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. Continue reading →

1. Pittsburgh Penguins

Their scoring prowess is almost unmatched in the league.

2. Washington Capitals

The defending champions will have to press on without their Cup winning head coach.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets

A big season ahead with two pending premier free agents in Panarin and Bobrovsky.

4. New Jersey Devils

Taylor Hall proved why he’s among the best in the league last year with an MVP trophy.

5. Philadelphia Flyers

There’s plenty of talent here except who do they have to rely on in net?

6. New York Rangers

The rebuild has begun, but it might not be too much longer before they’re back in contention.

7. Carolina Hurricanes

The youth movement is in full effect, but they haven’t solved their problem in net.

8. New York Islanders

Losing John Tavares just means they will hand the reigns over to Matthew Barzal now. Continue reading →