Forwards:

Ryan Smyth (Left Wing)
The ultra-consistent Smyth would have had another 30-goal season had it not been for injuries and illnesses, yet he still improved on totals from a year ago...will produce similar statistics no matter who he is matched up with, thus he makes a very safe selection. Projection: 26 goals, 35 assists, 61 points.

Mike Comrie (Center)
Though his goal scoring production tailed off from the year before, in large part due to injuries, Comrie topped the 50-point plateau for the second straight year...a messy and imminent contract holdout could jeopardize his entire season, so beware on draft day. Projection: 30 goals, 30 assists, 60 points.

Mike York (Center)
The overachieving York proved many of his detractors wrong with a strong first season in Edmonton in which he eclipsed his goal total from the year before...now that he's more healthy and more comfortable in Edmonton, expect his production to rise marginally. Projection: 23 goals, 35 assists, 58 points.

Ales Hemsky (Right Wing)
Former first rounder struggled early in the season to find the net, but blossomed as the season went on and ended the year on the top line...maturation will continue this year on one of the Oilers' top two lines, and his point totals should soar. Projection: 24 goals, 25 assists, 49 points.

Radek Dvorak (Right Wing)
Acquired at the trade deadline in exchange for Anson Carter, Dvorak settled in immediately by recording 8 points in 12 games with his new team...has offensive potential as witnessed by his 31-goal, 67-point campaign in 2000 and is in an ideal situation to bounce back. Projection: 24 goals, 24 assists, 48 points.

Brad Isbister (Left Wing)
Got one last chance in Long Island to produce and didn't deliver and was consequently shipped off to Edmonton in a deadline deal...Oilers are hoping he progresses along Todd Bertuzzi lines, but Isbister has really shown nothing to indicate that's going to happen this year. Projection: 19 goals, 25 assists, 44 points.

Defenseman:

Eric Brewer (Defense)
2002 Canadian Olympian got more icetime and responsibilities as the season wore on, but responded with only a modest points increase...will never be mistaken for a Sergei Gonchar, but can provide quality production from the blueline due to all the icetime he is expected to get. Projection: 9 goals, 27 assists, 36 points.

Goalies:

Tommy Salo
Though he had some great games, his overall play took a distinct step backwards last year as he slipped in most major goalie categories...remains a gifted goalie who should bounce back strong but needs adequate rest or else he gets into prolonged slumps. Projection: 31 wins, 2.40 GAA, .909 SV%.