Opening night of the 2024-25 NHL season is Tuesday, with a tripleheader of games on ESPN and ESPN+: St. Louis Blues at Seattle Kraken (4:30 p.m. ET), Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers (7 p.m. ET), Chicago Blackhawks at Utah Hockey Club (10 p.m. ET).
We're here to help get you up to speed with intel on all 32 teams, including the key players who were added or subtracted, best- and worst-case scenarios, X factors and fantasy tips, plus bold predictions.
Our season preview also features the first edition of our Power Rankings, which provide the order in which these teams are presented. The weekly rankings are formulated through votes from ESPN hockey broadcasters, analysts and reporters.
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Note: Thanks to PuckPedia for salary and contract data. Advanced stats are from Hockey Reference, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey. Kristen Shilton profiled the teams in the Eastern Conference, while Ryan S. Clark handled the Western Conference clubs. The fantasy outlook for each team is courtesy of Victoria Matiash and Sean Allen, and bold predictions are courtesy of Greg Wyshynski. Stanley Cup odds are courtesy of ESPN BET.
Jump to a team: ANA | BOS | BUF | CGY CAR | CHI | COL | CBJ DAL | DET | EDM | FLA LA | MIN | MTL | NSH NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT PHI | PIT | SJ | SEA STL | TB | TOR | UT VAN | VGK | WSH | WPG
Last season: 49-27-6, 104 points. Lost in the Stanley Cup Final. Stanley Cup odds: +700 Key players added: F Viktor Arvidsson, D Josh Brown, F Vasily Podkolzin, F Jeff Skinner Key players lost: D Philip Broberg, F Sam Carrick, G Jack Campbell, D Vincent Desharnais, F Warren Foegele, F Dylan Holloway
Most fascinating player: Evan Bouchard. With Leon Draisaitl signing an eight-year contract, it leaves Bouchard the only homegrown Oiler who is central to the team's future and does not have a long-term deal. He'll be a restricted free agent next summer, as he has one more year left on a contract for a team that's trying to return to the Stanley Cup Final. Bouchard was a massive part of the success last season. He finished with 82 points in the regular season while scoring 32 points in the playoffs. What makes Bouchard even more vital is that he's doing it at a time when teams know the premiums that come with young puck-moving defensemen. Replicating, if not surpassing, what he did in 2023-24 could lead to Bouchard getting rewarded in his next deal, with the reality the Oilers might need to dump cap space to make a long contract viable.
Best case: Winning the Stanley Cup. Difficult as it might have been for the Oilers to process a Game 7 loss during the offseason, it does reinforce that they are in a championship window and aren't that far off. If what they added in free agency can provide consistent secondary offense while harnessing what allowed them to reach the Cup Final, it's possible the Oilers win the title that has eluded them for more than 30 years.
Worst case: A first-round exit. Going to the Cup Final only to lose in the first round would be a letdown for any franchise. But that could happen to the Oilers based on recent history. Two years ago, the Avs won the Cup only to be bounced in the first round. Last year, the then-defending champion Golden Knights were also knocked out in the first round. Is it possible that a similar fate awaits the Oilers given there's a bit of a precedent involving Western Conference champions the past few years? Or is this the year they get that 16th playoff win instead?
X factor: Arvidsson and Skinner. Last season, Draisaitl, McDavid and Zach Hyman combined to score 44% of the Oilers' goals. Add in the fact they moved on from 20-goal scorer Warren Foegele in the offseason, and it creates the need for more secondary scoring options. That's what made the decision to sign Arvidsson and Skinner alluring. Arvidsson is a five-time 20-goal scorer, while Skinner is a 10-time 20-goal scorer and gives them top-six options.
Fantasy outlook: If Skinner secures a spot on Draisaitl's wing, as expected, the veteran winger should enjoy a campaign similar to when he put up 35 goals and 47 assists with the Sabres only two years ago. Stuart Skinner likely merits more fantasy love after a successful postseason. Once the top goalies are taken, Edmonton's No. 1 should be snatched up quickly.
Bold prediction: Evander Kane does the "LTIR special," and returns for the playoffs
Last season: 52-24-6, 110 points. Won the Stanley Cup. Stanley Cup odds: +1000 Key players added: F Jesper Boqvist, F Tomas Nosek Key players lost: F Ryan Lomberg, D Brandon Montour, D Oliver Ekman-Larsson, G Anthony Stolarz
Most fascinating player: Gustav Forsling. Florida knew it had something special in Forsling despite his quiet ascent. The past two seasons have been Forsling at his best as he anchored the Panthers' blue line through consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances (and recent victory). Now, will Forsling find a way to improve even further on what was a career season in 2023-24? Florida made several changes to its back end, with Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson in particular gone from the depth chart. It'll be paramount that Forsling -- alongside partner Aaron Ekblad -- continue carrying a heavy load.
