylan Guenther - Right wing, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Guenther averaged two points per game for the Oil Kings during the WHL's abbreviated 2020-21 season and is one of the most dynamic offensive talents in this class.
Guenther also proved himself on the international stage this season, notching four goals and three assists in seven contests at the Under-18 World Championship to help Canada win gold.
Mason McTavish - Center, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
McTavish played in Switzerland's second-tier league during the COVID-19 pandemic, posting 11 points in 13 games. He was also one of Canada's top players at the Under-18 worlds, captaining the team to a gold medal. McTavish is a bona fide power forward who's proved he can score goals in bunches.
A big center with a high hockey IQ, McTavish knows where to be on the ice at all times to help make the right play. He may not possess the elite all-around talent of some other top prospects, but his rare blend of size, speed, and skill can make him a legitimate threat in the NHL.
Luke Hughes - Defense, USNTDP (USHL)
Luke is the younger brother of Vancouver Canucks blue-liner Quinn Hughes and New Jersey Devils pivot Jack Hughes. As a defenseman, Luke will draw more comparisons to Quinn, but he shares traits with both of his NHL siblings.
Like his brothers, Luke is a world-class skater. He has great straight-line speed, but his edge work and agility are arguably even better. He's also four inches taller than Quinn and three inches taller than Jack, giving him substantial upside.
Now that every NHL team has submitted its list of protected players for Wednesday's expansion draft, the Seattle Kraken can officially start to decide who they want to select.
Several big-name players have been made available, including Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, St. Louis Blues sniper Vladimir Tarasenko, and Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano. There are also plenty of stars who were left unprotected - such as Alex Ovechkin and Gabriel Landeskog - that are also impending free agents.
Let's take a look at which players Kraken general manager Ron Francis will be able to snatch from each club.
Single-game sports betting is set to become legal in Canada after Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, was officially passed in the Senate of Canada on Tuesday.
The private member's bill - sponsored by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh (Saskatoon-Grasswood) - passed without amendment, by a vote of 57 to 20 (five abstentions). Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government will decide on a date when the legalization of single-game sports betting will take effect.
The UPDATE you’ve been waiting for: Bill #C218 has officially passed in the Senate & will become law in the coming days. I’m honoured to have worked to make single-event sports betting legal in Canada. #cdnpoli#nlpoli@KevinWaugh_CPC@SenateCA
The bill signals a major shift in Canada: single-game sports betting has been legal in the country but only via parlay wagers. Canadians will now have the ability to bet on single-game matches across sports (excluding horse racing), with the government set to collect taxes on estimated billions of dollars currently being wagered illegally.
Waugh issued a statement Tuesday evening celebrating the passage of the bill, calling it "a victory for Canadian sport, sport fans, and businesses." He added:
Following this legislation becoming law, provincial governments will be responsible for implementing regulations and wagering operators in their jurisdictions. I call on provincial governments to act as quickly as possible to get the necessary regulations and licenses in place so that all Canadians can begin to place their wagers.
Tap here to sign up and receive updates on when theScore's sportsbook, theScore Bet, will go live in Ontario.
Barzal isn't quite elite, but the young Islanders star is capable of breaking a game open at any time with his speed and puckhandling abilities. New York's emphasis on defense doesn't always qualify as must-see TV, but Barzal can singlehandedly make the team worth watching.
19. Roman Josi, Nashville Predators
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G
A
P
ATOI
48
8
25
33
24:21
Josi isn't in the Norris Trophy conversation this season after winning the award last year, but he's still one of the most dangerous defensemen in the league. He led the Predators in scoring with 33 points this campaign while averaging a whopping 24:21 of ice time per game.
18. Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes
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G
A
P
ATOI
56
24
33
57
19:28
Aho's presence as a premier two-way center flies under the radar on a league-wide scale. Carolina's top pivot does it all and was dominant last postseason with 12 points in nine games. This year, he enters the dance with 19 points in his final 15 regular-season contests. Expect him to play a huge role in the Canes' Cup aspirations.
17. Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning
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A
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ATOI
56
23
25
48
18:26
Point's production was down just slightly this season, but he's been known to take his game up a level come playoff time. The 5-foot-10 pivot led all players in goals (14) last postseason en route to the Stanley Cup and has amassed 50 points across 44 playoff outings.
