(The 2015-16 NHL season is nearly upon us! Why bother watching this team? What will make or break the season? Find out as we preview all 30 teams as camps begin!)

Last Season

40-33-9, 89 points, fifth in Pacific Division, missed playoffs

2014-15 Season, In One Tweet

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Did They Get Better, Worse Or Are They About The Same?

After a head-scratching summer in 2014, GM Doug Wilson improved his squad heading into the 2015-16 season. Joel Ward was brought in on a three-year deal to help provide some secondary scoring. After scoring 19 and 24, respectively, in each of the past two seasons for Washington, he should help just fine.

Shoring up the defense, Wilson reunited Paul Martin with Larry Robinson after the pair spent time together in New Jersey. The 34-year old Martin spent the last five seasons in Pittsburgh and signed a four-year deal. He’ll be a solid veteran presence in a defensive group that features of a mix of youngsters and veterans.

Troy Grosenick’s extension means he and Alex Stalock will battle for the backup job behind Martin Jones, who was acquired in June after going from LA to Boston to San Jose in the span of a few days. That was after the Sharks sent long-time no. 1 Antti Niemi’s negotiating rights to the Dallas Stars, where he eventually signed.

Also saying bye-bye were defensemen Taylor Fedun and Matt Irwin, along with Scott, who would sign in Arizona.

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Five Most Fascinating Players

1. Martin Jones, G

Wilson has faith in the gamble he’s taking by giving Jones a three-year deal and the no. 1 job. The 25-year has all of 29 starts in two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings under his belt. He performed fine in spot duty while giving Jonathan Quick a breather, but will he be able to handle the workload of 60-65 games and the pressures that come with being a starter?

2. Brent Burns, F/D

Wilson and new head coach Peter DeBoer both said that Burns will start on defense, likely with Martin. But with his experience up front, will we see the bearded one back at forward, if needed? He’s coming off a career year with 17 goals and 60 points.

3. Joe Thornton, F

Have “Jumbo” and Wilson moved on from their spat last spring when Thornton said the GM should “shut his mouth” and “stop lying” after comments made about why the team went captain-less? Thornton still has two years left on his deal and at age 36 is coming off a 65-point season, his lowest during a full slate since 2000. Same goes for Patrick Marleau. Both have been leaders for the team for a decade, but declining production and a need to look toward the future could reignite trade rumors again.

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