NHL training camps opened on the weekend as the NHL lockout is officially over. Not every player has returned however as several key players are without contract. The Rangers have resigned Michael Del Zotto, but Montreal's P.K. Subban and Dallas Stars Jamie Benn are still with out contracts. Benn is seeking a multi-year deal worth $5.5 to $6 million per year. Subban and the Habs seem to have agreed on the dollars ($4 million per year) but the Habs are offering a three year deal and Subban is seeking a five year deal. Colorado is reportedly close to signing Ryan O'Reilly.
Scott Gomez is done in Montreal.
THW Fred Poulin reports Scott Gomez Sent Home By The Montreal Canadiens Marc Bergevin said in a press conference on they have sent Gomez home with the intention of buying him out next summer. Gomez will join the Rangers Wade Redden as players being paid over $6 million to stay home and await a buy out.
Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC "Lubo Visnovsky is on his way - not to NHL - but to Prague to play tmrw for Slovan Bratislava. Yes, he is on the bus. Crazy!"
The Islanders have said they will suspend Visnovsky if he is not in camp by 10am Monday (Today)
With less than a week before the season begins, fantasy GM's are frantically making trades trying to get their rosters legal or preparing for fantasy drafts. Here is my list of top ten players primed for a breakout in fantasy points.
10. Martin Hanzal Phoenix Coyotes
Hanzal has been thrust into the first line center position in Phoenix. Hanzal has size at 6'6", 236 Lbs and scored 34 points in 64 games last season. He raised his game in the playoffs for the Coyotes and also provides solid peripheral stats; 239 hits, +/- plus 12, 52.9% on face-offs.
Prediction: 25 points
9. Jakub Voracek Philadelphia Flyers
Voracek has been poised to breakout for years now. I thought last year was his time after being traded away from Columbus. His 49 points in 78 games last season were impressive, but his skill level demonstrates he is capable of more. If he plays first line with Giroux and Hartnell in place for Jagr who is now in Dallas it may be time for Voracek to crack the 60 point mark.
Prediction: 30 points
Boedker stood out in the post-season when he scored two overtime winners and was fourth on team scoring. His 24 points in 82 games is underwhelming, but during the lockout he scored 21 goals in 29 games with Lukko in the SM-Liiga League. His size is sufficient, his defense is excellent and he has speed to burn. Boedker is just beginning to tap into his offensive potential
Prediction: 25 points
7. James Van Riemsdyk Toronto Maple Leafs
The breakout was expected to occur last season for JVR, but injuries limited the former second overall pick to just 43 games where he scored 24 points for the Flyers. Now a Maple Leaf he may find himself playing center between Phil Kessel, and Joffrey Lupul. If he is healthy, the breakout will happen.
Prediction: 25 points
6. Kyle Turris Ottawa Senators
The former third overall selection has had a controversial early career. Turris seemed to improve after every game after being acquired by the Senators last season after a contract hold out in Phoenix. Turris will hold down the Sen's second line center position playing with Daniel Alfredsson and Guillaume Latendresse. After producing 29 points in 55 games last season, look for Turris to make the jump to a 35-40 point range this year.
Prediction: 35 points
5. Jamie Benn Dallas Stars
With the addition of Jaromir Jagr to the Stars roster, GM Joe Nieuwendyke is hoping that Jagr can do for Benn what he did for Claude Giroux last season. First things first, Benn needs a contract before the season starts. Assuming they come to terms look for Benn to flirt with a point per game pace this season.
Prediction: 40 points
4. Oliver Ekman-Larsson Phoenix Coyotes
The third member of the Coyotes on this list is OEL. His performance towards the end of the season and during the playoffs was dominant! He has surpassed Keith Yandle as the clubs number one defenseman. His skill set is off the charts and his hockey IQ has drawn him comparisons to fellow Swede Niklas Lidstrom. OEL is this years Erik Karlsson.
Prediction: 25 points
3. Jordan Staal Carolina Hurricanes
United with his big brother Eric, and out from behind the shadow of Crosby and Malkin, Stall finds himself in a golden opportunity to shine in an offensive role and to play prime time minutes. With an injury to Tuomo Ruutu, Stall will not play with his brother but will center the second line, playing with Alex Semin in all likelihood.
Prediction: 40 points
It is hard to think that Seguin didn't already have his breakout last season after he jumped up to 67 points. But there is clearly more and I believe up to a 100 point season. During the lockout he scored 40 points in 29 games in the Swiss League, and played in the Spengler Cup for Canada. He is at least a point per game player.
Prediction: 50 points
1. Jordan Eberle Edmonton Oilers
Eberle was a standout playing in the AHL for Oklahoma City scoring 25 goals and 51 points in only 34 games, that is 1.5 points per game! The Oilers are going to score a lot of goals with the young guns they posses after having the first overall draft pick three years in a row and the addition of Justin Schultz as a free agent. Eberle is a natural goal scorer surrounded by elite skill and talent.
Prediction: 50 points
For more fantasy breakout lists check out THW's Santino Fasulo's article NHL Fantasy Hockey : 10 Potential Breakout Candidates
Also here is my Hockey Writers article on prospects poised to finally break into the NHL after paying their dues in minors, Welcome to the NHL – Top Ten Players to Watch For.
Fantasy Hockey Coach writer Aaron Brouwer shares his thoughts on 10 Players to Watch From the West and our newest Blogger carrboy19 lists his 2013 Breakout Candidates in his latest blog.
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