1. Montreal Canadiens

Now is the time for them to capitalize on Carey Price and P.K. Subban being in their prime.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning

A tough Stanley Cup series should help them stay in contention.

3. Boston Bruins

Salary cap casualties shouldn’t derail any hopes of making the playoffs.

4. Florida Panthers

The young nucleus is coming together at the right time to surprise some opponents.

5. Detroit Red Wings

A new voice behind the bench will cause some bumps in the road.

6. Ottawa Senators

There’s a lot of talent, but it needs to come together first.

7. Toronto Maple Leafs

A new coach and front office will begin the long rebuilding project.

8. Buffalo Sabres

Getting Jack Eichel was a nice consolation prize.

 

Head Coach: Michel Therrien

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Alexander Semin (Carolina Hurricanes), F Tomas Fleischmann (Anaheim Ducks)

 

Head Coach: Jon Cooper

Key Position: Goalie

Key Acquisitions: F Erik Condra (Ottawa Senators)

 

Head Coach: Claude Julien

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: D Matt Irwin (San Jose Sharks), F Matt Beleskey (Anaheim Ducks), F Jimmy Hayes (Florida Panthers)

 

Head Coach: Gerard Gallant

Key Position: Goalie

Key Acquisitions: F Reilly Smith (Boston Bruins)

 

Head Coach: Jeff Blashill (Grand Rapids – AHL)

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Brad Richards (Chicago Blackhawks), D Mike Green (Washington Capitals)

 

Head Coach: Dave Cameron

Key Position: Goalie

Key Acquisitions: G Andrew Hammond (re-signed)

 

Head Coach: Mike Babcock (Detroit Red Wings)

Key Position: Everything

Key Acquisitions: F Michael Grabner (New York Islanders), F Shawn Matthias (Vancouver Canucks), F Daniel Winnik (Pittsburgh Penguins)

 

Head Coach: Dan Bylsma (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Key Position: Everything

Key Acquisitions: F Ryan O’Reilly (Colorado Avalanche), F Jamie McGinn (Colorado Avalanche), F Jack Eichel (NHL Draft), G Robin Lehner (Ottawa Senators), F David Legwand (Ottawa Senators)