1. Colorado Avalanche

They proved in the playoffs last year that they are among the best offensive teams in the league.

2. Vegas Golden Knights

Adding a Stanley Cup winner in Alex Pietrangelo on defense shows they are still in a win-now mode for this young franchise.

3. St. Louis Blues

Losing Pietrangelo will hurt, but getting Torey Krug isn’t a bad consolation prize.

4. Minnesota Wild

Their team depth and playing in a weaker division has them primed for a playoff spot.

5. Arizona Coyotes

Too much turmoil in the front office, but the talent is there for playoff contention.

6. Anaheim Ducks

They’re probably another year away from contention, but the offense needs to start showing more progress.

7. San Jose Sharks

Their run for a Cup has come and gone.

8. Los Angeles Kings

The growing pains will continue as will the cap crunch for goalie Jonathan Quick and defenseman Drew Doughty.

Head Coach: Jared Bednar

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Brandon Saad (Chicago), D Devon Toews (NY Islanders)

Head Coach: Peter DeBoer

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: D Alex Pietrangelo (St. Louis)

Head Coach: Craig Berube

Key Position: Defensemen

Key Acquisitions: F Mike Hoffman (Florida), D Torey Krug (Boston)

Head Coach: Dean Evason

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Nick Bonino (Nashville), F Marcus Johansson (Buffalo), G Cam Talbot (Calgary)

Head Coach: Rick Tocchet

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: F Johan Larsson (Buffalo)

Head Coach: Dallas Eakins

Key Position: Forwards

Key Acquisitions: D Kevin Shattenkirk (Tampa Bay)

Head Coach: Bob Boughner

Key Position: Goaltender

Key Acquisitions: F Ryan Donato (Minnesota), F Patrick Marleau (Pittsburgh), F Matt Nieto (Colorado), G Devan Dubnyk (Minnesota)

Head Coach: Todd McLellan

Key Position: Everything

Key Acquisitions: F Andreas Athanasiou (Edmonton), D Olli Maatta (Chicago)