2011-12 NHL WATCHLIST

Here's 25 Players and their story lines we'll be watching in the 2011-12 NHL season.

Peter Loubardias

The obvious one..
SIDNEY CROSBY, PIT - When and if he gets clearance to play.

MIKE RICHARDS, LA - Mike is one of my all time favourites and despite all the stuff out there I think the Kings got themselves a gem.

JAMES REIMER, TOR - How does he deal with being the number 1 goaltender, with big expectations and a new deal?

JEFF CARTER, CBJ - Can Carter find himself in Columbus or did Christopher have a better chance in 1492?

DREW DOUGHTY, LA - Coming off a bit of a rough year, how does he deal with that and becoming a very rich young man?

TIM THOMAS,  BOS - Can the Bruin goaltender do it again after an incredible all world year?

TANGUAY/IGINLA, CAL - Can this Flames duo repeat their magic from last year in Calgary?

RYAN NUGENT-HOPKINS, EDM - Can the young Oilers phenom perform for an entire regular season in the NHL the way he did in the preseason?

CLAUDE GIROUX, PHI - Is the young Flyer forward ready to move into the elite class of the league in Philly? My vote is a resounding yes!

DANY HEATLEY, MIN - Can "Heater" return to his old form in Minnesota?

Chris Cuthbert

JAROMIR JAGR, PHI - Surprised at the Olympics in Vancouver. Can he make that kind of impact for a full season with Philadelphia at age 39?

TOMAS VOKOUN, WAS - A bargain pickup for the Caps. Is he the netminder to put the Caps over the top?

ILYA BRYZGALOV, PHI - Not a bargain for the Flyers. Is he finally the answer to Philly's netminding woes?

MAX PACIORETTY, MTL - Was breaking out as an impact power forward until the Chara hit. Major setback or bump in the road?

MARIAN GABORIK, NYR - I still believe he can be a superstar in the NHL. Does Brad Richards bring that out of him?

EVGENI MALKIN, PIT - Coming back from injury will Malkin return to Art Ross contention?

JEFF SKINNER, CAR - Can the Calder Trophy winner better last season's impressive debut. The preseason suggests he will.

DUSTIN BYFUGLIEN, WPG - Coach Claude Noel says he wants to help Big Buff to be in Norris contention. How committed will Byfuglien be to accomplish that?

COREY PERRY, ANA - A truly remarkable year for the Hart and Richard Trophy winner. Now what does he do for an encore?.

NICKLAS LIDSTROM, DET - I thought I saw some erosion in his game two years ago. I was wrong. Can the Wings win again before time finally catches up with the iconic Swede? And could he win his 8th Norris to tie Bobby Orr's record?

Andrew Walker

THOMAS FLEISCHMANN, FLA - Still convinced Fleischmann has star quality. Can he overcome health problems and bust out with the new look Panthers?

PETER MUELLER, COL - Crosby is the obvious concussion story to watch, but Mueller, a one time first round pick is finally back playing as well.

TEEMU SELANNE, ANA - Its seems ludicrous that anyone would doubt the Finnish Flash but I find it hard to believe we will see a repeat of 80 points at 41 years of age. The Vegas over/under of 52.5 agrees.

PETER SYKORA, NJ - A comeback story not getting enough press. Two years ago he couldn't crack the goal starved Minnesota Wild. Now, at 34, he's back with the New Jersey Devils. Motivation stems from winning a Cup in 2003, but being unable to celebrate after leaving with an injury.

MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF, CAL - Played over 70 games last season. Flames brass is adamant it won't happen again. I'm not convinced.