THW’s Big Lists Revisited: Comeback Candidates

• THW’s Big Lists Original: Comeback
• THW’s Big Lists Original: Busts
• THW’s Big Lists Original: Breakout
• THW’s Big Lists Original: Rookie Sleepers

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• THW’s Big Lists Revisited: Busts
• THW’s Big Lists Revisited: Breakout
• THW’s Big Lists Revisited: Rookie Sleepers

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This is the third of a four-part series reflecting on the Big Lists that I posted in early September to preview the 2014-15 NHL season.

The Comeback candidates were fun to compile because so many quality players were coming off poor or injury-plagued campaigns in 2013-14. Teams were also inking plenty of high-risk, high-reward players to one-year “prove it” contracts that could have went either way.

I managed to come up with 109 Comeback candidates — making it the second-biggest list behind only Breakout — and I’ve since narrowed it down to 30 players with drastically different results.

Big Success

Devan Dubnyk (G Arizona/Minnesota)

Playoff Stats: 10 GP-.908 Save %-2.53 GAA

Regular Season Stats: 58 GP-.926 Save %-2.25 GAA

Last Season Stats: 34 GP-.872 Save %-3.86 GAA

Then: Last year couldn’t have went any worse for him, bombing out in Edmonton, then failing to find a home in Nashville or Montreal. But Arizona could be much kinder to Dubnyk and he’s paired with Mike Smith in the past at world championships, so I think he could re-establish himself as an NHL goaltender in 2014-15.

Now: Not only did Dubnyk re-establish himself as an NHL goaltender, he was named a Vezina finalist as one of the league’s top three netminders. It was an incredible comeback, stealing starts from a struggling Smith before getting traded to Minnesota where he posted the league’s best stats in 2015 with a .936 save percentage and 1.78 goals-against average in 39 appearances. Dubnyk also backstopped the Wild to the second round of playoffs, proving his regular-season heroics were no fluke. But can he keep it going next season or does he belong on the Bust list? Dubnyk is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and he’s going to get paid — and get some job security — be it with Minnesota or one of several other teams looking to shore up their goaltending. Who would have thought in September, that Dubnyk would be a wanted man and the potential solution to a team’s woes between the pipes? Talk about a stunning turnaround.

Pekka Rinne (G Nashville)

Playoff Stats: 6GP -.909 Save %-2.68 GAA

Regular Season Stats: 64 GP-.923 Save %-2.18 GAA

Last Season Stats: 24 GP-.902 Save %-2.77 GAA

Then: He’s a top 10 goaltender in the league when healthy, and his performance for Finland at the world championship this spring indicates that is finally the case again, having recovered from hip surgery and a related infection. Rinne is Nashville’s key to a playoff push, even more so than captain Shea Weber.

Now: Rinne is also a Vezina finalist, albeit less shocking in the sense that he’s always had that elite ability but had been dogged by a bad hip the previous season. Rinne was definitely Nashville’s team MVP this season, appearing in 40 more games than 2013-14 and leading the Predators back into the playoffs where they lost a hard-fought, first-round series to the eventual champion Chicago Blackhawks. If Rinne can stay healthy, which hadn’t been a problem in his career aside from that one year, he should continue to stand tall for Nashville next season.

Rick Nash (F N.Y. Rangers)

Playoff Stats: 19 GP-5 G-9 A-14 PTS

Regular Season Stats: 79 GP-42 G-27 A-69 PTS

Last Season Stats: 65 GP-26 G-13 A-39 PTS

Then: His playoff performance was pretty putrid (3 goals and 10 points in 25 games), but I wouldn’t write off Nash. He just turned 30 and is typically good for 30 goals and 65 points minimum. I think he’ll be in that range again for 2014-15 after recording 26 goals and 39 points in 65 games for 2013-14.

Now: Nash bounced back in a big way, scoring a career-high 42 goals in the regular season despite struggling at times again in the post-season. The former first overall pick has always had the goal-scorer’s touch and it was foolish to doubt his Comeback ability entering this season. Nash certainly silenced those critics.

