1. San Jose Sharks

They became legit contenders with the addition of Erik Karlsson.

2. Vegas Golden Knights

Their cinderella season wasn’t a fluke. They should be contenders once again.

3. Anaheim Ducks

Health and the play of goaltender of John Gibson will determine their success.

4. Los Angeles Kings

It was an early exit in the playoffs last year, but too many questions remain about their scoring prowess.

5. Calgary Flames

They’re solid in a lot of areas, but they play in a stacked conference to get to the playoffs.

6. Edmonton Oilers

There is so much talent here, yet it almost goes to waste in Edmonton.

7. Arizona Coyotes

Some clever moves have the Coyotes positioned to be a surprise team this season.

8. Vancouver Canucks

The Sedin twins have retired and the Canucks will look for a new franchise player.

Head Coach: Peter DeBoer

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Antti Suomela (Finland), D Erik Karlsson (Ottawa)

Head Coach: Gerard Gallant

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Max Pacioretty (Montreal), F Paul Stastny (Winnipeg)

Head Coach: Randy Carlyle

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: D Luke Schenn (Arizona)

Head Coach: John Stevens

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Ilya Kovalchuk (KHL)

Head Coach: Bill Peters (Carolina Hurricanes)

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F James Neal (Vegas), F Elias Lindholm (Carolina), D Noah Hanifin (Carolina)

Head Coach: Todd McLellan

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: G Mikko Koskinen (KHL)

Head Coach: Rick Tocchet

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Alex Galchenyuk (Montreal), F Michael Grabner (New Jersey), F Vinnie Hinostroza (Chicago)

Head Coach: Travis Green

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Jay Beagle (Washington)