from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

Here are 10 people you might not be thinking about who could have a significant impact on their team this season.

Vegas Golden Knights center Paul Stastny: General manager George McPhee’s acquisition of Stastny was among the shrewdest offseason moves. Stastny helps in a variety of ways as a No. 2 center. He’s a high-IQ player, proficient in the faceoff circle and effective as a defensive forward. His offensive gifts are underrated. He has the playmaking skill to help Max Pacioretty become a 30-goal scorer again.

Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk: With the Senators bottoming out, Melnyk owes it to fans to act aggressively to turn the franchise around. The Senators traded away superstar Erik Karlsson this offseason, and they might lose Mark Stone and Matt Duchene to free agency next summer. Even another poor season won’t have the usual benefit because the Colorado Avalanche own Ottawa’s first-round draft pick. Melnyk said he doesn’t want to sell the team. At the very least, he should hire a respected director of hockey operations and give that person carte blanche to rebuild and repair the team's image. The Senators need a new face.

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