Best case: Florida doesn't miss a beat amid its post-championship roster turnover and flies out of the gate into another successful regular season -- and long playoff run. The Panthers have a rock-solid base of high-speed, highly skilled players who pick back up where they left off with chemistry to spare. The depth additions Florida made in the offseason -- especially Nate Schmidt and Boqvist -- carve out solid roles in the system to provide the Panthers' stars with enough support that no one is overworked or under pressure nightly to steal a win.
Worst case: Cup fatigue sets in early for Florida and puts them behind the Eastern Conference pack. Two years of short summers makes the Panthers slower and less assured as losses begin piling up. Starter Sergei Bobrovsky begins showing his age at 36, and Chris Driedger -- who played just two NHL games last season and is replacing Bobrovsky's former partner Anthony Stolarz -- can't stop the bleeding in net. Florida fails to find a rhythm until midway through the season. Even a late push for the postseason fails, and the Panthers flame out of the playoff mix by April.
X factor: Florida's depth. The Panthers parted ways with a number of players following their Cup win, including Montour, Ekman-Larsson, Stolarz, Vladimir Tarasenko, Nick Cousins and Steven Lorentz. While GM Bill Zito didn't leave the cupboard completely bare -- Boqvist and Nosek have since come on board -- that's still a good deal of change to contend with as they look to repeat as league champions. How will the new faces fit in? Are any of Florida's prospects -- particularly Mackie Samoskevich -- ready to take on a full-time role? And will Driedger provide the support Bobrovsky needs? Florida's depth has been a difference-maker before, and whether it can be again will be a decisive factor in how the Panthers' season plays out.
Fantasy outlook: With seven players finishing among the top 200 in fantasy points last season, the Stanley Cup champs remain a fantasy force. It's reasonable to expect more of the same from Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart as elite players. There's upside from Forsling and Ekblad on defense, while Adam Boqvist could be a sleeper if he secures power-play time.
Bold prediction: Regression, thy name is Sam Reinhart.
Last season: 52-21-9, 113 points. Lost in the conference finals. Stanley Cup odds: +1000 Key players added: F Colin Blackwell, D Matt Dumba, G Casey DeSmith, D Ilya Lyubushkin, D Brendan Smith Key players lost: F Radek Faksa, D Jani Hakanpaa, F Joe Pavelski, F Craig Smith, F Sam Steel, D Ryan Suter, D Chris Tanev, G Scott Wedgewood
Most fascinating player: Wyatt Johnston. One of the biggest reasons the Stars are in a championship window is their ability to draft and develop homegrown talent. Through just two seasons, Johnston has already emerged as a success story. He went from finishing with 41 points as a rookie to breaking out for 32 goals and 65 points during the 2023-24 campaign. What Johnston does in his third campaign will play a significant role in the Stars' championship aspirations. More importantly, it will also play a large role in the team's long-term plans with Johnson entering the final year of his entry-level contract. Figuring out Johnston's next deal is just one of a few financial considerations facing the Stars as captain Jamie Benn enters the last year of his deal while star goaltender Jake Oettinger will be a restricted free agent at season's end.
Best case: Winning the Stanley Cup. It really is that straightforward for the Stars -- or any team that's in a championship window. Advancing to the conference finals in consecutive seasons only adds to that belief that the Stars are among the NHL's elite teams, and one that can pose a serious challenge to win the Cup. The fact they're doing this in a Western Conference landscape that features two of the three most recent Cup winners, the Avs and Golden Knights, along with the team that was a win short of giving the West three straight titles, the Oilers, only enhances the Stars' path to get there.
Worst case: Getting eliminated before the conference finals. There would be the assumptive disappointment that comes with falling short despite making the conference finals three times in the past five seasons. Another detail that would make a pre-conference finals exit challenging is what it could mean for the Stars' roster. Key figures such as Matt Duchene, Esa Lindell and Benn are all slated to become UFAs, while homegrown talents such as Mavrik Bourque, Johnston and Oettinger are pending RFAs in need of new deals.