Henrik and Daniel Sedin (F Vancouver)

Playoff Stats: 6 GP-1 G-3 A-4 PTS/6 GP-2 G-2 A-4 PTS

Regular Season Stats: 82 GP-18 G-55 A-73 PTS/82 GP-20 G-56 A-76 PTS

Last Season Stats: 70 GP-11 G-39 A-50 PTS/73 GP-16 G-31 A-47 PTS

Then: Torts and the twins didn’t jive from Day 1 despite the Sedins trying to be troopers by blocking shots and killing penalties. Their offence suffered though, only combining for 97 points, a total they have each achieved individually in years past with career highs of 112 (Henrik) and 104 (Daniel). It’s doubtful they ever hit triple-digits again, but there’s no reason the Sedins couldn’t get close to a point-a-game in 2014-15, between 75 and 85 points each under new coach Willie Desjardins.

Now: The Sedins both finished in the top 15 in league scoring and enjoyed resurgences under Desjardins, whose coaching style jived better from Day 1. Henrik, the team captain, and Daniel, his wingman, will continue to lead Vancouver offensively next season, but they will be turning 35 in September and will soon start to slow down regardless of the coach.

Michael Del Zotto (D Philadelphia)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 64 GP-10 G-22 A-32 PTS

Last Season Stats: 67 GP-3 G-13 A-16 PTS

Then: One man’s loss is another man’s gain in this case, as Kimmo Timonen’s health scare and uncertain future due to blood clots forced the Flyers to sign Del Zotto. He’s only 24 and had a 40-point season two years ago, so this seems like a low-risk, high-reward move that could have other GMs kicking themselves for not making Del Zotto the same offer sooner.

Now: Del Zotto doubled his offensive production and became a key player for Philadelphia as the season progressed. But the Flyers have yet to extend Del Zotto and he’ll become an unrestricted free agent again on July 1 if they don’t come to terms in the near future. It’ll be interesting to see what Del Zotto’s next contract looks like and whether he’ll be able to live up to it. Today is his 25th birthday, so Del Zotto’s best days might still be coming, but it could go either way with him.

Roberto Luongo (G Florida)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 61 GP-.921 Save %-2.35 GAA

Last Season Stats: 56 GP-.921 Save %-2.42 GAA

Then: He’s back where he wanted to be and should be back to being a clear-cut No. 1 ahead of Al Montoya and Dan Ellis. The Panthers could surprise this season, perhaps even be the 2014-15 version of Colorado, and Luongo would be a big part of that turnaround if it comes to fruition.

Now: The Panthers were in the playoff hunt until the final week of the regular season and it was thanks largely to Luongo, who had an all-star season. That he was named to the All-Star Game speaks volumes about Luongo’s impact on Florida’s success and the Panthers definitely appear to be a team on the rise. Luongo is 36 years old, but he should have a couple good years left.

Scott Hartnell (F Columbus)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 77 GP-28 G-32 A-60 PTS

Last Season Stats: 78 GP-20 G-32 A-52 PTS

Then: He was a good fit in Philadelphia, but could be an even better fit in Columbus alongside Ryan Johansen or Brandon Dubinsky. He started slow and played through injuries in 2013-14 but still finished with 20 goals, 52 points and 103 penalty minutes in 78 games. He should be closer to 30 goals and 60 points in 2014-15.

Now: Hartnell was a great fit in Columbus and was one of the team’s only forwards to stay healthy this season. He managed to score 28 goals with a revolving door of linemates, so Hartnell could see his numbers increase again next season if the Blue Jackets can avoid the injury bug and develop some solid chemistry up front. Expect a slight increase, something like 30 goals and 65 points.