16. David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins
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G
A
P
ATOI
48
20
28
48
18:37
Pastrnak is far too high on this list based on his 2020-21 output alone, especially considering he skates alongside a pair of the game's best two-way players. However, the 24-year-old can fill the net in bunches and has a strong postseason track record (53 points in 52 games).
15. Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche
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52
30
36
66
19:55
Rantanen is done proving he's far more than just Nathan MacKinnon's sidekick. The 24-year-old potted at least 29 goals for the third time in his six-year career in 2021, and what he's done this season is even more remarkable considering it's a shortened campaign.
14. Patrice Bergeron, Bruins
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54
23
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48
18:13
Bergeron continues to be one of the most effective two-way centers in the league, even at 35 years old. He controls play at a ridiculous pace and helps generate a ton of offense on Boston's top line. He's one of the most experienced playoff players in the league and will look to guide the surging Bruins to yet another lengthy playoff run this postseason.
13. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
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A
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44
24
18
42
19:31
We all know what Ovechkin brings to the table by now - he scores goals at will and is the heartbeat of the Capitals attack. However, he enters the playoffs on the heels of an injury, and his goals per game this season (0.53) was his lowest since 2017 and the fourth lowest of his illustrious career.
12. Brad Marchand, Bruins
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53
29
40
69
18:55
One of the league's most versatile talents, Marchand contributes at an elite level all over the ice and in all situations. The Bruins pest sitsthirdin scoring this season, and whether you love him or hate him, there's no denying that rostering a talent like Marchand is every team's dream come playoff time.
11. Cale Makar, Avalanche
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G
A
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ATOI
44
8
36
44
24:19
Makar likely would've been the front-runner for the Norris Trophy if he hadn't missed 12 games earlier in the season. The 22-year-old is easily the game's most dynamic offensive defenseman, but his defensive metrics this year were also off the charts. Thanks to his elite skating ability, Makar seems like a player who can log nearly 30 minutes per night in the playoffs if necessary.
With the Stanley Cup Playoffs set to begin Saturday, we rank the top 30 players who will compete for the ultimate prize (2020-21 stats in tables):
30-21 | 20-11 (May 14) | 10-1 (May 15)
30. Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins
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51
5
25
30
24:00
McAvoy probably won't win the Norris Trophy this season, but he's been in the conversation all year long on the strength of his excellent play. The Bruins depend heavily upon the 23-year-old with Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara now playing elsewhere, and McAvoy has proven worthy of the increased responsibility.
29. Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / Getty
Record
GAA
SV%
GSAA
23-17-3
2.60
.915
9.4
Hellebuyck, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, was rock-solid again this season, and he's a major reason why the Jets find themselves in the postseason at all. Winnipeg allowed the fifth-most scoring chances (1,565) and second-most high-danger scoring chances (678) in 2020-21, but Hellebuyck held the fort. He has the skills to backstop the Jets to a lengthy playoff run.
28. Mark Scheifele, Jets
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A
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ATOI
55
21
40
61
21:00
Scheifele is vital to the Jets' offense and enters the playoffs after averaging 1.11 points per game in his most productive regular season yet. He suffered an injury early in last year's qualifying round, and Winnipeg wasn't able to survive without its top pivot.
27. Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild
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55
27
24
51
18:18
Kaprizov is already one of the league's must-watch talents just 55 games into his NHL career. The Wild's 24-year-old star is scoring at an elite rate and will likely win the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie this season. Kaprizov embraces the spotlight and seems like the type of player who will take his game to another level in the postseason.
26. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
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33
8
20
28
17:44
It's been a difficult year for Malkin, both in terms of his health and goal-scoring. The Penguins star said he feels fine after leaving Saturday's game as a precaution. He may not be capable of replicating his playoff performances of old, but the once-dominant center is still a threat to impact postseason games.
25. Shea Theodore, Vegas Golden Knights
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53
8
34
42
22:33
Theodore continues to be one of the most under-the-radar elite defensemen in the NHL. He ranks third among Golden Knights skaters with 42 points and has averaged 22:38 of ice time per game. He's one of the league's biggest offensive threats from the blue line and a vital cog in Vegas' potent lineup.
