Eastern Conference: Northeast

KEY ADDITION G Jocelyn Thibault

KEY LOSSES C�Daniel Bri�re, G�Ty Conklin, C�Chris Drury, RW�Dainius Zubrus

Don't expect a repeat of last season's league-best 53�wins and 113�points, not after two of the Sabres' top forwards, co-captains Daniel Bri�re (team-high 95 points) and Chris Drury (37 goals), bolted as free agents, to the Flyers and the Rangers, respectively. "It's a step back when you lose players like Chris and Danny," says G.M. Darcy Regier, "but I have a lot of faith in this group and their ability to grow."

Sixteen members of the team's projected 22-man roster were drafted and developed by the organization, giving the Sabres' front office and coaching staff an extra level of comfort with the players, and the players an extra level of familiarity with each other. One homegrown skater in particular will be under the microscope: left wing Thomas Vanek, who blossomed in his second season, leading the league in plus-minus (+47) and tying for fifth in goals (43). Vanek, 23, must not only help make up for the loss of Bri�re and Drury, but he also has to validate the seven-year, $50�million offer sheet that he signed with the Oilers this summer as a restricted free agent, which Buffalo was forced to match.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

LAST SEASON 40-31-11 (ninth in East)

KEY ADDITIONS LW Mark Bell, LW�Jason Blake, G Vesa Toskala

KEY LOSS C Yanic Perreault

It has been eight decades since the Maple Leafs have gone three straight years without making the playoffs, but it appears that distinction will end this season. From goaltending to defensive inconsistency to offensive firepower, Toronto has too many questions to find its way into the postseason.

But at least the Leafs are trying: They acquired goalie Vesa Toskala and forward Mark Bell from the Sharks for three picks on draft day, then signed free-agent forward Jason Blake to a five-year, $20�million deal a week later. Both moves should pay immediate dividends.