1. Boston Bruins

Defense has led to success in the past and should do wonders this year.

2. Montreal Canadiens

They always seem to be so close the last few years. Maybe this year will be different?

3. Tampa Bay Lightning

The moves they made for the defensive unit will help immensely.

4. Detroit Red Wings

Not a lot of scoring options, but that didn’t deter them in the past.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs

Like Montreal, Toronto fans have been wanting a winner for some time now.

6. Ottawa Senators

The franchise is paving the way for the future and it does look bright.

7. Florida Panthers

A few veteran additions should help build a solid young core.

8. Buffalo Sabres

Last year was rough, but the Sabres do have some assets to build on.

 

Bruins

Head Coach: Claude Julien

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: None

Canadiens

Head Coach: Michel Therrien

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: D Tom Gilbert (Floria Panthers), F Manny Malhotra (Carolina Hurricanes), F Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau (Colorado Avalanche)

Lightning

Head Coach: Jon Cooper

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: D Anton Stralman (New York Rangers), D Jason Garrison (Vancouver Canucks), C Brian Boyle (New York Rangers), LW Brenden Morrow (St. Louis Blues), G Evgeni Nabokov (New York Islanders)

Red Wings

Head Coach: Mike Babcock

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: C Andy Miele (Arizona Coyotes)

Maple Leafs

Head Coach: Randy Carlyle

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: D Roman Polak (St. Louis Blues), D Stephane Robidas (Anaheim Ducks), LW David Booth (Vancouver Canucks), C Mike Santorelli (Vancouver Canucks)

Senators

Head Coach: Paul MacLean

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: Alex Chiasson (Dallas Stars)

Panthers

Head Coach: Gerard Gallant (Montreal Canadiens)

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Dave Bolland (Toronto Maple Leafs), F Jussi Jokinen (Pittsburgh Penguins), D Willie Mitchell (Los Angeles Kings), G Al Montoya (Winnipeg Jets)

Sabres

Head Coach: Ted Nolan

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Matt Moulson (Minnesota Wild), F Brian Gionta (Montreal Canadiens), D Andrej Meszaros (Boston Bruins), D Josh Gorges (Montreal Canadiens)