West's Wish List: Will someone please take Giguere's hefty contract?
Teams can't go shopping on the last weekend before Christmas because of the roster freeze, but they're all still hoping for something from Santa. Here's the wish list.
Anaheim Ducks: A landing spot for Jean-Sebastien Giguere and his cumbersome contract, and a way for Anaheim to turn the clock back a year.
Calgary Flames: More overall consistency from the skaters so goalie Miikka Kiprusoff doesn't have to be the Flames best player virtually every night.
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| Dustin Penner leads the Oilers with 18 goals. The next best scorer on the team has just nine goals. (Getty Images) |
Colorado Avalanche: A division title? It's possible in this season of serious surprises, but a playoff spot would be a pretty good accomplishment in its own right.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Something that could get last season's Rookie of the Year Steve Mason out of his serious sophomore funk.
Dallas Stars: Figuring out a way to get it done in 60 minutes. The Stars have played overtime in 14 games so far, but have won only four.
Detroit Red Wings: A healthy new year. Or at least a healthier one for a team that has had more key injuries than anyone this season, yet has managed to stay above water.
Edmonton Oilers: Another scoring threat to take some of the heat off Dustin Penner. Edmonton has too many players with embarrassing stats.
Los Angeles Kings: Holding up. The young team has stunned everyone by making it to the top. The challenge is staying there when things heat up in the second half.
Minnesota Wild: Recognition that they don't play boring hockey anymore, and an end to the concussion problems that have plagued them.
Nashville Predators: Secondary offense from forwards rather than defensemen, and a playoff spot with a first-round matchup against a Central Division team the Predators play so tough.
Phoenix Coyotes: Ownership stability, and more fans in the stands for a team that has proven to be worthy of support with a remarkable season so far.
St. Louis Blues: A little offense, either at even strength or the power play, and maybe a forward or two to take over the team scoring lead from defenseman Erik Johnson.
San Jose Sharks: Peaking in the playoffs instead of the regular season because everything really is in place for a deep run.
Vancouver Canucks: More contributions from players not named Sedin. The Canucks could use added production from their third and fourth lines.
