Age: 30. NHL seasons: 10.
2002-03 Stats: 81-19-34-53, 141 PIM, plus-5.
The concussions are not to blame: Two years ago he had 73 points in 71 games for a bad Rangers' team, so 40 goals/100 points should still be within reach. The New York media consensus is that he abandoned his physical game last year and did not take the initiative in puck battles.
Richard Matvichuk, Defenseman, Dallas Stars
Age: 30. NHL seasons: 11.
2002-03 Stats: 68-1-5-6, 58 PIM, plus-1.
With bedrock defenseman Derian Hatcher gone, Matvichuk must do more of the dirty work, leaning on opposing forwards and making life miserable in front of the Dallas net. He's no Hatcher, but he's as physical as anyone on the new Stars' blue line.
Tim Connolly, Center, Buffalo Sabres
Age: 22. NHL seasons: 4.
2002-03 Stats: 80-12-13-25, 32 PIM, minus-28.
It's not fair to pick on a 22-year-old, but Connolly took a step backwards in his fourth season. He shows flashes of the high-tempo talent that made him a top-five draft pick. But too often, Connolly is easy to miss on the ice, a sign of a player who avoids traffic.
Alexei Yashin, Center, New York Islanders
Age: 29. NHL seasons: 9.
2002-03 Stats: 81-26-39-65, 32 PIM, minus-12.
This is an easy one. To the delight of Ottawa fans, Yash was a mere cipher last winter. For most of the season he was even worse than the final numbers indicate: 12 of his 26 goals came in the final four weeks. Yashin must help salvage some dignity for the poor dopes who gave him a 10-year, $90-million contract in 2001.
Brad Isbister, Right Winger, Edmonton Oilers
Age: 26. NHL seasons: 6.
2002-03 Stats: 66-13-15-28, 43 PIM, minus-9.
Four years ago he scored 22 goals for the Islanders, and looked like a power forward of the future. Now he's on the third team of his short career. The Oilers specialize in salvaging misguided prospects. If Isbister can't make it here...
Brian McCabe, Defenseman, Toronto Maple Leafs
Age: 28. NHL seasons: 8.
2002-03 Stats: 75-6-18-24, 135 PIM, plus-9.
By now, he was supposed to be a dominant defenseman. But a star was not born last season, as McCabe was frequently chastised for dumb plays and dumb penalties. His offensive production tailed off as well. Were the expectations in hockey-mad Toronto unrealistic to begin with?
Marc Savard, Center, Atlanta Thrashers
Age: 26. NHL seasons: 6.
2002-03 Stats: 67-17-33-50, 85 PIM, minus-14.
In Calgary and New York, rave reviews for his talent were matched by persistent questions about his work ethic and attitude. He responded well after a trade to Atlanta, but his third NHL stop could represent a last chance to shake the bad rep.
Paul Kariya, Left Winger, Colorado Avalanche
Age: 28. NHL seasons: 9.
2002-03 Stats: 82-25-56-81, 48 PIM, plus-3.
Kariya rebounded nicely last season with his highest point total since 2000. Then he packed his bags. In Colorado he skates among the NHL's most explosive players, himself and old pal Teemu Selanne included. Kariya is four years removed from his last 100-point season. If he can't get back there this year, he never will.
Todd Marchant, Center, Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 30. NHL seasons: 9.
2002-03 Stats: 77-20-40-60, 40 PIM, plus-13.
A speedy, rabid checker and modest point-producer, Marchant had a perfect niche with the Oilers. Then he put up a career season, just in time for free agency, and Columbus handed him $14.5-million over five years. The Jackets expect progress this year and likely do not expect Marchant to return to his usual 30-40 points.
Dainus Zubrus, Right Wing, Washington Capitals
Age: 25. NHL seasons: 7.
2002-03 Stats: 63-13-22-35, 43 PIM, plus-15.
His 35 points last season were just two more than he recorded six years ago. You wonder if Zubrus might have benefited from another year of junior hockey and a season in the AHL, instead of being rushed into the NHL as a teenager.