X factor: Their offseason defensive additions. Stars coach Peter DeBoer knows what he has with Thomas Harley, Miro Heiskanen and Lindell on the back end. The same holds for Oettinger in net. As for the rest of the Stars' defensive setup? That's where it gets interesting. They used the offseason to add Dumba, Lyubushkin and Smith to their blue line while getting a new backup goaltender in DeSmith. There's also the possibility that at some point in the season they could call up 20-year-old prospect Lian Bichsel, their first-round pick from 2020. It's a group that will seek to retain the continuity that saw the Stars have one of the strongest defensive identities in the NHL last season.
Fantasy outlook: High-ceiling rookie Logan Stankoven deserves inclusion in deeper fantasy leagues, while young defender Harley merits grabbing once Heiskanen is off the draft board. After a mediocre first few months, Oettinger wrapped up the regular season 10-1-0, with a .941 SV% and a 1.54 GAA.
Bold prediction: Dallas wins the Western Conference.
Last season: 55-23-4, 114 points. Lost in the conference finals. Stanley Cup odds: +1400 Key players added: F Sam Carrick, F Reilly Smith Key players lost: F Barclay Goodrow, F Alex Wennberg
Most fascinating player: Jacob Trouba. The Rangers' captain has been under a microscope after playing poorly down the stretch last season -- particularly in the playoffs -- and weathering a summer filled with trade rumors. The question now is whether a healthy Trouba can be the role player New York needs him to be. At his best, Trouba can be a second-pairing asset who blocks shots and is reliable in his own end while also pitching in on the penalty kill. If that's what he can deliver, then the Rangers should be pleased. But what if Trouba continues to decline? New York didn't make any notable additions in the offseason; mostly, what you see is what you get. The Rangers have to hope what they see (and get) from Trouba matches with their expectations for improvement.
Best case: New York finally puts all the pieces together and wins the Cup. The Rangers have run it back with essentially the same roster that earned them a Presidents' Trophy last season, and this time around they're better than before -- Alexis Lafreniere is a full-blown star, Kaapo Kakko overdelivers, New York's blue line is cohesive and Igor Shesterkin is otherworldly. The Rangers' best players show up for them consistently and with a healthy roster intact most of the season, New York is primed for another long spring of playoff success.
Worst case: An early playoff exit. The Rangers didn't make any needle-moving additions in the offseason -- and their depth took a hit with the loss of Wennberg and Goodrow. New York is betting on its group to take strides from last season -- but what if that doesn't happen? While the likes of Lafreniere, Kakko and Filip Chytil should be entering their primes, it remains to be seen if they can provide enough support so that veterans like Artemi Panarin -- already dealing with an injury from the preseason -- and Chris Kreider aren't burnt out by April. It would be a nightmare for New York if it wound up too top-heavy and too dependent on star power that can easily fizzle out under the wrong circumstances.
X factor: How will New York handle the pressure? Some call it a privilege to be among a handful of teams most pundits can agree should be excellent in the coming season. The Rangers stuck with their (mainly) intact roster because of what it accomplished in 2023-24. With Peter Laviolette settling into a second year behind the bench and their aforementioned young skaters expected to progress, there are sky-high hopes that this will be the campaign where New York goes all the way to another Stanley Cup Final. We know the Rangers have talent. They have experience. Will they be able to block out the noise, though, and still play with that little chip on their shoulder that's helped produce positive results in the past?
Fantasy outlook: The Rangers' identity was their dominant power play last season, making Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, Kreider and Adam Fox locked-in fantasy superstars. Shesterkin is a top-tier goaltender capable of being a top-10 fantasy play. Watch for reclamation winger Reilly Smith if he succeeds in the top six.
Bold prediction: Shesterkin gets a new deal.
Last season: 50-25-7, 107 points. Lost in the second round. Stanley Cup odds: +1100 Key players added: D Calvin de Haan, F Parker Kelly, D Jacob MacDonald, D Oliver Kylington Key players lost: F Andrew Cogliano, F Brandon Duhaime, D Jack Johnson, D Caleb Jones, F Zach Parise, F Yakov Trenin, D Sean Walker
Most fascinating player: Gabriel Landeskog. Back in May, the 31-year-old Avalanche captain was asked when he would return to the lineup. He said sometime between mid-September and April with a laugh, while also acknowledging at the time he was uncertain of his return. The last time Landeskog played was June 26, 2022, when the Avs won the Stanley Cup. Since then, he has undergone a few knee surgeries that have kept him out of the lineup with the intent he could eventually return. When he does, it would give the Avs another potential scoring option as Landeskog has authored nine seasons of more than 20 goals. Avs coach Jared Bednar told reporters during the preseason that while the Avs are "encouraged by the progress he's made" that they would not place a timeline on when he could return.
