The Top 5 Most Critical Offseason Moves of the NHL

An in-depth look at the most crucial moves of the offseason, and how the players will impact their new teams.

1. Ryan Kesler, Center - Anaheim Ducks

Just before the 2014 NHL entry draft, two-time United States Olympian Ryan Kesler waived his no-trade clause and was shipped to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Nick Bonino, Luca Sbisa, and two picks in this past entry draft. The Ducks finished off last season with the most points in the Western Conference with a striking 54-20-8 record, and now with the addition of this new center, Anaheim will be even stronger. Kesler was one of the biggest trade targets during this past season after publicly stating that he wanted a fresh start, as he was not satisfied with the path of the Vancouver Canucks. In short, the Ducks were lucky to grab the 6-2 202 lb. center for such a good price. Kesler’s size, faceoff skills, and ability to score double-digit power-play goals will be key for the disappointing 22nd-ranked Anaheim power play this past season. The 2011 Selke trophy winner will anchor the 2nd line for Anaheim next to Swedish young-gun, Jakob Silfverberg. In 2011, Kesler proved he could guide a team to the Stanley Cup final by netting 41 goals and 32 assists for the Canucks. Kesler wants a championship and wants it now. His chances got a lot better after being dealt to the Western Conference juggernaut, Anaheim Ducks.

2. Ryan Miller, Goaltender - Vancouver Canucks

With the trade last year that sent of Cory Schneider to the New Jersey Devils, and the departure of Roberto Luongo in the trade that sent him back to Florida, the Canucks’ main objective over the offseason was to grab an experienced goaltender to lead them this season. The Canucks made the move to sign Miller to a 3-year, $18 million contract this offseason to fill this missing piece. Miller brings some needed experience to the Canucks goaltending. Miller spent his first 12 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres until this past February when he was traded to the St. Louis Blues. The two-time United States Olympian and 2010 Vezina trophy winner has shown that he is capable of stepping up and putting up note-worthy goaltending numbers; however, he will need to adapt quickly to the tactics of the offensive powerhouse California teams in the Pacific Division (Anaheim, San Jose, and the 2014 Stanley Cup Champions, Los Angeles Kings). If Miller clicks with the Canucks and performs under the pressures of the endless goaltending drama in Vancouver, we could see Vancouver make the playoffs unlike last year’s 12th place finish in the Western Conference.

3. James Neal, Right-Winger - Nashville Predators

In the midst of the first round of the 2014 NHL entry draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins made the first blockbuster trade of the draft sending power forward, James Neal to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling. The trade freed up some cap space for the Penguins, but they lost an important part of their offensive core. Neal finished last season with 27 goals and 61 points in 59 regular season games with the support of 2012 Art Ross and Hart Memorial trophy winner, Evgeni Malkin. Neal will be entering his third season of a 6-year, $30 million contract this season and will provide much needed offense to the Nashville Predators as the first line right-winger. In the 2011-2012 season Neal proved himself as a top-line contender scoring a career high 40 goals and 41 assists, a feat no Nashville Predator has ever achieved. We will also see Neal as the captain of Nashville’s power play this season, a role Neal took during the 2011-2012 season and scored a league-leading 18 PPG for the Penguins. The acquisition of James Neal will finally bring the presence of a big-time goal-scorer to the “Music City” that Nashville has always lacked.

4. Dan Boyle, Defenseman - New York Rangers

The most targeted defenseman in this past offseason was the long-time San Jose Shark, Dan Boyle. The offensive defenseman signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the New York Rangers. With the signing of Boyle, the reigning Eastern Conference champions filled a much-needed hole in their defense with the departure of Anton Stralman to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 38-year-old has had a lot of experience in the NHL and his presence on the second line of defense for the Rangers will be crucial. Boyle will be playing a lot of minutes for the team especially as many see him having a leading role on the point during the Rangers’ power play. With Boyle’s offensive minded play comes his capability of driving possession of the puck, which will be key when trying to attack the opponent’s defensive zone. Adding Boyle’s gives the Rangers his proficient offensive tactics; however, it will be his defensive minded role that will be critical in trying to help the Rangers get back to the Stanley Cup Finals this season.

5. Mike Cammalleri, Left-Winger - New Jersey Devils

Mike Cammalleri, the 11-year NHL veteran left-winger, signed a 5-year, $25 million contract with the New Jersey Devils over the offseason. Cammalleri is coming off of an impressive season with the Calgary Flames scoring 45 points (26 goals and 19 assists) in his 63 games played. Although new to the team, the left-wing sniper will be playing on the first line with veteran and 2013-2014 Devils scoring leader, Jaromir Jagr, and assistant captain, Travis Zajac. Cammalleri’s presence on the top line will help improve the Devils’ subpar offense that finished 27^th in the NHL averaging 2.40 goals per game. Did the Devils overpay for Cammalleri? Maybe. But, as Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said before the offseason the Devils would be looking for the addition of scoring help on the market. Cammalleri has proved his scoring abilities by scoring 30+ regular season goals multiple times, so if he can catch fire the Devils will no doubt get back into the playoffs after missing them two years in a row.