1. Montreal Canadiens

As long as Carey Price remains in net, they will remain atop the division.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs

The young core is getting better at a rapid pace.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning

With the return of Steven Stamkos, Tampa has their sights set on a Cup run.

4. Ottawa Senators

Their playoff run last year was something to marvel. Time to see if they can go further.

5. Boston Bruins

The youth movement has begun in Boston.

6. Buffalo Sabres

Another head coaching change means the Sabres have to get on track quickly.

7. Florida Panthers

A disappointing season means lower expectations, which could bode well for this young, but talented group.

8. Detroit Red Wings

Moving into a new arena always brings optimism, but it will be hard to overlook their flaws. Continue reading →

1. Florida Panthers

They have perhaps the best roster in the franchise’s history.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning

Bringing back Steven Stamkos was the only move for them to make.

3. Montreal Canadiens

Shea Weber brings them a new dynamic, but the health of Carey Price is their achilles heel.

4. Ottawa Senators

This young roster is coming together to maybe play for a playoff spot.

5. Boston Bruins

Their depth has taken a hit, but they can be a sneaky good team.

6. Buffalo Sabres

The future is coming together in a hurry, but the division is stacked at the top.

7. Toronto Maple Leafs

For the first time in a while, they have some excitement brewing in Toronto.

8. Detroit Red Wings

This could be a long season for one of the winningest franchise’s in NHL history. Continue reading →

1. Montreal Canadiens

Now is the time for them to capitalize on Carey Price and P.K. Subban being in their prime.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning

A tough Stanley Cup series should help them stay in contention.

3. Boston Bruins

Salary cap casualties shouldn’t derail any hopes of making the playoffs.

4. Florida Panthers

The young nucleus is coming together at the right time to surprise some opponents.

5. Detroit Red Wings

A new voice behind the bench will cause some bumps in the road.

6. Ottawa Senators

There’s a lot of talent, but it needs to come together first.

7. Toronto Maple Leafs

A new coach and front office will begin the long rebuilding project.

8. Buffalo Sabres

Getting Jack Eichel was a nice consolation prize. Continue reading →

1. Boston Bruins

Defense has led to success in the past and should do wonders this year.

2. Montreal Canadiens

They always seem to be so close the last few years. Maybe this year will be different?

3. Tampa Bay Lightning

The moves they made for the defensive unit will help immensely.

4. Detroit Red Wings

Not a lot of scoring options, but that didn’t deter them in the past.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs

Like Montreal, Toronto fans have been wanting a winner for some time now.

6. Ottawa Senators

The franchise is paving the way for the future and it does look bright.

7. Florida Panthers

A few veteran additions should help build a solid young core.

8. Buffalo Sabres

Last year was rough, but the Sabres do have some assets to build on. Continue reading →