1. Pittsburgh Penguins

Their scoring prowess is almost unmatched in the league.

2. Washington Capitals

The defending champions will have to press on without their Cup winning head coach.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets

A big season ahead with two pending premier free agents in Panarin and Bobrovsky.

4. New Jersey Devils

Taylor Hall proved why he’s among the best in the league last year with an MVP trophy.

5. Philadelphia Flyers

There’s plenty of talent here except who do they have to rely on in net?

6. New York Rangers

The rebuild has begun, but it might not be too much longer before they’re back in contention.

7. Carolina Hurricanes

The youth movement is in full effect, but they haven’t solved their problem in net.

8. New York Islanders

Losing John Tavares just means they will hand the reigns over to Matthew Barzal now.

Head Coach: Mike Sullivan

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: D Jack Johnson (Columbus)

Head Coach: Todd Reirden (Capitals assistant coach)

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: D John Carlson (re-signed)

Head Coach: John Tortorella

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Riley Nash (Boston)

Head Coach: John Hynes

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: None

Head Coach: Dave Hakstol

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F James van Riemsdyk (Toronto), G Calvin Pickard (Toronto)

Head Coach: David Quinn (Boston University)

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: D Adam McQuaid (Boston)

Head Coach: Rod Brind’Amour (Hurricanes assistant coach)

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: G Petr Mrazek (Philadelphia), D Dougie Hamilton (Calgary), F Michael Ferland (Calgary)

Head Coach: Barry Trotz (Washington Capitals)

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: G Robin Lehner (Buffalo), F Valtteri Filppula (Philadelphia)