1. Anaheim Ducks

You can’t argue with their results the last few seasons.

2. Edmonton Oilers

The roster is stacked and they are ready to take the next step.

3. Calgary Flames

It’s time for them to put it all together and make some noise in the playoffs.

4. Los Angeles Kings

A slight hiccup last year, but there is still plenty of talent left on this veteran group.

5. San Jose Sharks

A solid core remains, but so many teams improved in the Western Conference.

6. Arizona Coyotes

The young core is starting to develop and that could spell trouble for the teams at the top of the division.

7. Vegas Golden Knights

The newest NHL franchise will look to be competitive in their inaugural season.

8. Vancouver Canucks

A new coach hopefully means new life being put back into this franchise.

Head Coach: Randy Carlyle

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: G Ryan Miller (Vancouver), D Francois Beauchemin (Colorado)

Head Coach: Todd McLellan

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Ryan Strome (NY Islanders)

Head Coach: Glen Gulutzan

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Jaromir Jagr (Florida), D Travis Hamonic (NY Islanders), G Mike Smith (Arizona)

Head Coach: John Stevens (Assistant Coach)

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Michael Cammalleri (New Jersey)

Head Coach: Peter DeBoer

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: None

Head Coach: Rick Tocchet (Pittsburgh)

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Derek Stepan (NY Rangers), D Niklas Hjalmarsson (Chicago), G Antti Raanta (NY Rangers)

Head Coach: Gerard Gallant (Florida)

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F James Neal (Nashville), F David Perron (St. Louis), F Reilly Smith (Florida), D Jason Garrison (Tampa Bay), G Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh)

Head Coach: Travis Green (Utica – AHL)

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Sam Gagner (Columbus), F Thomas Vanek (Florida), G Anders Nilsson (Buffalo)