The Columbus Blue Jackets spent last summer preparing for a playoff run in 2011-12, but instead have fallen convincingly to last place in the NHL. Now, the debate is whether or not to sell low on the likes of Jeff Carter and Rick Nash, or see if they can bounce back from bad years as part of an inevitable rebuild that’s desperately needed in Ohio.

Patrice Bergeron’s career nearly ended four years ago when he suffered one of the worst-looking concussions in NHL history. Today, he’s finally back on track. But with all the media attention given to concussions since Sidney Crosby experienced his, we need only look back to Bergeron to truly see how little we actually understand the situation.

The New York Rangers have emerged as a top contender in the Eastern Conference. The young squad have grown and evolved together, learning from the mistakes of the past and benefitting from experienced veterans like Brad Richards. Will this be enough to get them a Stanley Cup?

It has been a forgettable season for the forgettable Columbus Blue Jackets. But with the turmoil among the players, coaches and fans, a story is emerging in that of winger Vinny Prospal, who has returned from an injury last season to be among his new team’s top scorers.

Carolina Hurricanes prospect Zac Dalpe made his NHL debut last season, scoring an assist in his first game. Since then, he’s battled other top prospects and hopes to one day become a stalwart member of the Hurricanes’ roster, but only if he can get over the hump that is the AHL.

John Tavares was the first-overall selection of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Since his arrival, he’s largely gone unnoticed by anybody not adorning NY Islanders gear. Why has Tavares been so overlooked compared to the likes of other first-overalls like Crosby, Ovechkin, Stamkos and even Nugent-Hopkins?

The New Jersey Devils haven’t had the year they’ve wanted, primarily due to team scoring stars like Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise failing to find the net with regularity. Meanwhile, rookies Adam Henrique and Adam Larsson are proving to be the next wave of New Jersey elite.

Patrik Elias is on the cusp of setting a franchise record for goals scored with the New Jersey Devils. Elias is often overlooked due to some of the star power from other members of his team, but he’s put together a career that just may be worthy of the Hall of Fame.

Only recently has Kyle Turris ended his long holdout and signed a contract with the Phoenix Coyotes, but the deal was for less than he wanted, and he’s forced to continue playing for an organization that he’s unimpressed with. Will the missed time hurt his development?

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Philadelphia Flyers literally played to a standstill last week, polarizing the NHL in regards to whether the 1-3-1 trap play should be allowed. But with no rules against the style, are we at risk of more boring hockey?