1. New York Rangers

A few roster tweaks still has them atop the Eastern Conference.

2. Washington Capitals

The team is buying in to what head coach Barry Trotz is selling.

3. New York Islanders

They’ll have a new home and a new fire to get back into the playoffs.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

Adding another top tier scorer keeps them in contention.

5. Columbus Blue Jackets

The grittiest team in the division always seems to find a way.

6. Philadelphia Flyers

Their looking for a new identity after another head coaching change.

7. New Jersey Devils

A new era is beginning and there are some encouraging signs.

8. Carolina Hurricanes

They have yet to find a franchise cog in net for quite some time.

 

Head Coach: Alain Vigneault

Key Position: Goalie

Key Acquisitions: F Viktor Stalberg (Nashville Predators), F Emerson Etem (Anaheim Ducks), G Antti Raanta (Chicago Blackhawks)

 

Head Coach: Barry Trotz

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Justin Williams (Los Angeles Kings), F T.J. Oshie (St. Louis Blues)

 

Head Coach: Jack Capuano

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: D Marek Zidlicky (Detroit Red Wings), G Thomas Greiss (Pittsburgh Penguins)

 

Head Coach: Mike Johnston

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Eric Fehr (Washington Capitals), F Nick Bonino (Vancouver Canucks), F Phil Kessel (Toronto Maple Leafs)

 

Head Coach: Todd Richards

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Brandon Saad (Chicago Blackhawks)

 

Head Coach: Dave Hakstol (University of North Dakota)

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Sam Gagner (Arizona Coyotes), G Michal Neuwirth (New York Islanders), D Evgeny Medvedev (KHL)

 

Head Coach: John Hynes (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton – AHL)

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Kyle Palmieri (Anaheim Ducks), F Jiri Tlusty (Winnipeg Jets)

 

Head Coach: Bill Peters

Key Position: Goalie

Key Acquisitions: D Noah Hanifan (NHL Draft), D James Wisniewski (Anaheim Ducks), F Kris Versteeg (Chicago Blackhawks), G Eddie Lack (Vancouver Canucks)