1. Philadelphia Flyers

Last year might not have ended the way they hoped, but they are far too talented to not make another run.

2. Boston Bruins

Their defense took a hit in free agency. Their depth on offense should help offset any issues on the blue line.

3. New York Islanders

The Barry Trotz system is working to near perfection on Long Island.

4. New York Rangers

This is their chance to show a quick turnaround in their rebuild to become contenders.

5. Pittsburgh Penguins

It would be shocking to see them miss the playoffs, but there are too many holes that could be hard to overcome down the stretch.

6. Washington Capitals

The cap crunch is coming and some players are starting to show their age on the ice.

7. Buffalo Sabres

If they weren’t playing in a stacked division like this one, they could be contending for a Wild Card spot.

8. New Jersey Devils

They fell flat on the ice last year and this season won’t be any better for them.

Head Coach: Alain Vigneault

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: D Erik Gustafsson (Calgary)

Head Coach: Bruce Cassidy

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Craig Smith (Nashville)

Head Coach: Barry Trotz

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: G Cory Schneider (New Jersey)

Head Coach: David Quinn

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: D Jack Johnson (Pittsburgh)

Head Coach: Mike Sullivan

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Kasperi Kapanen (Toronto), D Cody Ceci (Toronto), D Mike Matheson (Florida)

Head Coach: Peter Laviolette (Nashville)

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Conor Sheary (Pittsburgh), D Justin Schultz (Pittsburgh), D Zdeno Chara (Boston)

Head Coach: Ralph Krueger

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Cody Eakin (Winnipeg), F Taylor Hall (Arizona), F Eric Staal (Minnesota)

Head Coach: Lindy Ruff (Dallas – 2017)

Key Position: Everything

Key Acquisitions: F Andreas Johnsson (Toronto), D Ryan Murray (Columbus), D Dmitry Kulikov (Winnipeg)