First, NHL 2004 demo by EAsports was released today
Link:
http://www.easports.com
Vancouver Canucks have signed Magnus Arvedson. He should add more depth and speed to the second line and ease some pressure off of the bert/naslund/morrison line. Jiri Slegr is with the canucks now so that fills in Murray Baron's shoes. Johan Hedberg has been brought in so the canucks have some more depth in the back up goalie position. And last, Darren Langdon is with the canucks. I think the canucks are a much better team this year and have an extremely good chance of being #1 in the western conference. full roster can be found
here.
ps. Canucks new jersey
Detroit has some goalie issues to work out with cujo
. I'm sure they're trying to get rid of him but with his no trade contract it's going to be tough. Colorado is still a viable option if they can get an agreement going. I think Hasek can carry the team through the playoffs. He might not be at his 100% until the second quarter of the season but he's better than cujo's broken ankle. Probably better than cujo with a good ankle. Losing Federov is probably bitter sweet. He's got the talent, but was a drag also. Hatcher is going to be good for Detroits def.
detroits roster can be found
here.
Colorado is looking kind of scary. They've brought in some great guys and have a great chance for #1. Abeeshier(sp?) imo isn't a number 1 goalie. I think Teemu Selanne and Paul along with Sakic, Forsberg and Hejduk are going to make the most potent offense in the league. If they get their goalie stuff worked out...possible stanley cup just as long as another minnesota wild or mighty ducks don't come along.
team roster can be found
here.
I don't see Dallas as being quite as dangerous this season. The other elite teams in the western conference have all become even better...I don't think Dallas has.
team roster
here.
I can see Minnesota continuing to improve greatly. They have great management/coaching. Gaborik just might be a 50 man some day.
roster can be found
here.
Edmonton. Edmonton is a playoff team. They're going to do good this season. Calgary. Calgary as of now isn't a playoff team, or even close to being a playoff team. I love them, but it's going to be atleast 2 seasons before they have a chance at getting back in...unless a mariacle happens in their organization.
As for eastern teams. I don't see Toronto doing as good this year. I foresee them not making anything above 7th place in the east. Ottawa has improved their power a bit and New Jersey has signed the oldest in the league, Igor Larionov.
Anyone have more roster update info about the eastern teams, feel free to add.