Steve Downie (F Pittsburgh)

Playoff Stats: 5 GP-0 G-2 A-2 PTS

Regular Season Stats: 72 GP-14 G-14 A-28 PTS

Last Season Stats: 62 GP-4 G-20 A-24 PTS

Then: Reunited with Penguins assistant coach Rick Tocchet, Downie could get back to his 20-goal, 45-point, 200-penalty minute range, especially if he ends up on a line with Crosby or Malkin. He’s 27 so if he’s healthy, he’s a strong candidate for significant improvement.

Now: Downie was great early on, flanking Sidney Crosby to start the season, but he eventually dropped down the depth chart and his offence subsequently tailed off. Downie did lead the league in penalty minutes by a significant margin with 238, getting back to his effective antagonistic ways and rarely crossing the line this season. Can he duplicate all that next season or does he belong on the potential Bust list? That’s a tough call. It remains to be seen whether Pittsburgh will sign him again.

Tyler Myers (D Buffalo/Winnipeg)

Playoff Stats: 4 GP-1 G-0 A-1 PTS

Regular Season Stats: 71 GP-7 G-21 A-28 PTS

Last Season Stats: 62 GP-9 G-13 A-22 PTS

Then: The Sabres haven’t traded him yet and he did show signs of improvement towards the end of 2013-14. He has the size you can’t teach and skates extremely well for a big man, so there’s still reason for optimism.

Now: Statistically speaking, Myers didn’t improve all that much, but those paying closer attention noted significant strides in his all-around game, both in Buffalo and later in Winnipeg after he was traded in a blockbuster for Evander Kane. Myers is on the right track again and should be up in that 40-point range next season.

Alex Tanguay (F Colorado)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 80 GP-22 G-33 A- 55 PTS

Last Season Stats: 16 GP-4 G-7 A-11 PTS

Then: Some of his best years were with Colorado, but 2013-14 wasn’t among them due to injuries and ultimately hip surgery. Tanguay only had 4 goals and 11 points in 16 games, but that small sample size equates to 20 goals and 56 points, so that sounds about right for 2014-15. He could easily top 60 or maybe even 70 points, especially being reunited with Jarome Iginla who helped Tanguay become a point-per-game player in Calgary (81 points in 81 games) in 2006-07.

Now: Tanguay achieved those pro-rated marks and managed to stay healthy this season. He’ll continue to be a top-six forward for Colorado going forward and should continue to be in that 20-goal, 60-point range.

Blake Comeau (F Pittsburgh)

Playoff Stats: 5 GP-1 G-0 A-1 PTS

Regular Season Stats: 61 GP-16 G-15 A-31 PTS

Last Season Stats: 61 GP-5 G-11 A-16 PTS

Then: This seems like a good opportunity for him with the Penguins overhauling their bottom-six forwards. If the 28-year-old ends up on a line with Brandon Sutter and Nick Spaling or even Steve Downie by chance, then Comeau could kickstart his career again. His best year was 2010-11 with the Islanders, netting 24 goals and 46 points in 77 games, but 15 goals and 30 points would be welcomed by Pittsburgh for 2014-15.

Now: Comeau came a point shy of doubling his totals from 2013-14 and more than tripled his goal output while playing alongside Evgeni Malkin for much of the season. Comeau finished off on a checking line with Brandon Sutter and will probably start next season in that spot assuming the Penguins bring him back.

Jonas Hiller (G Calgary)

Playoff Stats: 7 GP-.919 Save %-2.61 GAA

Regular Season Stats: 52 GP-.918 Save %-2.36 GAA

Last Season Stats: 50 GP-.911 Save %-2.48 GAA

Then: He needed this fresh start and although he’s going from a top team in Anaheim to a projected bottom team in Calgary, Hiller will be out to prove he’s still a top 20 goalie in the league.

Now: Hiller and the Flames exceeded expectations by surprisingly making the playoffs and advancing to the second round where they lost out to his former team, the Anaheim Ducks. Hiller was solid for Calgary all season and should enter next season as the starter there, but he’ll be pushed by rookie Joni Ortio and there is still a chance that the Flames re-sign Karri Ramo before he becomes a free agent on July 1.

