1. Chicago Blackhawks

With a stacked roster they should remain Cup contenders.

2. Colorado Avalanche

The surprise of the league last year they’ll have to build on that success.

3. St. Louis Blues

The problem wasn’t in net, it was up front with the top scoring lines.

4. Dallas Stars

Be prepared for a Hart Trophy like season from Tyler Seguin.

5. Minnesota Wild

Getting Vanek might be the final piece to the puzzle.

6. Winnipeg Jets

A loyal fan base will have to wait another year for a playoff spot.

7. Nashville Predators

With a new coach in place for the first time in franchise history, there will be a learning curve.

 

Blackhawks

Head Coach: Joel Quenneville

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: C Brad Richards (New York Rangers)

Avalanche

Head Coach: Patrick Roy

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: C Daniel Briere (Montreal Canadiens), RW Jarome Iginla (Boston Bruins), D Brad Stuart (San Jose Sharks)

Blues

Head Coach: Ken Hitchcock

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: C Paul Stastny (Colorado Avalanche)

Stars

Head Coach: Lindy Ruff

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Jason Spezza (Ottawa Senators), F Ales Hemsky (Ottawa Senators)

Wild

Head Coach: Mike Yeo

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Thomas Vanek (Montreal Canadiens)

Jets

Head Coach: Paul Maurice

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: C Mathieu Perreault (Anaheim Ducks)

Predators

Head Coach: Peter Laviolette (Philadelphia Flyers)

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: LW James Neal (Pittsburgh Penguins), C Olli Jokinen (Winnipeg Jets), C Mike Ribeiro (Arizona Coyotes), D Anton Volchenkov (New Jersey Devils)