Matt Moulson, Islanders -- The best thing that happened to Moulson was John Tavares being drafted by the Islanders with the No. 1 pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. Moulson, a consistent scorer at Cornell and in the AHL, had a couple of look-sees from the Los Angeles Kings, but entered last summer as a 25-year-old minor-league free agent. He also was a childhood friend of Tavares, who convinced the Isles that Moulson was worth a gamble.

Tavares proved to be an excellent talent scout. Not only did Moulson make the team, he led the Isles with 30 goals, including 5 game-winners. Moulson started the season on a line with Tavares, but as the season went on, he showed he could be effective playing without him.

Moulson should be entering his prime (he turns 27 in November), and the Islanders need him to at least come close to matching last season's numbers if they hope to push for a playoff berth.