Derek Roy (F Nashville/Edmonton)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 72 GP-12 G-20 A-32 PTS

Last Season Stats: 75 GP-9 G-28 A-37 PTS

Then: He joined the Gary Roberts fitness program this summer and obviously understands the importance of 2014-15 on a personal level. At 31, he could still turn the corner in a positive way. New Nashville teammate Mike Ribeiro is in the same boat at 34 and is another candidate for drastic improvement, but I think Roy would be considered more surprising if he rediscovers his offensive game.

Now: Ribeiro had the much better season between the two, centering Nashville’s top line and producing 62 points, but Roy’s comeback came mid-season following a trade to Edmonton. Roy didn’t have a scoring role in Nashville and was often a healthy scratch, but the Oilers gave him an opportunity alongside former first overall pick Nail Yakupov and they clicked. That instant chemistry resulted in 11 goals and 22 points in 46 games, which pro-rates to 20 goals and 39 points and translates into a solid showing. Roy is a free agent again this summer and it’s no certainty that Edmonton will bring him back — in fact it’s sounding more like a long-shot, so who knows what the future will hold for him.

Luca Sbisa (D Vancouver)

Playoff Stats: 6 GP-1 G-1 A-2 PTS

Regular Season Stats: 76 GP-3 G-8 A-11 PTS

Last Season Stats: 30 GP-1 G-5 A-6 PTS

Then: This is a good situation for him in Vancouver, even if he’s somewhat expected to fill the skates of Jason Garrison. His new coach will be familiar with him from their Medicine Hat-Lethbridge rivalry in the WHL, back when Sbisa was a top prospect and former first-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers. His best season was 2011-12 with Anaheim when he had 5 goals and 24 points in 80 games, but Sbisa has been slowed by injuries ever since and was limited to just 1 goal and 6 points in 30 games with the Ducks in 2013-14. If he can manage to stay healthy, Sbisa should be closer to 20 points than 10 in 2014-15.

Now: Sbisa took a step forward in Vancouver by staying healthy and logging top-four minutes, but he was still prone to mistakes and didn’t put up a ton of points. He’s a guy that you have to take the good with the bad, and the Canucks obviously realize that. Vancouver liked the good enough to extend Sbisa for three more years at an annual cap hit of $3.6 million.

Jordin Tootoo (F free agent/New Jersey)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 68 GP-10 G-5 A-15 PTS

Last Season Stats: 11 GP-0 G-1 A-1 PTS

Then: He’s had some off-ice demons to deal with, but it appears those problems are behind him despite being bought out by Detroit. He’ll probably get a training camp invite and a chance to prove he’s still worthy of an NHL contract, which I think he will earn, but Tootoo shouldn’t be counted on for more than 20 points and 100 penalty minutes in 2014-15.

Now: Tootoo was impressive in his role for the Devils, making the team off a training-camp tryout and chipping in offensively in addition to being a scrappy energy player. New Jersey rewarded Tootoo with another one-year contract worth $825,000, but he’ll need to start from scratch with new coach John Hynes.

Big Fail

Nathan Horton (F Columbus/Toronto)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: NA

Last Season Stats: 35 GP-5 G-14 A-19 PTS

Then: Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen recently said they expect to see the player who helped Boston win a Stanley Cup and make it back to the final in recent years. If that Horton comes to play and stays healthy in 2014-15, then I’d expect 30 goals and 60 points.

Now: Horton didn’t play a single game this season and his career may be over because of a chronic back problem. There have been no signs of progress and he’s nowhere near skating again despite getting traded to his boyhood team in Toronto. Disappointing to say the least, especially since I had him as my No. 1 Comeback candidate.

Mike Richards (F Los Angeles)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 53 GP-5 G-11 A-16 PTS

Last Season Stats: 82 GP-11 G-30 A-41 PTS

Then: He dodged the buyout bullet, but the Kings only kept him based on a commitment to off-season training. Providing Richards follows through on that front, he could anchor a third scoring line for the Kings behind Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter. Richards has 6 years remaining on his contract and will earn $7 million in 2014-15, so the 29-year-old needs to put up 50-plus points again.

