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)