Hmmmmm....I'll try and be more balanced and err on the side of pessimism, as I'm tired of being the homer around these parts
FORWARDS
X Landy will have his most gifted offensive season, and grab 67 points (29 goals - miss 30 with a bad no call at game 82)
X Mackinnon and Rantanen will shoot the lights out. Mack hitting the tonne, and Rants not far behind
X Kerfoot will surprise everyone, and progress under Bednar, and get 50+ points
X Jost will establish himself as a gritty, scoring Center (and appropriate #2C), and have 2001/2002 Chris Drury season
X The surprise packet will be whoever is on the 2nd line with Kerfoot and Jost. Thinking Andrighetto who has a career year (15 goals)
X Colin Wilson, being a contract year, will come out of the blocks on fire, and will change minds about extending him (in a good way)
X Calvert's grittiness and intensity will shock Avs fans, and he'll become a fan favorite very quickly
X Kamenev will cement himself in our team, and may very well push his way up the lines
X Compher will become one of our best PK'ers, and lines with Calvert and now what is an amazing defense / goals, our PK will end up 3rd overall
X A smokey like Greer may make the roster, and will be amazing
DEFENSE
X What was recently our weakness, will quickly be realized as one of our strengths in a leagues top 10 group
X As others have said, EJ to play 80+ games (the 2 he misses will be an illness, not injury) - he'll be elite
X Cole will (like Calvert) an absolute Godsend, and will become a fan favorite. He'll bring experience / poise
X Zadorov will go to the next level, and establish himself as a true top pair D-man
X Our 2nd pair will be pushing the top pair for big minutes
X With Girard going to shock with his offense (40 points), along with Barrie (50 points), Nemeth's DEFENSE will be more appreciated
GOALS
X I expect Varlamov / Grubauer to have an outstanding year. Possibly best tandem in the league, behind a very strong defense.
X I expect Varlamov to be extended around Christmas
OTHER
X I expect us to finish top 3-6 in the league. 8th in points scored. 3rd in stopping points against. PK, 3rd overall.
X I expect a D-man to be traded for an elite winger
X I expect us to have picks 2, & picks 28 in next seasons draft first round (furthering our strength)
X Makar / Timmins will be chomping at the bit to get into the team, but our defense will be strong, so they may be slowed
X I expect us to get to at LEAST the 2nd round, hopefully the third round of the playoffs
Sorry for the length of the post guys.