24. Dougie Hamilton, Carolina Hurricanes
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10
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42
22:43
Hamilton turned in yet another brilliant campaign for the Hurricanes this season, finishing top 10 in scoring among defensemen and first in shots on goal - all while controlling 57.17% of expected goals at five-on-five. He plays a key role in Carolina's up-tempo style, and a strong playoff run could soon have the pending unrestricted free agent in line for an eight-figure salary.
23. Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers
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55
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41
61
18:25
Huberdeau is one of the game's top playmakers and will look to lead the Panthers to their first playoff series win since 1996. The dynamic winger ranks seventh among all NHL skaters in assists and produced at a 90-point pace over 82 games for the third consecutive campaign. With just 10 career playoff games under his belt, the 27-year-old will be hungry to seize the opportunity.
22. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning
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0
0
0
0
0
Kucherov is perhaps the biggest question mark entering these playoffs. Will he be fully healthy after missing the entire regular season? If so, will there be any rust to kick off? If there is, how quickly can he return to his usual dynamic form? The Lightning superstar would obviously be far higher up this list in a normal year, but it's unclear how much he'll be able to contribute.
21. Ryan O'Reilly, St. Louis Blues
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55
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53
20:51
The 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy winner turned in another incredible season with the Blues this year. O'Reilly's two-way game is impeccable, and he's proven over the past two seasons that he doesn't slow down come playoff time; he ranks fifth among all players with 34 points in 35 playoff games since 2019. If the Blues can catch fire with O'Reilly leading the way, they'll be as tough an out as any team.
The 2021 IIHF World Championship runs from May 21 to June 6 in Riga, Latvia. Follow along for all of the roster commitments ahead of the tournament opener.
Here's the deal: 32 iconic sports video games enter our latest bracket, and only one will be left standing Saturday. Vote below, vote all week, and have your say: What's the GOAT sports video game?
This is the ninth edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2020-21 season. Check back for updated rankings every second Monday during the regular season.
In this edition, we select each team's best newcomer this year. This could be a rookie, a free-agent addition, or a trade acquisition. In other words, someone who played their first game with the team during this campaign - or played elsewhere between previous and current stints with the club.
1. Vegas Golden Knights (36-12-2)
Previous rank: 2nd
Alex Pietrangelo hasn't quite lived up to the hype he generated in free agency, but the veteran rearguard has still been solid for the Golden Knights. He's racked up 18 points, averaged over 24 minutes per game, and has strong underlying numbers.
2. Carolina Hurricanes (34-10-7)
Previous rank: 3rd
The Hurricanes have a talented and established core group, but Jesper Fast has been a welcome addition this season. The 29-year-old is currently injured, but he's contributed 18 points in 41 games and had favorable expected goals for and scoring chances for percentages before getting hurt. Fast has also occasionally been entrusted with top-line minutes.
3. Colorado Avalanche (33-12-4)
Previous rank: 1st
Many viewed the trade that brought Devon Toews to Colorado as a steal for the Avalanche, and his play has done nothing but justify that stance. The 27-year-old has made the team's top pairing as dynamic as any in the league, chipping in 25 points in 46 games while boasting a 63.68% expected goals rate at five-on-five.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning (35-14-3)
Previous rank: 4th
Ross Colton has made the most of his opportunity with the Lightning, who have given some young players a look with a pair of superstars out of the lineup. Colton has posted eight goals and three assists in 26 games, and the 24-year-old has done it while largely playing a bottom-six role.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs (33-13-5)
Darcy Finley / National Hockey League / Getty
Previous rank: 6th
TJ Brodie has been everything the Maple Leafs needed and more. He's been a steadying presence on the top pairing and makes significantly fewer mistakes than any partner Morgan Rielly has ever had. Toronto has scored 66.6% of the goals with Brodie on the ice at five-on-five this season.
6. Pittsburgh Penguins (34-15-3)
Previous rank: 8th
One of the Penguins' offseason goals was finding a second-line winger to play alongside Evgeni Malkin, and Kasperi Kapanen has filled that role nicely. Malkin hasn't played since March 16, but he and Kapanen showed great chemistry before his injury, and Kapanen finds himself with 26 points in 36 games.
7. Florida Panthers (34-14-5)
Previous rank: 7th
What a steal Carter Verhaeghe has been for the Panthers. Poached from Tampa Bay on a two-year, $2-million contract in free agency this past offseason, the 25-year-old ranks third on the team with 35 points in 42 games.
