1. Washington Capitals

Having the best record once again isn’t out of the question for them.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins

Health and deciding on a goaltender are their two concerns for repeating as Cup champions.

3. New York Islanders

Their depth is almost unmatched in a deep division.

4. New York Rangers

A solid veteran group that will keep them in the Cup conversation.

5. Philadelphia Flyers

Staying relatively quiet in the offseason they won’t surprise anyone this year.

6. New Jersey Devils

Making a big splash and acquiring Taylor Hall is a good start for the offensive upgrade.

7. Columbus Blue Jackets

The direction of the franchise has flatlined somewhat.

8. Carolina Hurricanes

Their top 6 forwards are solid. Who will be the stalwart on the blue line?

Head Coach: Barry Trotz

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Lars Eller (Montreal)

Head Coach: Mike Sullivan

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: None

Head Coach: Jack Capuano

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Jason Chimera (Washington), P.A. Parenteau (Toronto), F Andrew Ladd (Chicago)

Head Coach: Alain Vigneault

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Mika Zibanejad (Ottawa)

Head Coach: Dave Hakstol

Key Position: F Dale Weise (Chicago)

Key Acquisitions: Goaltender

Head Coach: John Hynes

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Taylor Hall (Edmonton), D Ben Lovejoy (Pittsburgh)

Head Coach: John Tortorella

Key Position: Everything

Key Acquisitions: F Sam Gagner (Philadelphia)

Head Coach: Bill Peters

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Lee Stempniak (Boston), F Viktor Stalberg (NY Rangers), F Teuvo Teravainen (Chicago)