CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Brandon Dubinsky ($3.750m) / Brad Richards ($6.666m) / Marian Gaborik ($7.500m)
Derek Stepan ($0.875m) / Artem Anisimov ($1.875m) / Ryan Callahan ($3.500m)
Brett MacLean ($2.275m) / Brian Boyle ($1.700m) / Martin Hanzal ($1.800m)
Ruslan Fedotenko ($1.400m) / Michael Rupp ($1.500m) / Brandon Prust ($0.800m)
Dale Weise ($0.605m)
DEFENSEMEN
Marc Staal ($3.975m) / Daniel Girardi ($3.325m)
Ryan McDonagh ($1.300m) / Mike Sauer ($1.250m)
Chris Campoli ($0.500m) / Nick Schultz ($3.500m)
Tim Erixon ($1.750m)
GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist ($6.875m) / Martin Biron ($0.875m)
BUYOUTS: Chris Drury ($3.716m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $67,400,000; CAP PAYROLL: $61,313,334; BONUSES: $1,275,000
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $6,086,666
The First Line is one of the best in the business. Brad Richards is paired with an elite sniper in Marian Gaborik, who, with Richards help, will likely eclipse 40 goals. Richards himself will pot at least 25 and Dubinsky's ability to grind it out and score around 25 goals will also help. Expect big things from this line.
The second line is the perfect homegrown line. Anisimov and Stepan are both coming off 45 point seasons and will only continue to grow. 20 goals for each of them is almost a sure bet. Callahan was on pace for 30 goals and 65 points before his injuries plagued him last season. This line can carry the load and out-work everyone they are paired against.
The third line consists of three BIG forwards who will just wear everybody down. Boyle is coming off a 21 goal campaign and Hanzal eclipsed 15 last year. Brett MacLean's performance remains to be seen, but given his success in the AHL, we feel he will do just fine.
The fourth line has to be the best in the league. Brandon Prust is capable of 15 goals as is Ruslan Fedotenko. Mike Rupp is a tough guy who can also wear down the opponent. All three make a line that has skill, speed, toughness, and grit. Watch out for this line. They are essentially Line 3b.
The defense is anchored by Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, two of the most under-rated players in the game. They do it all, hit, block shots, shut-down superstars, and can score the odd goal. Sauer and McDonagh were unbelieveable last season, and for those who watched regularly, they were pretty close to being a 1b shutdown pair. If they can improve, we are set. Campoli, Schultz and Erixon are all strong enough defensively to get by as well and round out an improved defensive corps.
In between the pipes, King Henrik and Marty Biron are the best 1-2 punch in the NHL. Not much needs to be said, just look at their stats.
VOTE #1