8. Boston Bruins (30-14-6)
Previous rank: 10th
The Bruins managed to bring in Taylor Hall at the deadline without paying a king's ransom, and the move is paying dividends so far. With five goals and five assists in 11 games with Boston, the winger is starting to look like his former MVP self. The Bruins desperately needed their second line to get going for the postseason, and it's heating up at the right time.
9. Minnesota Wild (32-14-4)
Previous rank: 9th
Kirill Kaprizov is probably the easiest pick in this entire exercise. The electric rookie leads the Wild with 43 points and is a lock to be nominated for the Calder Trophy. For a team that's lacked offensive flair for years, Kaprizov has been a godsend.
10. Washington Capitals (32-14-5)
Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Previous rank: 5th
Anthony Mantha has been a perfect fit with the Capitals since they landed him in a blockbuster trade on deadline day. The 26-year-old has racked up four goals and two assists in nine games with Washington, further bolstering an already potent top six.
11. New York Islanders (31-15-5)
Previous rank: 11th
The veteran Islanders don't have too many candidates here, but Ilya Sorokin is the pick. The highly touted rookie netminder has made the most of a backup role so far, going 12-6-1 with a .918 save percentage and a 2.19 goals-against average.
12. Edmonton Oilers (30-17-2)
Previous rank: 13th
The Oilers gambled on Tyson Barrie with a one-year, prove-it deal after his down year with Toronto last season. While his defensive game is still not great, he's been an offensive force throughout the campaign - which is what Edmonton was banking on. His 42 points so far are good for third among Oilers skaters and NHL defensemen.
13. New York Rangers (26-20-6)
Previous rank: 14th
Colin Blackwell has more than doubled his previous career high in points during his first season on Broadway, registering 22 in 43 games in a bottom-six role. The unheralded 28-year-old ranks fourth among Rangers forwards with 1.22 goals per 60 minutes this season.
14. Nashville Predators (28-22-2)
Previous rank: 16th
The Predators' signing of Erik Haula didn't generate much buzz in the offseason, but the versatile forward has provided value on a $1.75-million cap hit. Haula has been an effective third-line center for Nashville, collecting 19 points in 48 games.
15. Dallas Stars (21-17-13)
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Previous rank: 15th
Jason Robertson would be the obvious choice here if he hadn't played three games with the Stars last season, but rules are rules. Instead, we're giving the nod to another exceptional Dallas rookie in Jake Oettinger. The freshman netminder has a .916 save percentage and 4.6 goals saved above average in 26 appearances this season.
16. Montreal Canadiens (23-18-9)
Previous rank: 17th
The Canadiens had one of the busiest offseason in recent memory, but the addition of Tyler Toffoli was by far their best move. Not only does he lead the team with 27 goals, but that total is good for fourth in the NHL.
17. St. Louis Blues (23-19-7)
Previous rank: 20th
Mike Hoffman has come as advertised through 45 games for the Blues, ranking second on the team with 16 goals and third with 32 points.
18. Winnipeg Jets (27-20-3)
Previous rank: 12th
Pierre-Luc Dubois has been just fine with the Jets since arriving in a trade for Patrik Laine, but Paul Stastny has arguably made more of an impact. The 35-year-old has averaged over two more minutes of ice time than Dubois, and he's edging him out in points per game with the team. Stastny also has slightly better underlying numbers than his 22-year-old teammate.
19. Calgary Flames (22-25-3)
Previous rank: 22nd
Chris Tanev has lived up to his big-ticket contract in Year 1 with the Flames. He's not lighting up the scoreboard - that's not what he's paid to do - but he's been a rock in his own end while playing over 21 minutes per night. He leads all Calgary blue-liners with a 57% expected goals mark.
20. Chicago Blackhawks (22-23-6)
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Previous rank: 18th
Kevin Lankinen seemingly came out of nowhere to snatch the starter's role with the Blackhawks for much of the season. He faltered a bit down the stretch, but he's still had a strong campaign with a .908 save percentage and a 16-14-5 record.
21. Ottawa Senators (19-27-5)
Previous rank: 29th
All eyes were on Tim Stutzle entering this season, and the rookie has delivered for the Senators. The third overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft has shown flashes of his potential, scoring some highlight-reel goals throughout the year while racking up 26 points in 48 games.
