Which of these former teammates is the better own for 2013-13?

The Blackhawks' turn from laughing stock to perennial powerhouse has been something to admire. Obviously they were lucky (and terrible) enough to draft Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, which helped provide them with the core necessary to be a contender year after year but the Blackhawks have also done tremendous job of drafting in the later rounds and in developing those late round picks into competent role-players. Two such players were taken in the same 2004 draft – Bryan Bickell and Troy Brouwer. Neither one is a star on his own but with the right players they can both be extremely productive. Who would you rather own next season?

But generating more shots does not preclude Brouwer from regression. Brouwer scored nearly half of his points on the power play last season. If the Capitals' power play crumbles even a bit, then Brouwer's production will suffer.

There are certainly reasons to believe that the Capitals power play might just do that. For one, it stunk just a year ago with largely the same personnel. A great deal of credit for the turnaround goes to head coach Adam Oates but power play ace Mike Ribeiro also deserves a great deal of credit. Ribeiro is gone via free agency, which could return the Capitals power play to its previously stagnant state. I'm betting on some regression here but not a ton since there is still a lot of talent there in Washington, particularly if Ovechkin's renaissance continues and if they can get a healthy season out of dynamo defenseman Mike Green (don't hold your breath). Also, Martin Erat (acquired at the trade deadline last season) may be able to do a passable impersonation of Ribeiro on the power play.

Ribeiro's absence will also be felt at even strength. Last season the Capitals were able to split up Nicklas Backstrom and Ovechkin because of Ribeiro's presence. With Ribeiro gone and no adequate replacement available it seems likely the two will be re-united. That leaves Brouwer on the second line with Brooks Laich as his likely centerman. That's a serious step backwards.

There is little chance of Brouwer getting bumped onto the top line with Backstrom and Ovechkin because Ovechkin is now a full time right winger. The move to the right side has been credited as the main reason for his resurgence as a dominant player so Oates would be foolish to mess with that. Perhaps Brouwer could be coaxed into playing the left side on that line but that seems unlikely at this point.

Of course, Brouwer did not really produce much more at even strength than he had in the past so perhaps linemates won't matter that much for him. What's more important is that Brouwer continues to see prime power play minutes and there is no reason to believe that that won't continue for him as he has entrenched himself as the net presence on that top power play unit.

Ultimately, I expect some regression for both of these players. They are complimentary pieces who under the right circumstances can be very productive but I don't see a leap taking place where they go from mediocre to better. I would treat both as 40-point players coming into this season and be optimistic for more but if I'm picking (and you bet your ass I am) I'm taking Brouwer because he has a longer track record of seeing the minutes that are needed to be a productive player. That gives Brouwer the upper hand.

Previously in Cage Match:

PA Parenteau vs. Jason Pominville

Dustin Byfuglien vs. Keith Yandle

Jaden Schwartz vs. Vladimir Tarasenko

You can follow Steve on Twitter @stevelaidlaw