Petr Sykora

Sykora came on strong in the second half of 2007-08. After totaling 20 points in his first 37 games, Sykora came on with 43 points in his final 44 games. He's got a spot with Evgeni Malkin on the top two lines and should produce another season like last year's.

Sykora will be given a chance to be paired with Sidney Crosby heading into training camp. Whether he takes advantage of the opportunity remains to be seen. The winger has scored at least 48 points in each of his last nine seasons, playing in at least 73 games over that time. Look for Sykora to score 30 goals with Pittsburgh for the first time since 2002-03.

Has scored 20 or more goals in seven straight seasons, and we see no reason why he won't make it eight in 2006-07. Unless Edmonton finds a power play quarterback for the blue line during training camp, Sykora will likely man the point with the man-advantage this year.

He may never return to the 81-point performance he posted in 2000-01, but Sykora is still a striker from any place on the ice and possesses one of the heavier shots in the league. Sykora posted 23/29/52 in 81 games in 2003-04, so we're confident that a return to the 60-point level isn't asking too much. And despite the low point total, Sykora was second on the team in goals, third in points and first in shots on goal. The problem the last few seasons with Sykora has been slow starts. If he can manage just a decent start, Sykora could be in store for a great campaign -- especially if Carlyle lets him play his style of game and gives him some decent linemates. Sykora's just 28, so he should have a handful of good/decent seasons left in him. Sykora is in the last year of his contract; so don't be surprised to see a great season from him.