22. Philadelphia Flyers (22-22-7)
Previous rank: 19th
The Flyers have underachieved, and their roster is largely unchanged compared to last season. But one newcomer has provided some hope. Wade Allison has only played nine games with Philadelphia, but the 2016 second-rounder buried his first NHL goal in his second contest and earned a quick call-up after posting four goals and five assists in eight AHL games.
23. Arizona Coyotes (22-24-6)
Previous rank: 21st
Derick Brassard has provided experience for a Coyotes club that features more than a few players who are still developing. The 33-year-old journeyman has contributed 19 points in 49 games while playing both at center and on the wing in a bottom-six role.
24. Los Angeles Kings (19-24-6)
Previous rank: 24th
Andreas Athanasiou has enjoyed a solid campaign after joining the Kings on a one-year deal during the offseason. The 26-year-old has racked up 10 goals and 12 assists in 41 games and proved he's a legitimate middle-six forward.
25. Detroit Red Wings (18-27-9)
Glenn James / National Hockey League / Getty
Previous rank: 26th
The Red Wings shocked the hockey world with a blockbuster trade on deadline day, parting ways with Mantha to bring in Jakub Vrana. The 25-year-old has been electric since joining Detroit, notchingsix goals and one assist in nine games.
26. San Jose Sharks (20-26-5)
Previous rank: 25th
Alexander Barabanov has only played four games with the Sharks, so we'll give the nod to Rudolfs Balcers, who's netted seven goals and nine assists in 36 contests. Not bad for a player San Jose drafted in the fifth round in 2015, traded to the Senators in the Erik Karlsson blockbuster in 2018, then reacquired from Ottawa on the waiver wire in January.
27. Columbus Blue Jackets (16-25-11)
Previous rank: 27th
Some saw Jack Roslovic as a throw-in player in the Laine deal, but he's been one of the Blue Jackets' most productive players since that trade. Through 44 games with Columbus, Roslovic ranks second on the team with 30 points.
28. Vancouver Canucks (19-23-3)
Previous rank: 23rd
The Canucks waited patiently for Nils Hoglander's NHL debut, and he's turned in a solid rookie campaign. The 20-year-old finally came over from Sweden and has totaled nine goals and 11 assists in 45 games so far. More importantly, he's shown what he can bring to the table for years to come.
29. New Jersey Devils (17-27-7)
Previous rank: 30th
Ty Smith was in the Calder Trophy race early in the season, but he's cooled off a bit after a hot start. Still, the rookie defenseman has had a great campaign with the Devils, racking up 23 points in 47 games. The 21-year-old figures to be a staple on New Jersey's blue line for the foreseeable future.
30. Anaheim Ducks (16-2-7)
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Previous rank: 28th
Ducks fans had reason to be excited watching top prospect Trevor Zegras' MVP performance at the world juniors this year, and now he's given them a taste of his NHL potential. He's scored twice and added eight assists in 20 games this season, showing that the team's future is in good hands.
31. Buffalo Sabres (13-32-7)
Previous rank: 31st
There isn't much selection in terms of productive newcomers for the punchless Sabres, but Dylan Cozens has shown flashes in his rookie season. The 2019 seventh overall pick only has four goals and nine assists in 37 games, but he's already being trusted on Buffalo's top power-play unit and has seen his average ice time surpass 16 minutes over his last 12 contests.
This is the eighth edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2020-21 season. Check back for updated rankings every second Monday during the regular season.
In this edition, we pick one player from each team who needs to step up in the final stretch of the season.
1. Colorado Avalanche (30-9-4)
Previous rank: 1
Devan Dubnyk played well in his Avalanche debut Wednesday, stopping 31 of the 34 shots he faced in a 4-3 win. The 34-year-old trade acquisition will be relied upon to hold the fort in Colorado's crease following Philipp Grubauer's COVID-19 diagnosis.
2. Vegas Golden Knights (31-11-2)
Previous rank: 5
The Golden Knights have a lot of weapons at their disposal, but Vegas' second line has experienced a noticeable dip in production this season. Jonathan Marchessault's assists per game rate is up compared to last season, and his points per game rate is on par with his output over the last two campaigns. But he hasn't scored a goal in five games, and Vegas could use more of the secondary scoring he's struggled to provide this year.
