CALDER CANDIDATES
John Tavares, Islanders
The next Sidney Crosby or the next Steven Stamkos (as a much-hyped Canadian rookie)?
Semyon Varlamov, Capitals
Being the No. 1 or 1a goaltender on an elite team is a good start.
Colin Wilson, Predators
Nashville has its replacement for Alexander Radulov.
Nikita Filatov, Blue Jackets
He should be the next Russian offensive dynamo.
Cody Hodgson, Canucks
Has to earn a sweater first but he could be an impact guy.
OFF-THE-RADAR MVP
Vincent Lecavalier, Lightning
Could score 50-plus for one of the league’s most-improved teams.
Rick Nash, Blue Jackets
A full season with Derick Brassard could produce magic.
Ryan Getzlaf, Ducks
Best bet to be a top-three scorer beyond Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin.
Shea Weber, Predators
Most complete young defenseman, and team could surprise.
Dany Heatley, Sharks
Could be the missing link - or the final nail in the coffin?
BREAKOUT STARS
Mikko Koivu, Wild
Already really good — new system could make him great.
Erik Johnson, Blues
Remember him? He could be a top-10 Norris candidate this year.
T.J. Oshie, Blues
He’s already a fan favorite in St. Louis.
Derick Brassard, Blue Jackets
It’s time to take his place among other elite centers in ‘06 draft.
Jack Johnson, Kings
He could have a Dion Phaneuf circa 2005-06 season in him.
TRADE (DEADLINE) BAIT
Ilya Kovalchuk, Thrashers
His team must keep him, but he could be a Cup-winning addition.
Brett Clark, Avalanche
A decent pending unrestricted free agent among a thin group of defensemen.
Martin Biron, Islanders
He was probably a cheap trade chip from the moment he signed.
Doug Weight, Islanders
He could be touted as this year’s Bill Guerin.
Brian Campbell, Blackhawks
Chicago needs to shed the contract - um, good luck with that.
VILLAINS
Sean Avery, Rangers
No explanation needed here.
Chris Pronger, Flyers
Move to Flyers is match made in… opposite of heaven.
Steve Ott, Stars
Same skill set as Avery with fewer off-ice distractions.
Dany Heatley, Sharks
Needs a PR guru pronto and to stop asking for trades.
Alex Ovechkin, Capitals
National media can’t decide if hitting is great or dirty (or both).
Ryan O’Halloran
Eastern Conference: Philadelphia
Western Conference: Chicago
Stanley Cup: Chicago
Hart Trophy: Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh
Calder Trophy: Cody Hodgson, Vancouver
Stephen Whyno
Eastern Conference: Philadelphia
Western Conference: Vancouver
Stanley Cup: Philadelphia
Hart Trophy: Alex Ovechkin, Washington
Calder Trophy: Nikita Filatov, Columbus
Corey Masisak
Eastern Conference: Washington
Western Conference: Chicago
Stanley Cup: Chicago
Hart Trophy: Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay
Calder Trophy: John Tavares, Islanders
Dan Daly
Eastern Conference: Washington
Western Conference: Chicago
Stanley Cup: Washington
Hart Trophy: Alex Ovechkin, Washington
Calder Trophy: John Tavares, Islanders
Ben Goessling
Eastern Conference: Philadelphia
Western Conference: Chicago
Stanley Cup: Philadelphia
Hart Trophy: Alex Ovechkin, Washington
Calder Trophy: Ville Leino, Detroit
