1. Washington Capitals

With a few tweaks on defense this is still the best team in a stacked division.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins

Even without Phil Kessel, the Pens have plenty of scoring potential.

3. Carolina Hurricanes

Their playoff run last year wasn’t a fluke and they should be contenders again.

4. New Jersey Devils

A healthy Taylor Hall with their off-season additions has them primed for playoff contention.

5. New York Rangers

Their rebuild got a big boost with the signing of Artemi Panarin.

6. Philadelphia Flyers

They finally have a franchise netminder, but who will be the focal point on offense?

7. Columbus Blue Jackets

A lot of changes, but that doesn’t mean they won’t compete and surprise some.

8. New York Islanders

The only reason they’re at this spot is because so many other teams made improvements.

Head Coach: Todd Reirden

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: D Radko Gudas (Philadelphia), F Richard Panik (Arizona)

Head Coach: Mike Sullivan

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Alex Galchenyuk (Arizona), F Brandon Tanev (Winnipeg)

Head Coach: Rod Brind’Amour

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Ryan Dzingel (Columbus), F Erik Haula (Vegas), D Jake Gardiner (Toronto), D Joel Edmundson (St. Louis), G Jason Reimer (Florida)

Head Coach: John Hynes

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Nikita Gusev (Vegas), F Wayne Simmonds (Nashville), D P.K. Subban (Nashville)

Head Coach: David Quinn

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Artemi Panarin (Columbus), D Jacob Trouba (Winnipeg)

Head Coach: Alain Vigneault (NY Rangers)

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Kevin Hayes (Winnipeg), D Justin Braun (San Jose), D Matt Niskanen (Washington)

Head Coach: John Tortorella

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Gustav Nyquist (San Jose)

Head Coach: Barry Trotz

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Derick Brassard (Colorado), G Semyon Varlamov (Colorado)