3. Carolina Hurricanes (29-10-4)
Previous rank: 4
Martin Necas looked to be having a full-fledged breakout when he notched four goals and three assists over a three-game span in late March. But the talented forward has collected only two markers and three helpers in 10 contests since. He's shown flashes of his full potential this season, but the Hurricanes will be an even tougher out if he finds more consistency.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning (29-13-2)
Previous rank: 3
Anthony Cirelli is already one of the best defensive forwards in the NHL, but the 23-year-old isn't yet on the offensive level of two-way stars such as Sean Couturier. Cirelli has no points in his last 11 games, and with Steven Stamkos on long-term injured reserve and Nikita Kucherov likely out until the postseason, the Lightning could certainly benefit from him creating more offense.
5. Washington Capitals (29-13-4)
Patrick McDermott / National Hockey League / Getty
Previous rank: 7
Ilya Samsonov can be forgiven for needing time to find his game after recovering from COVID-19, but the Capitals goaltender has to provide more stability than he has since returning. Vitek Vanecek can't carry the club come playoff time. For now, Samsonov and his teammates are winning. Sooner or later, though, his mediocre play could hurt them.
6. Toronto Maple Leafs (28-12-5)
Previous rank: 6
The Maple Leafs gave up a first-round pick to acquire Nick Foligno for a reason: He seemed like a perfect fit as someone who can theoretically play up and down the lineup and in all situations. When he finishes his quarantine and joins Toronto, the grizzled veteran will be expected to justify his cost, even if it was inflated.
7. Florida Panthers (28-12-5)
Previous rank: 2
It's been a roller-coaster season for Keith Yandle, who found his groove after the Panthers nearly made him a healthy scratch in January. Points aren't everything, especially for defensemen. But the puck-moving blue-liner needs to help fill the void left by Aaron Ekblad's injury and contribute more than the two assists he's notched over the last 10 games.
8. Pittsburgh Penguins (28-14-3)
Previous rank: 8
Jason Zucker made an immediate impact with the Penguins after they traded for him ahead of last year's deadline, but he's been underwhelming this season. The 29-year-old missed time earlier in the campaign due to injury but hasn't contributed enough when healthy. Pittsburgh needs better secondary scoring - especially while Evgeni Malkin remains out.
9. Minnesota Wild (27-13-3)
Previous rank: 10
Nick Bonino has historically been a well-rounded forward, and he has two Stanley Cup rings to show for it. But the Wild need more from the 32-year-old, who's now languishing on their fourth line despite his $4.1-million cap hit. It's not just his production that's declined, either. The veteran's underlying numbers are underwhelming this season, and Minnesota needs him to be better at driving possession.
10. Boston Bruins (25-12-6)
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Previous rank: 11
The Bruins now boast a lethal top six with the addition of Taylor Hall and Craig Smith's recent offensive surge. Jake DeBrusk is a third-liner, but the 2015 first-round pick has taken a step back offensively this season after showing promise in his first three campaigns.
11. New York Islanders (28-13-4)
Previous rank: 9
Josh Bailey has always been a pass-first player. But as a team that struggles to generate offense, the Islanders need more than six goals in 44 games from a $5-million winger.
12. Winnipeg Jets (27-15-3)
Previous rank: 12
Pierre-Luc Dubois has been better lately, but he certainly has more to give. If the Jets are going to give the Maple Leafs a run for their money in the North Division, Dubois needs to elevate his game to the level he performed at in the 2020 playoffs.
13. Edmonton Oilers (26-15-2)
Previous rank: 13
Kailer Yamamoto has taken a step back after an impressive late-season stint in 2019-20. The Oilers' dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will only carry the team so far; if Edmonton wants to be a serious Stanley Cup contender, key pieces like Yamamoto need to elevate their game.
14. New York Rangers (23-16-6)
Previous rank: 18
The Rangers already boast one of the league's deadliest offenses, so imagine if Kaapo Kakko found his groove. The 2019 second overall pick has struggled in his first 100-plus NHL games, and it would be a massive boost for New York if he found his scoring touch in the Big Apple.
