1. New York Rangers

With a failed Stanley Cup run the Rangers are still loaded for another shot.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins

A bitter playoff exit forced them to do some house cleaning. They still have a talented roster though.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets

Last years surprise playoff appearance should make them better this year.

4. Philadelphia Flyers

They proved that with a suspect goalie in net they can still beat a Cup contender.

5. Washington Capitals

Time could be running out for the Capitals to make a run at the Cup with its current core.

6. New York Islanders

They could peak this year, but with a stacked division it might not be until next year.

7. New Jersey Devils

It will be strange not seeing Martin Brodeur in net for them.

8. Carolina Hurricanes

Too many questions on the blue line and in net to amount to any reasonable success.

 

Rangers

Head Coach: Alain Vigneault

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: D Dan Boyle (San Jose Sharks), RW Lee Stempniak (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Penguins

Head Coach: Mike Johnston (Portland Winterhawks – WHL)

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: D Christian Ehrhoff (Buffalo Sabres), F Patric Hornqvist (Nashville Predators), F Steve Downie (Philadelphia Flyers)

Blue Jackets

Head Coach: Todd Richards

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Scott Hartnell (Philadelphia Flyers)

Flyers

Head Coach: Craig Berube

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: C R.J. Umberger (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Capitals

Head Coach: Barry Trotz (Nashville Predators)

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: D Matt Niskanen (Pittsburgh Penguins), D Brooks Orpik (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Islanders

Head Coach: Jack Capuano

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: G Jaroslav Halak (Washington Capitals), C Mikhail Grabovski (Washington Capitals), F Nikolay Kulemin (Toronto Maple Leafs), D Johnny Boychuk (Boston Bruins), D Nick Leddy (Chicago Blackhawks)

Devils

Head Coach: Peter DeBoer

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Mike Cammalleri (Calgary Flames), F Martin Havlat (San Jose Sharks), G Scott Clemmensen (Florida Panthers)

Hurricanes

Head Coach: Bill Peters (Detroit Red Wings)

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: D Tim Gleason (Toronto Maple Leafs)