NHL 2011-2012 Preview - You Care, You Just Don't Know It Yet

Yes, the distant #4 of the Big 4 sports will be back in session shortly, but it's not the red-headed step-child it once was. Though it lost an entire year due to a lockout, the NHL has grown notably since that time, including a $4.6 million increase in the league's salary cap this year in spite of the nation's stagnant economy (an impressive 7.9% increase). TV viewership is also up, and the league is (in my opinion) the most innovative of the Big 4 at this time.

Above: people caring.

What does this mean for you? You care about hockey. Deep inside each of us is someone who enjoys listening to Rush; thinks Trailer Park Boys compares favorably to It's Always Sunny; respects the sophistication and dignity of the mullet; thinks that Don Cherry is the epitome of fashion; recognizes that Mike Ricci is a handsome man; and knows that hockey is an amazing sport.

The Jagr theorem holds that hockey skills are directly proportional to mulletude.

Without further ado, I'll go aboot discussing the top players to watch for in 2011-2012.