15. Dallas Stars (17-14-12)
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Previous rank: 16
As unfair as this may be, the Stars really need Tyler Seguin to contribute immediately upon his return to the lineup. He's yet to play this year after offseason hip surgery, but he's expected back in about a week. Dallas desperately needs his offensive touch.
16. Nashville Predators (24-21-1)
Previous rank: 15
Matt Duchene is back in action for the Predators after missing almost a month. With only eight points in 24 games this season, the club's highest-paid forward needs to start earning his paycheck.
17. Montreal Canadiens (19-14-9)
Previous rank: 14
If the Canadiens are to have any chance of success, Carey Price needs to get hot - just as he did in the 2020 postseason bubble. He's had a rough year.
18. Chicago Blackhawks (21-19-5)
Previous rank: 22
Dylan Strome is in danger of enduring three straight seasons of declining production, which is the opposite of what the Blackhawks want to see from their 24-year-old pivot. It's safe to say he has to be better.
19. Philadelphia Flyers (20-18-7)
Previous rank: 21
As usual, the Flyers' goaltending has let them down. Carter Hart needs to find his game for Philadelphia to have a shot at the playoffs.
20. St. Louis Blues (19-18-6)
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Previous rank: 20
Jaden Schwartz tallied four goals in nine games in the bubble. He's matched that total through 28 outings this season. The Blues' offense has been average this season, and Schwartz heating up down the stretch would be massive for the club's playoff hopes.
21. Arizona Coyotes (20-20-5)
Previous rank: 17
The Coyotes are a team with little offensive depth and need more than one goal in 15 games from Conor Garland if they're going to snag a playoff spot in the West Division.
22. Calgary Flames (19-22-3)
Previous rank: 27
The Flames need much more from one of their top offensive weapons. Sean Monahan is on pace to score fewer than 20 goals over 82 games for the first time in his NHL career, and Calgary's production has suffered greatly as a result.
23. Vancouver Canucks (17-18-3)
Previous rank: 23
It's fair to give the Canucks a pass here. Returning to complete their season after a devastating COVID-19 outbreak - and beating the top team in the North Division in their first game back - is stepping up in our book.
24. Los Angeles Kings (16-20-6)
Previous rank: 24
The Kings have fallen out of playoff contention, but it would be nice to see some growth from 2017 11th overall pick Gabe Vilardi down the stretch.
25. San Jose Sharks (18-22-4)
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Previous rank: 19
Timo Meier's 0.60 points per game average this season is his lowest since his sophomore campaign. Called out by Sharks head coach Bob Boughner after Saturday's loss, the Swiss forward needs to catch fire down the stretch to keep San Jose's fading playoff hopes alive.
26. Detroit Red Wings (16-24-6)
Previous rank: 29
Richard Panik hasn't done much since signing a four-year, $11-million ticket ahead of the 2019-20 season. The new Red Wings forward has a few weeks to show Detroit fans he was more than just salary filler in the deal that landed Jakub Vrana from Washington.
27. Columbus Blue Jackets (15-22-9)
Previous rank: 26
Patrik Laine is a restricted free agent at the end of the season. The former 40-goal scorer needs to rediscover his form immediately to maximize his next paycheck and justify the price the Blue Jackets paid to acquire him.
28. Anaheim Ducks (14-25-7)
Previous rank: 30
With Jakob Silfverberg managing just 16 points through 46 games, his $5.25-million cap hit looks like a complete disaster. The Ducks will look for him to show signs of life over the final weeks of the campaign.
29. Ottawa Senators (15-26-4)
Previous rank: 28
Matt Murray hasn't come close to living up to his splashy $25-million contract in his first year with the Senators. With three years left on the deal, Murray needs to prove Ottawa didn't make a colossal mistake; a hot stretch of play to end the campaign would certainly help his case.
30. New Jersey Devils (14-24-6)
Previous rank: 25
Jack Hughes had a red-hot start to the season but has since cooled off significantly. His underlying numbers are very strong, but the Devils would surely love to see him finish his sophomore campaign the way he started it: racking up points.
31. Buffalo Sabres (12-26-7)
Previous rank: 31
Dylan Cozens has shown flashes of potential throughout his rookie season. If the 2019 seventh overall selection can make some serious strides down the stretch, Sabres fans will have something positive to take into the offseason after a disastrous campaign.