Now: Richards was an anchor alright, sinking to a new low and getting demoted to the minors. His contract is an albatross that the Kings are currently trying to trade again, but it may ultimately end up in a buyout this summer.

Dany Heatley (F Anaheim/Florida)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 6 GP-0 G-0 A-0 PTS

Last Season Stats: 76 GP-12 G-16 A-28 PTS

Then: Bruce Boudreau plans to start Heatley alongside Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. It doesn’t get any better than that for linemates and opportunity. There’s some familiarity between them from winning gold together at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Most feel Heatley’s lost a step, but in reality he’s only 33 and if fully healthy, this could be a new beginning rather than the end.

Now: Heatley got hurt in training camp and lost that spot on Anaheim’s top line. When he was healthy, he looked out of place there and was sent down to the AHL where he floundered without much success (8 goals and 20 points in 43 games). Heatley was traded to Florida at the deadline, but the Panthers had no intention of calling him up and the latest reports have Heatley headed to the KHL next season.

Martin Havlat (F New Jersey)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 40 GP-5 G-9 A-14 PTS

Last Season Stats: 48 GP-12 G-10 A-22 PTS

Then: He’s likely to play with his buddy Patrik Elias and perhaps Jaromir Jagr on one of the oldest lines in the league. But that trio has the talent to dominate if they can stay healthy, something the 33-year-old Havlat has always struggled with.

Now: Havlat and Heatley have long been linked — traded for each other in 2011 after playing together in Ottawa — and now they both appear destined for the KHL or retirement. With New Jersey, Havlat continued to be injury-prone and didn’t hit his stride offensively, eventually getting relegated to the press box as a healthy scratch.

Devin Setoguchi (F Calgary)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 12 GP-0 G-0 A-0 PTS

Last Season Stats: 75 GP-11 G-16 A-27 PTS

Then: I was somewhat shocked he went unsigned for as long as he did, but maybe Setoguchi was waiting on Calgary management and determined to play for the Flames in 2014-15. He is from Southern Alberta, so this is the 27-year-old’s hometown team. He’s a scorer who netted 31 goals and 65 points with San Jose back in 2008-09, but Calgary doesn’t have that Joe Thornton-calibre playmaker to set him up. Setoguchi managed only 11 goals and 27 points in 75 games with Winnipeg in 2013-14, but 15 goals and 35 points is a reasonable expectation for 2014-15.

Now: Setoguchi was a total bust for Calgary, one of the only players that didn’t pan out for the Flames this season. Setoguchi will be lucky to land a training-camp invite for next season. He might be done as well.

Martin Brodeur (G free agent/St. Louis)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 7 GP-.899 Save %-2.87 GAA

Last Season Stats: 39 GP-.901 Save %-2.51 GAA

Then: If he plays, he’s going to pick his spot and then set out to prove people wrong, to prove he’s still a top 15 goalie. I wouldn’t bet against him, but I’m also not convinced he’ll sign a contract before Christmas.

Now: The surefire Hall-of-Famer won’t be remembered for his brief stint with the Blues, in fact that will probably become the answer to a trivia question some day. Brodeur’s career probably should have ended after last season in New Jersey — the only team he had ever played for — but he signed mid-season with St. Louis and got into a few games before Ken Hitchcock decided to stick with Jake Allen and Brian Elliott. That meant retiring mid-season for Brodeur, who joined the Blues’ front-office staff and has since been promoted to assistant general manager.

David Clarkson (F Toronto/Columbus)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 61 GP-10 G-5 A-15 PTS

Last Season Stats: 60 GP-5 G-6 A-11 PTS

Then: His homecoming didn’t go as planned (or expected) in 2013-14, finishing with a disappointing 5 goals, 11 points and 93 penalty minutes in 60 games. Pretty much everything that could’ve went wrong, did go wrong, including a bunch of injuries. He’ll be out for redemption in 2014-15 and I could see 20 goals, 40 points and 100 PIMs.

