Forward could help power Canes

PLUGGING HOLES

As the NHL offseason officially gets underway, Insider is offering a look into the future by marrying new-school stats with old-school savvy.

The writers of Puck Prospectus have crunched their advanced metrics to identify each team's biggest statistical shortcoming and offer a potential solution. ESPN the Magazine Senior Writer E.J. Hradek then provides his perspective, relying on his 20 years covering the NHL to assess potential impact and likelihood.

And keep up with all the offseason buzz with Insider's Rumor Central.

• Plugging the Holes Index

Atlantic Division

• Pittsburgh Penguins
• New York Islanders
• Philadelphia Flyers
• New York Rangers
• New Jersey Devils

Southeast Division

• Washington Capitals
• Carolina Hurricanes
• Florida Panthers
• Atlanta Thrashers
• Tampa Bay Lightning

Northeast Division

• Boston Bruins
• Montreal Canadiens
• Toronto Maple Leafs
• Ottawa Senators
• Buffalo Sabres

Central Division

• Detroit Red Wings
• Chicago Blackhawks
• St. Louis Blues
• Columbus Blue Jackets
• Nashville Predators

Northwest Division

• Vancouver Canucks
• Calgary Flames
• Edmonton Oilers
• Minnesota Wild
• Colorado Avalanche

Pacific Division - June 23

• San Jose Sharks
• Anaheim Ducks
• Los Angeles Kings
• Dallas Stars
• Phoenix Coyotes

Note: For a definition of GVT, click here.