The news came down on Monday that Oscar Klefbom would miss the entire 2021 campaign. For reference, I'm no longer calling it the 2020-21 season because I believe in semantics.

This is, obviously, a massive hit to a blueline that could ill afford to take such a punch. If there was ever any question regarding Tyson Barrie's offensive role on the club, the answer is clear now. However, I present to you one other potential outcome.

Evan Bouchard.

Seriously, people, Bouchard is the guy I would want working the puck around on that Oilers top power play. He oozes offensive instincts. He owns the type of howitzer that would make Al Iafrate nod knowingly. His 36 points in 54 AHL games as a rookie last season speak to those skills.

This year, he's been hanging out in the Swedish second division and doing his thing with six goals and 17 points in 23 games. That sits third for defenders with a couple of vets ahead of him.

Here's a look at how Bouchard compares to Dougie Hamilton courtesy of Byron Bader's Hockeyprospecting model.

I've heard the whispers that the Oilers prefer Philip Broberg to Bouchard long term. Broberg is fast. Bouchard is not. Neither are tremendous defenders but I'd give the edge to the former London Knights captain. When it comes to intelligence and offensive creation, it's a no brainer to Bouchard as well.

With the expanded rosters, coupled with the Klefbom news, I think we see Bouchard get his chance this season. He's coming in with a half-season of play under his belt. He'll be hot and ready like a Little Caesars pizza at camp.

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Show-me contract for Mikael Granlund. This seems like a layup for the Preds who gave up Kevin Fiala who was on the precipice of stardom for the Finnish forward. I expect Granlund to have a decent season so he can parlay that into a long-term deal somewhere.

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After some arm wrenching, I've been working on my annual player point projections. It's always a fun exercise in futility that I've been fortunate enough to find some good fortune and end up fairly close at the end of the day.

When considering the top finishers in this truncated '21 season, I have Auston Matthews taking home his first Rocket. The top even-strength scorer of this generation is ready to explode. But if you're looking for finishers who are ready to hit another high note, take a long look at Jake Guentzel and Kyle Connor.

I see the 26-year-old Guentzel in his absolute prime. He's had plenty of time off to fully recover from the injury that cut his 2019-20 short while on pace for 42 goals and 90 points. This could be one of the final big seasons from both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

I like him to pop and challenge for a 50-goal pace. 

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As for Connor, he's not even at his pinnacle yet. But he's ready to take it up a notch. Bam! 

The Jets winger scored at a 44-goal pace last season as a 23-year-old. His year-to-year numbers are an exception, not the rule. He's witnessed his goal, point, shot and deployment totals increase in each of his four NHL seasons. All the while maintaining a ridiculous 15-16 percent conversion rate.

He's done this while not banking a bushel of power-play points either. With him and Patrik Laine looking ready to amp it up a bit, and the return of the pure passing, Paul Statsny things could be in the works for a team uptick in PP effectiveness.

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If you’re looking for some other projections, be sure to check out former DobberHockey Managing Editor, Steve Laidlaws picks. He always does a terrific job on these. And they’re free! 

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The Devils made history as the first club to greenlight advertisements on their players. A few teams quickly followed suit and likely the rest will fall in line as well.

As we know, the Euro world has long embraced this, often with players so littered in adverts that you have to really focus to find the name and number. Personally, I love it. Go get that cheddar anyway you can – especially in a situation where revenue is going to smash holes in every owner's pockets.

But what I really want to see is progressive businesses and industries featured. Use the reach to help companies who are trying to make a difference. Keep the JP Morgan and Exxon stickers outta here.

Sure, that’s not how the free market works, nor is it how the NHL operates, but one can dream, right?

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The Lightning has inked Erik Cernak to a steal of a deal.

This kid is 23, played over 20 minutes a night on route to a Cup Championship. He’s 6’3, 230lbs and plays like it. On the right side to boot! The fact that no one sent an offer sheet to him (or convinced him to sign one anyway) is just another example in a long list that dispels the notion that offer sheets are even a consideration for most GMs.

It’s a shame too because it could be a very valuable weapon.

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The Panthers signed goaltender, Sam Montembeault to a one-year, two-way deal on Tuesday. Montembeault will challenge Chris Driedger for the backup role in the bubble, but with clubs rolling with three netminders this season, expect both to see starts.

Florida's back-up situation is of interest because Driedger vastly outplayed Sergei Bobrovsky in his 12 contests a year ago. Ditto in comparison to Montembeault.

I've been saying for some time that I'm expecting a bounceback from Bob. The transition to a new team can take some adjusting. The two-time Vezina winner didn't just forget how to stop the puck due to an overabundance of Vitamin D in south Florida. However, he has turned 32 and that's when the explosive, elasticity of some of these guys goes away.

Yes, the contract will keep him coming back to the starter's net even if he does continue to slide, but this weird short season will mean we likely see all three and if one gets hot and the Panthers are in the playoff mix, then they could ride the hot hand.

Targetting Driedger or Montembeault in a depth role could be prudent for larger roster leagues.

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Speaking of the Panthers’ crease, I’m fully expecting Spencer Knight to be the top goaltender at the WJC starting on Friday. The 19-year-old has been unconscious at Boston College this year. He’s been there twice before and tasted defeat, now it’s time for him to lead the Americans to victory.

He’ll be coming out of college this spring so get ready for the debates to rage on whether the future is now or still a way out (I’ll venture he has some AHL time coming).

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Hockey_Robinson