East Division

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. Continue reading →

Atlantic Division

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

They can’t have a repeat of last year and they shouldn’t.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs

This is a crucial year for this group to finally live up to their potential.

3. Boston Bruins

After coming up short in the Stanley Cup final, they’re still contenders once again.

4. Florida Panthers

They have a new goaltender and a Stanley Cup winning coach to go with their high powered offense.

5. Montreal Canadiens

The health of goalie Carey Price will determine their fate this season.

6. Buffalo Sabres

Once again they made a coaching change, but their talent pool is as deep as it’s ever been.

7. Detroit Red Wings

With Steve Yzerman now in charge it’ll be interesting to see how long it takes for them to be contenders.

8. Ottawa Senators

The long rebuild continues north of the border. Continue reading →

Atlantic Division

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

This team is stacked and there’s no reason they shouldn’t get to the Conference Finals again.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs

They won the John Tavares sweepstakes and now they have their eyes set on the Stanley Cup.

3. Boston Bruins

They’re mixing in some good youngsters with their savvy veterans.

4. Florida Panthers

There’s plenty of talent here, but they play in a top tier division that won’t give up the top three spots easily.

5. Buffalo Sabres

They made some savvy moves in the offseason and it should improve their point total quite a bit.

6. Detroit Red Wings

This ‘Hockeytown’ will have to wait another year to be considered potential playoff contenders.

7. Montreal Canadiens

Rebuilding is never easy, especially when you still have one of the best goaltenders in the game.

8. Ottawa Senators

The only thing they will compete for is the number one pick of the draft. Continue reading →

Atlantic Division

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 →

Atlantic Division

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 →