Hockey is an unpredictable sport.
Who would’ve predicted that the St. Louis Blues would win the cup when they were dead last in the league on January 2nd, or that Columbus would sweep the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that tied the single season NHL team win record, with 62?
Even though predicting these crazy outcomes is difficult and usually not very accurate, it is still fun to try. That’s why, to celebrate the start of the 2019-2020 season, I give you Puckin’ Around with Johnny’s 5 bold predictions for 2019-2020:
5. Winnipeg trades Patrik Laine
It’s true, this is highly unlikely, but it could pay off for the Jets. They already have the offensive talent between Scheifele, Wheeler, Connor and Kristin Vesalainen, who is expected to make a difference in the coming years, but after the departure of most of their defensive corps, and the loss of their #1 defenceman Dustin Byfuglien (at least until he makes a decision on his future in hockey), there is a gaping wound on defence. If they could get a quality, #1 defenceman in exchange for Laine, it could be worth it.
4. San Jose doesn’t make the playoffs
This one is a VERY bold prediction, but don’t be so convinced the Sharks are surefire picks for the postseason. They lost their captain in Joe Pavelski, and Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic are both over 30, and veterans like Erik Karlsson and Evander Kane aren’t getting any younger. If the younger players such as Timo Meier or Kevin Labanc can step up, and Martin Jones can be a consistent, #1 goaltender, they may have a shot, but that’s a lot of ifs.
3. Brady Tkachuk hits 70 points
It’s true, 45 to 70 is a hefty goal, but for the 6’4”, 212 pound left wing, the sky’s the limit. In his sophomore year, Brady Tkachuk will likely add at least 2 minutes to his average ice time of 16:01 on an Ottawa team with little veteran talent. If he gets to play with centre Colin White, I believe that chemistry will take over and both young’uns will light it up.
2. Sabres make playoffs
The Buffalo Sabres haven’t made the playoffs since the Ryan Miller days, way back in 2011, but expect a change this year. Jack Eichel is bound for a breakout year, and with a year’s experience under his belt, Rasmus Dahlin could become the 1st overall defenceman we’ve all been waiting to see. If both Dahlin and Eichel click, and Jeff Skinner can repeat his production from last year, the Sabres could have a shot.
1. Dallas wins the cup
People aren’t going to like this one, but Dallas has all the pieces to ensure that they are lifting Lord Stanley’s chalice in June. Veteran additions Joe Pavelski and Corey Perry will bring some great experience in the locker room, with 1953 games between them. Young players such as Miro Heiskanen, John Klingberg and Roope Hintz looked good last year, and Jamie Benn is poised for a bounce back season. Tyler Seguin should continue to be solid, and they have 2 reliable, veteran goaltenders in Ben Bishop and Anton Khudobin. Don’t sleep on them this year.
So there you have it, the Puckin’ Around with Johnny’s 5 bold predictions for 2019-2020. Before I end this post, I would like to thank Mitch and Dimitri, the boys from Real Locker Room Talk podcast. They just recently had me on, and we had a ton of fun and we talked some good hockey. They have just recently got onto iTunes, as well as Podbean, so go check them out. What do I know, though. I’m just an eleven-year-old future GM.
Let me know if you agree, disagree, or drop your own bold predictions in the comments. Also, don’t forget to check out my Instagram, @puckinaroundwithjohnny.
Until next time,
Johnny