Elliott always split time in his five years with the Blues, never starting more than 45 games in a single year, but that will likely change this year. Elliott is now the Flames’ No.1 and should start close to 55-to-60 games. In the last five years, he has gone 164-104-46 while ranking first in the NHL in GAA (2.01) and second in SV% (.925). He draws a tough assignment on opening night, vs. Connor McDavid and an improved Oilers squad.
Kucherov burst onto the fantasy scene as a member of “The Triplets” line, only to improve on his numbers in 2015-16. Kucherov is coming off of 66 points (30G / 36A) in 77 games and has the potential to be a 70-plus point player who makes under $5 million per year. That’s unheard of.
Glendening, 27, is coming off of the best offensive year of his brief career, having picked up 21 points (8G / 13A) in 81 games. He has only missed one game over the last two years and led Red Wings forwards in face-off percentage and shorthanded time on ice last season. It appears Glendening will be the Red Wings’ fourth line centre for the next five seasons.
Vasilevskiy, 21, was the 19th overall pick in 2012 and is ready for his first full NHL season in 2016-17. He was 11-10-0 with a 2.76 GAA and .910 SV% in 24 games with the Lightning and 7-4-1 with a 1.94 GAA and .935 SV% in 12 starts with Syracuse (AHL). Vasilevskiy enters the season as Ben Bishop’s backup, but he is the future of the Lightning’s net.
Hedman is heading into his final year of a five-year, $20 million dollar deal, but was extended through the 2024-25 season. The former second overall pick is coming off of another great season, where he scored double-digit goals (10) for the third straight season and posted 40-plus points (47) for the second time in his career. He has developed into one of the top defensemen in the NHL and now he is getting paid like one.