Now: Clarkson technically had a better season, doubling his goal total, but he was still nowhere near the player Toronto expected to be getting and that resulted in a trade to Columbus for Horton. A deal that amounted to a swap of bad contracts rather than good power forwards. The Blue Jackets are holding out hope for Clarkson going forward, so he could wind up on this Comeback list again next season.

Daniel Briere (F Colorado)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 57 GP-8 G-4 A-12 PTS

Last Season Stats: 69 GP-13 G-12 A-25 PTS

Then: He’s obviously not the same player that topped out at 95 points in 2006-07 and he’ll be 37 when the season starts, but I think Briere was underutilized (or misused) in Montreal. He had 13 goals and 25 points in 69 games for 2013-14, but I could see him getting back to up to 20 goals and 40 points for 2014-15.

Now: Briere never got a chance in a scoring role for Colorado, but he also didn’t do anything to warrant that opportunity. Patrick Roy ended up scratching Briere more often than not in the second half of the season, opting for younger players better suited to checking roles. That might spell the end for Briere, who is a free agent and considering retirement.

Michael Ryder (F New Jersey)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 47 GP-6 G-13 A-19 PTS

Last Season Stats: 82 GP-18 G-16 A-34 PTS

Then: He had better numbers in the lockout year than he did in 2013-14 (35 points in 46 games versus 34 points in 82 games), but Ryder is typically good for around 20 goals and 40 points. The Devils have added some forward depth and it’s uncertain where Ryder fits into picture for 2014-15, but assuming they run three scoring lines and he’s on one of them, then a slight improvement to reach 40 points again seems probable.

Now: Ryder spent a lot of time in the press box with Havlat, serving as healthy scratches. When in the lineup, Ryder struggled to produce offensively and wasn’t effective in a bottom-six role. The writing might also be on the wall for him this off-season.

Vincent Lecavalier (F Philadelphia)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 57 GP-8 G-12 A-20 PTS

Last Season Stats: 69 GP-20 G-17 A-37 PTS

Then: The Flyers shopped him to no avail this off-season, but that could be a blessing if Lecavalier can rediscover his offensive game in 2014-15. He still had 20 goals and 37 points over 64 games in 2013-14 and although it’s unlikely he’ll ever be a point-a-game guy again (he had 108 points in 2006-07), I could see 25 goals and 55 points for Lecavalier.

Now: Lecavalier butted heads with former coach Craig Berube and came out on the losing end of those exchanges, resulting in fourth-line minutes and healthy scratches. Fortunately for Lecavalier, Berube got fired after the season, but general manager Ron Hextall didn’t give Lecavalier a ringing endorsement either. The Flyers are no doubt trying to trade him, but with three seasons left on his contract at $4.5 million annually, that will be easier said than done. It might amount to a buyout or one last chance with rookie coach Dave Hakstol. Either way, Lecavalier could end up on next season’s Comeback list again — for one last chance.

Dustin Brown (F Los Angeles)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 82 GP-11 G-16 A-27 PTS

Last Season Stats: 79 GP-15 G-12 A-27 PTS

Then: The Kings’ captain always brings the intangibles and continued to contribute away from the scoresheet in 2013-14, but with only 15 goals and 27 points in 79 games, it was the worst offensive showing of his 9-year NHL career. Prior to that, he’s been consistently good for about 25 goals and 55 points, so expect him to be back in that range for 2014-15.

Now: Brown scored three fewer goals in matching his career-worst point total despite suiting up for every game. His struggles were part of the reason the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings missed the playoffs. Now Brown’s name is coming up in trade rumours, but he’ll probably stay in Los Angeles for at least one more season as they try to right that ship. Expect Brown to be back on the Comeback list.