Best case: Landeskog plays more than 50 games, and the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup. Perhaps two of the largest questions facing the Avs are centered around Landeskog's return and if they can win another title within their current championship window. And even with the questions around Landeskog's return, there are even more questions about what he would look like after such a lengthy layoff -- and how many games he could play. Receiving a version of Landeskog who could play more than 40 games while providing top-six certainty would fill a few needs for the Avalanche.
Worst case: Another playoff exit in the first two rounds. While having Landeskog return to the lineup is a focus, so is winning another Stanley Cup. Losing to the Stars in the second round exposed how the inability to gain consistent secondary and tertiary scoring has remained an issue. It was like that in 2023 when the Avs were knocked out in the first round, a year after they won the Stanley Cup. Their first-round performance in 2024 made it look as if they solved those problems, only to get outscored 16-6 in their four losses to the Stars.
X factor: The supporting cast. Every team in a championship window stresses the need for a strong secondary and tertiary unit. And because of cap space, they're often forced to undergo an annual reconfiguration. Stalwarts such as Andrew Cogliano and Jack Johnson are gone, while in-season additions such as Brandon Duhaime, Zach Parise and Sean Walker either left in free agency or retired. Restructuring their supporting cast started back in February when backup goaltender Justus Annunen became a full-time NHL player. During the playoffs, the club gave oft-discussed prospect winger Nikolai Kovalenko his debut. It kept going when the Avalanche used the offseason to add four defensemen who are expected to compete for the bottom pairing and seventh defensemen roles. The decision to re-sign bottom-six winger Joel Kiviranta along with Logan O'Connor's return from injury are the sort of options the Avs believe can help them win another Cup.
Fantasy outlook: If not the NHL's No. 1 defender, Cale Makar is right there, while goalie Alexandar Georgiev benefits his managers by playing often, and well enough, for one of the better teams in the West. Unless Annunen steals more starts than anticipated, Georgiev endures as a top-10 fantasy goaltender.
Bold prediction: Landeskog wins the Masterton Trophy.
Last season: 46-26-10, 102 points. Lost in the first round. Stanley Cup odds: +1200 Key players added: D Chris Tanev, D Oliver Ekman-Larsson, G Anthony Stolarz Key players lost: F Tyler Bertuzzi, D TJ Brodie, G Ilya Samsonov
Most fascinating player: Mitch Marner. The Leafs' top-line winger doesn't want to discuss it -- the "it" being his contract negotiations. This is the final season on Marner's deal, and conversations around an extension -- or lack of one -- have been rampant for months. Marner has chosen to stay mum on the topic publicly, so it's his on-ice performance that'll do the talking. The Toronto native isn't likely to take any hometown discount either, not when Auston Matthews (earning $13.25 million per season) and William Nylander ($11.5 million per year) didn't take that route. So will the pressure of earning his next salary add to -- or detract from -- Marner's game this season? Toronto relies on his contributions as a capable 30-goal scorer, tenacious penalty killer and top power-play option.
Best case: Toronto's biggest offseason pivots pay off by giving the Leafs a hard-nosed identity to complement their enviable talent. The Leafs immediately respond to new head coach Craig Berube's no-nonsense approach, and their beefed-up blue line (now with Chris Tanev and freshly minted Cup winner Oliver Ekman-Larsson) provides a stability the team hasn't had there for years. Nylander starts the season at center and despite failing to thrive there in the past becomes a perfect second-line option between a surging Matthews and John Tavares anchoring the Leafs' top-ranked units. Joseph Woll proves he's ready to be a No. 1 starter and Anthony Stolarz is the ideal veteran backup to keep Woll healthy for once. Toronto cruises their way into the playoffs and a long run from there.
Worst case: The Leafs' nightmare would be having made changes at significant spots in the offseason and seeing those backfire. Berube is the exact opposite to former head coach Sheldon Keefe and the transition from one to the other is rocky. Marner and Nylander struggle early on and Toronto's defense takes so long to work out the kinks that Woll -- under siege every night -- can't provide enough solutions. The Leafs don't find any consistency despite Berube repeatedly shuffling the deck and frustration inevitable sets in that puts Toronto on its heels late in the season, with the postseason in jeopardy.
