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)