Sam Gagner (F Arizona)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: 81 GP-15 G-26 A-41 PTS

Last Season Stats: 67 GP-10 G-27 A-37 PTS

Then: That Zack Kassian stick to the jaw really set him back and spelled an end to his time in Edmonton. Gagner is another breakout candidate, his career high still stuck at 49 points from his rookie season in 2007-08. His lockout numbers would have translated to 24 goals and 65 points over 82 games. Granted those totals were inflated by his improbable eight-point game against Chicago, but I do think Gagner’s capable of 20 goals and 55 points in 2014-15 (up from 10-37 over 67 in 2013-14).

Now: Gagner got back to his career average and perhaps he just doesn’t have the capability of reaching 50 points. As a former top-10 pick, Gagner is underachieving and could soon be surpassed by younger talents like Max Domi and potentially Dylan Strome if the Coyotes select him third overall in the upcoming draft.

Sven Baertschi (F Calgary/Vancouver)

Playoff Stats: 21 GP-8 G-7 A-15 PTS (AHL)

Regular Season Stats: 18 GP-2 G-4 A-6 PTS (NHL)

Last Season Stats: 26 GP-2 G-9 A-11 PTS (NHL)

Then: I’m not sure what the deal is with him because most expected Baertschi to challenge for the Calder heading into 2013-14, but then he only ended up playing 26 games with 2 goals and 11 points. He has the talent to be a 20-goal, 40-point guy in 2014-15, but he first has to work his way back into the lineup. If Baertschi makes the Flames out of training camp, I could see him coming close to 50 points.

Now: The Flames shockingly gave up on Baertschi, trading him to the rival Canucks for a second-round pick. That could end up burning Calgary, especially with Baertschi’s strong finish to the season in Vancouver’s system under his former junior coach Travis Green. Baertschi also put up a point-per-game (15 GP-7 G-8 A-15 PTS) in the regular season with the AHL’s Utica Comets. The Canucks are probably going to have some openings at forward next season with Shawn Matthias and Brad Richardson becoming free agents, so expect Baertschi to be given every opportunity to shine in a scoring role at training camp. He’ll be a Comeback candidate again.

Matt Frattin (F Toronto)

Playoff Stats: 5 GP-3 G-3 A-6 PTS (AHL)

Regular Season Stats: 9 GP-0 G-0 A-0 PTS (NHL)

Last Season Stats: 44 GP-2 G-5 A-7 PTS (NHL)

Then: Back in Toronto where he’s experienced his most success as a pro, Frattin will need to work his way back into a deep forward group with the Maple Leafs. He had 8 goals and 15 points in 56 games there in 2011-12, so if he’s a regular in 2014-15, then Frattin could hit 10 goals and 20 points or possibly even better.

Now: Frattin had a pretty good year in the AHL, also tallying 26 goals and 48 points in 59 regular-season games for the Toronto Marlies, but he failed to stick with the Maple Leafs in what was a miserable season for them. Frattin has one more year on his contract worth $800,000, but it’s very possible he could be traded again or even bought out as Toronto continues its roster overhaul. However, if Frattin is back in the fold, he might benefit from Mike Babcock’s coaching and could earn a role for next season. Consider him another repeat Comeback candidate.

Peter Mueller (F St. Louis)

Playoff Stats: NA

Regular Season Stats: NA

Last Season Stats: NA

Then: He signed a two-way contract and will be hard-pressed to make the Blues in his return to North America after a successful 2013-14 in Switzerland. Mueller scored 22 goals and 54 points as a rookie with Phoenix way back in 2007-08, but the 26-year-old is still young enough to re-establish himself starting in 2014-15, where 15 goals and 30 points would have to be considered a step in the right direction.

Now: Mueller failed to make the Blues out of training camp and then cleared waivers before opting to return to Switzerland rather than report to the AHL. Mueller scored 10 goals and 17 points in 34 games back in the Swiss league — down from 24 goals and 46 points in 49 games the previous season — but that is probably the last we’ll see of him in the NHL.

Larry Fisher is a sports reporter for The Daily Courier in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Follow him on Twitter: @LarryFisher_KDC.