5 players who will benefit most from their club's offseason moves
While the dog days of summer might have clouded some of our memories, this offseason has seen a lot of movement among players.
Free agency and trades get hockey fans excited about what could be, but players also get giddy about the idea of who they might have the opportunity play alongside as the new season approaches.
While many players will certainly benefit from a change of scenery, many NHLers will also find the additions made by their respective general managers to be a blessing.
Here are five players who should benefit most by their team's wheeling and dealing this summer:
John Tavares
The 2016-17 season on paper was John Tavares' least productive season since his rookie campaign in 2010.
The 26-year-old tallied 66 points in 77 games while playing alongside Anders Lee and Josh Bailey. However, the newly-acquired Jordan Eberle should slot in on Tavares' right wing next season.
Bailey collected a career-high 56 points in 2016-17, while Eberle tallied 51 in a down year. Over the course of their careers, Eberle has been the better offensive option (averaging 25 goals per season) and this past season he also had a better shooting percentage than that of Bailey.
Tavares and Eberle made magic as teammates at the world juniors back in 2009 and the Islanders captain should benefit from the reunion.
Alexander Wennberg
Alex Wennberg took a big step forward last season, tallying 59 points in 80 games. The addition of Artemi Panarin, however, should result in a spike in Wennberg's production.
The Columbus Blue Jackets swung a deal to acquire the former Chicago Blackhawks sniper this offseason and Wennberg should reap the benefits because of it. Having proven to be an elite set-up man, Wennberg should pad his stats now that Panarin will be at his side to finish things off.
Nick Foligno had a strong season tallying 26 goals and 51 points, but let's be honest, he doesn't have the same kind of release and goal-scoring ability as Panarin.
Wennberg might not be up to Patrick Kane's level, but he and Panarin should still form a formidable pair.
Max Domi
He might not be an elite No. 1 center, but Derek Stepan will certainly be an upgrade for Max Domi.
The Arizona Coyotes forward played the majority of the 2016-17 season with rookie Christian Dvorak, with Domi tallying just nine goals and 38 points after being limited to 59 games due to injury.
Alongside Stepan, Domi will be able to play with a seasoned centerman who has been a consistent producer. A player of Stepan's ilk should only help Domi to further develop into a solid offensive winger.
Jonathan Toews
While the Panarin-Brandon Saad trade might appear to be a win for the Blue Jackets, it shouldn't necessarily come without benefit for the Blackhawks.
The deal is likely to reunite Saad with Jonathan Toews, which should be good news for Toews.
Toews has had back-to-back 58-point seasons since Saad was dealt to the Blue Jackets, both down years for the Blachhawks captain. In the previous three seasons he totaled 182 points in 204 games while playing with Saad.
Toews never fully got into a groove last season, with several different players patrolling the left flank on his line. More consistency and a return to familiarity should help get Toews back to his career highs.
Auston Matthews
Auston Matthews had an impeccable rookie campaign, but with veteran Patrick Marleau at his side, he should be set to best his 2017 totals.
During the 2016-17 season, Matthews played with left winger Zach Hyman more than any other teammate. The fellow rookie had an admirable season, but one thing is certain, his offensive talents don't compare to that of Marleau's.
Marleau tallied 17 more goals than Hyman's 10 last season, while converting on 14.2 percent of his shots compared to Matthews' counterpart who boasted a shooting percentage of just 6.4.
Playing alongside a winger who can capitalize on opportunities on a more consistent basis and one with speed and a stronger knowledge of the game should only help Matthews continue to thrive.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)