A look into the top 18 skaters (top 12F and top 6D) of each team.  I took their NHL point totals to see who is in the best shape for next year.  This is a very simple way to look at it, but this would essentially be the “best” scoring roster for each team.  The draft and UFA will move teams up and down, but we can see who needs the least or most amount of help to compete next year.  As Rumpy knows, offense isn’t the only thing you need.  DF isn’t taken into account at all, so if any of these teams need to add DF, they will have to lose scoring.

There were several surprises when it came to who had the most points in their top 18 skaters, Calgary, Dallas, Boston were NOT one of them.  Calgary boasts the most depth and points in their starting lineup.  Not only are their top 12F and top 6D the tops, I am sure that they could make another team with their next 12F and 6D that would be better than the tankers. 

BIGGEST SURPRISES – Mon & Pit

The teams at the top of the list are not surprising and most of them are at the top of standings as we speak, but the fall off by some of the current contenders is staggering.  Stevie’s sim darling Canadiens and Dusty’s Pens are 2^nd and 1^st in their respective divisions right now, but will hit hard times next year without some drastic changes.  Even though Steve says he’s OK, he will be contending for the lottery instead of the Cup.  As for the Pens, you may chalk it up to lack of hockey knowledge, but I think it’s more inexperience.  It will be interesting to see what they end up doing. 

Also, I expected teams that have been in tank mode for several years to start creeping up, but it seems like that gap is still very big.

…and shout out to Rich…16^th in the league, I guess those awesome trades you have made are panning out!