1. Vegas Golden Knights

A full season with the group they put together during last season should put them at the top.

2. Calgary Flames

They took a big step forward last year, but there are still questions in net.

3. San Jose Sharks

Their captain left via free agency, but they have one of the deepest defensive units in the league.

4. Arizona Coyotes

This is the year they need to put it all together and make a playoff push.

5. Anaheim Ducks

There should be improvements in many areas, but they’re another year away from contention.

6. Los Angeles Kings

The reset button has been hit, but they aren’t going all out for a rebuild just yet.

7. Vancouver Canucks

If their defense and goalie can match what their offense can dish out, they can make a leap in the division.

8. Edmonton Oilers

Not a lot is expected from them and that is a good thing for this franchise. Time to fly under the radar.

Head Coach: Gerard Gallant

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: None

Head Coach: Bill Peters

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Milan Lucic (Edmonton), G Cam Talbot (Philadelphia)

Head Coach: Peter DeBoer

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: D Erik Karlsson (re-signed)

Head Coach: Rick Tocchet

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Phil Kessel (Pittsburgh), F Carl Soderberg (Colorado)

Head Coach: Dallas Eakins (San Diego Gulls – AHL)

Key Position: Everything

Key Acquisitions: D Michael Del Zotto (St. Louis)

Head Coach: Todd McLellan (Edmonton Oilers)

Key Position: Everything

Key Acquisitions: D Joakim Ryan (San Jose)

Head Coach: Travis Green

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Michael Ferland (Carolina), F J.T. Miller (Tampa Bay), D Tyler Myers (Winnipeg)

Head Coach: Dave Tippett (Arizona Coyotes – 2017)

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: Markus Granlund (Vancouver), F James Neal (Calgary), F Riley Sheahan (Florida), G Mike Smith (Calgary)