Ryan Kennedy runs down the rookies in the NHL, and I can't disagree with him that it seems pretty certain that a former Michigan Wolverines player could end up as the circuit's best newcomer. There are other non-Michigan players that are identified as well, but one of the players I really believe people should keep an eye on is Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson who, for part of the preseason, was playing between Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudeau. If that line stays together, we know Johnson can play from him time wearing Canadian colours at both the World Junior tournaments and the Olympics. Might that turn into a Calder Trophy at the end of the 2022-23 season?
The Top-50 players in the NHL identified by The Hockey News has one McName on top with whom no one will McArgue. Beyond him, though, who would you rank as the top-five players in the NHL? Where do players like Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Igor Shesterkin, Victor Hedman, and Alex Ovechkin rank? Are there surprises? What names may shock you? I can tell you that this top-50 list has all sorts of room for discussion.
Kennedy checks in with a feature on the Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos looking for another Stanley Cup run in '22-23. Ken Campbell has a feature on Jack Eichel looking to revive his career in Vegas. Ian Kennedy has a piece on Toronto's Mitch Marner. Campbell checks in with a solid article all about Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros and taking over from Pekka Rinne as the Nashville starter. Jared Clinton checks in with a piece on Winnipeg's Kyle Connor looking for more goals and more success. Overall, there's some good writing in these articles.
The team reports follow the articles, and I have to say there are some bold predictions in how the standings will look once the regular season winds down. The Stanley Cup Final prediction that The Hockey News makes seems like it could happen, but the teams they picked have always seemed to fall short of expectations in recent years. Might this be the year these two teams put it together before meeting for the Silver Chalice in June?
I always like when The Hockey News includes some weird stuff in their team reviews. They do it again this year in their two sections entitled "Intangibles" and "X-Factor", and there are some great additions to the team reviews in these two small sections. For example, Rob Tychowski wrote the Edmonton Oilers' season preview and his "X-Factor" was Jack Campbell as he wrote, "At his best, Campbell can get them where they need to be. But if he isn't who they think he is, the organization will be thrust into scramble mode." That could apply to the Oilers for the past decade!
I do miss The Hockey News covering some stuff from the minor leagues as they used to include stats from virtually all other leagues in their yearbook, but it seems that's no longer being included. I'd actually appreciate some additional looks at some of the AHL veterans who are likely going to get shots in replacing guys on NHL rosters, but that seems to have been avoided in this publication as well. Step it up, THN, because The Hockey News is more than just "The NHL News".
Overall, another solid entry in The Hockey News' tradition of producing the annual Yearbook. The team reports are why I grab this publication as I always enjoy getting deeper into some of the news about teams I rarely see, and I love seeing the predictions from The Hockey News when it comes to who finishes where. I did enjoy the articles as noted above, but we'll keep an eye on those prognostications as this season rolls on.
Get down to where they sell magazines and pick up your copy of The Hockey News' 2022-23 Yearbook! You'll be ready for the season with the information contained within its covers, and you'll be up to speed with The Hockey News' insights and thoughts on your favorite teams and players!
Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!
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