THE NHL HAVE-NOTS

NHL training camp is just around the corner. Which non-playoff teams have made moves during the off-season that will significantly improve their chances? Which teams will languish in mediocrity? It remains to be seen, but here are my observations:

New York Islanders- John Tavares is a step in the right direction, but they have a lot of work to do. PLAYOFFS- NO
Toronto- improved defense, but who`s going to score (Phil Kessel will help, but not enough)? PLAYOFFS- NO
Tampa Bay- made some positive moves on defense, but too much reliance on Lecavalier and St.Louis. PLAYOFFS- NO
Colorado- just not good enough, loss of Sakic will hurt leadership. PLAYOFFS- NO
Atlanta- Kovalchuk and ...........? Need more offense! PLAYOFFS- NO
Los Angeles- continues to build a good foundation of young players, but more experience required. PLAYOFFS- A LONG SHOT
Phoenix- If they ever figure out where they`re going to play, it will be apparent to the fans that this team has far to go to be competitive. PLAYOFFS- NO
Dallas- need more offense. PLAYOFFS- A GOOD SHOT
Ottawa- Kovalev, Michalek, Cheechoo, Leclaire in, Heatley out; jury is still out on the defense   PLAYOFFS- A GOOD SHOT, IF PLAYERS COMPETE TO POTENTIAL
Edmonton- improved goaltending with Khabibulin, need more scoring. PLAYOFFS- A GOOD SHOT
Nashville- no significant improvements. PLAYOFFS- NO
Minnesota- Gaborik out, Havlat in. New team direction, but lacking offense. PLAYOFFS-AN OUTSIDE SHOT
Buffalo- no significant improvement, but decent roster. PLAYOFFS- A GOOD SHOT
Florida- Will have to score by committee. Must play well defensively in front of Tomas Vokoun. Not likely to make playoffs due to lack of depth.

DANY HEATLEY, WHERE ARE YOU!

Dany Heatley, come out from hiding. Your career is hanging in the balance, you need to come forward and clear the air. Either retract your request for a trade and apologize for your poor judgment, or allow the team to trade you and get the best possible value for you. You owe it to your teammates, to the Senators who have graciously paid you a very high salary, and to yourself. Because right now, you look like a spoiled brat who puts himself ahead the team- no teammate will want to play with someone like that, no matter how talented they are.