1. Florida Panthers
They have perhaps the best roster in the franchise’s history.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
Bringing back Steven Stamkos was the only move for them to make.
3. Montreal Canadiens
Shea Weber brings them a new dynamic, but the health of Carey Price is their achilles heel.
4. Ottawa Senators
This young roster is coming together to maybe play for a playoff spot.
5. Boston Bruins
Their depth has taken a hit, but they can be a sneaky good team.
6. Buffalo Sabres
The future is coming together in a hurry, but the division is stacked at the top.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs
For the first time in a while, they have some excitement brewing in Toronto.
8. Detroit Red Wings
This could be a long season for one of the winningest franchise’s in NHL history.
Head Coach: Gerard Gallant
Key Position: Goaltender
Key Acquisitions: D Jason Demers (Dallas), D Keith Yandle (NY Rangers), G James Reimer (San Jose)
Head Coach: Jon Cooper
Key Position: Forwards
Key Acquisitions: F Steven Stamkos (re-signed)
Head Coach: Michel Therrien
Key Position: Goaltender
Key Acquisitions: F Alexander Radulov (KHL), F Andrew Shaw (Chicago), D Shea Weber (Nashville)
Head Coach: Guy Boucher (Tampa Bay 2013)
Key Position: Defensemen
Key Acquisitions: F Derick Brassard (NY Rangers)
Head Coach: Claude Julien
Key Position: Forwards
Key Acquisitions: F David Backes (St. Louis), G Anton Khudobin (Anaheim)
Head Coach: Dan Bylsma
Key Position: Defensemen
Key Acquisitions: D Dmitry Kulikov (Florida), F Kyle Okposo (NY Islanders)
Head Coach: Mike Babcock
Key Position: Forwards
Key Acquisitions: G Frederik Andersen (Anaheim)
Head Coach: Jeff Blashill
Key Position: Goaltender
Key Acquisitions: F Frans Nielsen (NY Islanders), F Thomas Vanek (Minnesota)
