AP/mlive.com - Darren Haydar
Former AHL MVP Darren Haydar has a better chance now to crack an NHL lineup.
Last season's captain and leading scorer will get his chance with the Colorado Avalanche organization. Haydar, 29, should be able to make an Avalanche roster that is in the middle of rebuilding.
Let's hope he does, because if he spends his time in the AHL, he will be playing for the Lake Erie Monsters, one of the Griffins North Division rivals. With 31 goals and 80 points last season in Grand Rapids, that would not be an easy guy to face 8 times this upcoming year.
Speaking of rivals, the Griffins will have to face a brand new one next season. The AHL assigned the Abbotsford, B.C. Heat, an expansion team, to the North Division, replacing the Syracuse Crunch who have moved to the AHL East.
So here is how the North Division is shapes up for next season:
Grand Rapids Griffins(Detroit Red Wings)
Lake Erie Monsters(Colorado Avalanche)
Hamilton Bulldogs(Montreal Canadiens)
Manitoba Moose(Vancouver Canucks)
Rochester Americans(Florida Panthers)
Toronto Marlies(Toronto Maple Leafs)
Abbotsford B.C. Heat(Calgary Flames)
As you see, the AHL North is shaping up to be one of the toughest Divisions for sure, so hold on to your hats. On second thought, let's hope you're throwing lots of them next year instead.
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