1. Boston Bruins
If they stick to their usual model they’ll be competing for another Cup.
2. Montreal Canadiens
When Montreal is clicking on all cylinders they could be better than Boston.
3. Detroit Red Wings
A new division and conference, but Detroit is still a title contender.
4. Toronto Maple Leafs
Last year is in the rear view mirror. Time to move on.
5. Ottawa Senators
A new franchise player will reignite their title push.
6. Tampa Bay Lightning
With no defense to protect them they’ll have to score with the best.
7. Buffalo Sabres
It could be a transition year for Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek via trade.
8. Florida Panthers
A lot of young faces for their 20th anniversary.
Bruins
Head Coach: Claude Julien
Key Position: Forwards – It might be a mistake to go with an older lineup by getting Eriksson and Iginla rather than keeping Tyler Seguin for the future. Whichever way the Bruins see fit they’ll be contenders once again as long as they make the playoffs.
Key Acquisitions: RW Loui Eriksson, RW Jarome Iginla
Key to Win the Cup: Defense, defense, defense
Canadiens
Head Coach: Michel Therrien
Key Position: Penalty Kill – It’s really hard to find a flaw with this team besides their lack of size upfront, but their penalty kill percentage was in the bottom third last year. They do have one of the best goalies in the league in Carey Price so not too much to worry about.
Key Acquisitions: C Daniel Briere, RW George Parros, D Douglas Murray
Key to Win the Cup: Get past Boston
Red Wings
Head Coach: Mike Babcock
Key Position: Forwards – Surprisingly the Red Wings weren’t near the top in goals scored per game, but they made up for it with a stellar defense. The scoring should improve with Weiss and Alfredsson aboard.
Key Acquisitions: F Stephen Weiss, F Daniel Alfredsson
Key to Win the Cup: Continue to find ways to prove people wrong
Maple Leafs
Head Coach: Randy Carlyle
Key Position: Forwards – Aside from the meltdown during the playoffs last year it’s still the same Maple Leafs team going into this season. Having Clarkson and Bolland will help to avoid any kind of a repeat of last season should the Leafs make the playoffs.
Key Acquisitions: RW David Clarkson, C Dave Bolland, G Jonathan Bernier
Key to Win the Cup: Forget about last year
Senators
Head Coach: Paul MacLean
Key Position: Forwards – This should easily be fixed with the acquisition of Bobby Ryan. He brings a fresh face to an offense that needs some tweaking. With their stellar defense the Senators should be contenders for many years.
Key Acquisitions: RW Bobby Ryan, D Joe Corvo, F Clarke MacArthur
Key to Win the Cup: Let Bobby Ryan do his thing
Lightning
Head Coach: Jon Cooper
Key Position: Defensemen – This group was subpar last year and like their former division rivals, the Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay can’t outscore everyone. They’ll need to improve in this area fast with a possible mid-season trade if they’re still contenders.
Key Acquisitions: C Valtteri Filppula
Key to Win the Cup: Be better defensively
Sabres
Head Coach: Ron Rolston
Key Position: Forwards – They don’t pack a scoring punch anymore and it will put a burden on their defense, specifically goalie Ryan Miller who could be dealt at some point this year if the Sabres are not contending.
Key Acquisitions: D Henrik Tallinder, D Jamie McBain
Key to Win the Cup: Generate some scoring
Panthers
Head Coach: Kevin Dineen
Key Position: Everywhere – They were worse on defense, but really the Panthers are going to be relying heavily on a young crop of prospects to right this ship. If goalie Jacob Markstrom performs up to standard it will help keep the Panthers in most games.
Key Acquisitions: C Scott Gomez
Key to Win the Cup: Focus on development first
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