1. Chicago Blackhawks

The deepest roster in the Western Conference should keep them in the conversation for Cup contenders.

2. Nashville Predators

Last years Cup run was no fluke. They’ll remain favorites to return.

3. St. Louis Blues

Plenty of talent to go around, but that salary cap is going to start collapsing on them.

4. Minnesota Wild

There’s plenty of fire power on offense, but do they have enough to stop opponents come playoff time?

5. Dallas Stars

A few major acquisitions has them knocking on the door of clinching a playoff berth.

6. Winnipeg Jets

Playing in a tough division has them remaining near the bottom of the conference.

7. Colorado Avalanche

They’ll need to decide soon who will remain for their inevitable roster rebuild.

Head Coach: Joel Quenneville

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Brandon Saad (Columbus), F Patrick Sharp (Dallas)

Head Coach: Peter Laviolette

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Nick Bonino (Pittsburgh), F Scott Hartnell (Columbus)

Head Coach: Mike Yeo (Interim)

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Brayden Schenn (Philadelphia)

Head Coach: Bruce Boudreau

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Matt Cullen (Pittsburgh)

Head Coach: Ken Hitchcock (St. Louis)

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Martin Hanzal (Minnesota), F Alexander Radulov (Montreal), D Marc Methot (Ottawa), G Ben Bishop (Los Angeles)

Head Coach: Paul Maurice

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: None

Head Coach: Jared Bednar

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Colin Wilson (Nashville), F Nail Yakupov (St. Louis), G Jonathan Bernier (Anaheim)