X factor: Goaltending. GM Brad Treliving focused on making Toronto's blue line better. Fair enough. And the Leafs are betting that Woll -- who's coming off a strong regular season and playoffs -- is ready to top their goaltending depth chart. What if that's not the case, though? Woll absolutely has the talent to do it. He also has a fraught history with injuries, which could come back to haunt Toronto. Stolarz is an excellent No. 2. After that, the Leafs have Matt Murray -- who didn't play at all in the NHL last season due to injury. It all feels precarious, like a house of cards that's one Woll injury away from crashing down.
Fantasy outlook: The Leafs are one of the few teams that could have five skaters reach 200 fantasy points. Matthews, Nylander, Marner, Tavares and Morgan Rielly are the only players assured of early draft consideration. However, there's value beyond them: Matthew Knies aims for top-line minutes, Tanev and Jake McCabe boost their totals with physical play.
Bold prediction: Marner re-signs with Toronto.
Last season: 47-20-15, 109 points. Lost in the second round. Stanley Cup odds: +2000 Key players added: F Max Jones, F Elias Lindholm, D Nikita Zadorov, G Joonas Korpisalo Key players lost: F Jake DeBrusk, F Jesper Boqvist, F Danton Heinen, D Matt Grzelcyk, G Linus Ullmark
Most fascinating player: Lindholm. The Bruins chased after Lindholm long before landing him as a free agent last summer, to the tune of a seven-year, $54.25 million contract. The investment signaled Lindholm as Boston's newest top-line center candidate, an heir apparent if you will to franchise icon Patrice Bergeron. But Lindholm has already navigated rocky waters in Boston, via an undisclosed injury in training that held him out of most preseason action and severely limited his opportunities to build chemistry in a new system. Will that ultimately affect his performance early this season? He was back at Bruins' practice by late September, centering Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak, but even coach Jim Montgomery could admit Lindholm wasn't "up to speed" as everyone would have liked. Lindholm is one of the league's brightest centers though and if anyone can catch on quickly, it'll be him, right?
Best case: Boston reloads (again) to be a top-tier contender in the Atlantic. The Bruins have been written off numerous times in the past few years -- for being too old, too slow, too not quite good enough to keep up with the division's younger squads. Well, Boston has proved its critics wrong in the past and, in a perfect world, does the same again now. Prized signings Lindholm and Zadorov fit seamlessly into the lineup, replacing pieces the Bruins lost and there would be no signs of Boston losing steam down the stretch. Jeremy Swayman's contract drama is settled before the season starts and he proves to be a bona fide No. 1. Boston punches their way back to another playoff berth and continue to show why they've avoided any rebuild despite significant roster turnover.
Worst case: The Bruins are the odd man out the playoffs as other Atlantic teams move ahead. Boston has benefitted from the likes of Ottawa, Buffalo and Detroit all struggling to gain traction in the division. Even so, every team in the Atlantic earned at least 75 points last season -- something no other division could claim. Boston's veteran group would finally be on the outside looking in without as much firepower and tenacity as the up and comers around them. Swayman, although signed to a new long-term extension, struggles as a full-time starter and Boston falters without the strong goaltending it's been accustomed to.
X factor: Goaltending. Boston had one of the league's enviable tandems last season with Ullmark and Swayman. The pairing helped the Bruins exceed expectations in 2023-24. And it was Swayman's hot hand in the playoffs that took Boston into the second round. Now Ullmark is in Ottawa, and Swayman's would-be partner Joonas Korpisalo (who came over from the Senators) is the Bruins' projected opening night starter as Swayman gets back up to speed following a prolonged contract negotiation. There's no question Swayman will be Boston's go-to guy in net eventually. Korpisalo has to pull his weight as the No. 1 right now, and that's not exactly how Boston drew up its goaltending. Korpisalo has been fine in backup roles before, but the Bruins will need something more out of him to ensure they don't fall behind the competition.
Fantasy outlook: David Pastrnak is a first-round fantasy superstar, while Charlie McAvoy ranks in the top 20 for defenders. If Lindholm builds chemistry with Pastrnak, the rewards could be substantial. Charlie Coyle and Zacha provide low upside but reliable fantasy output.
Bold prediction: This is Jim Montgomery's final season in Boston.
Last season: 52-23-7, 111 points. Lost in the second round. Stanley Cup odds: +1400 Key players added: F Jack Roslovic, D Shayne Gostisbehere, D Sean Walker Key players lost: F Jake Guentzel, F Stefan Noesen, F Teuvo Teravainen, D Brett Pesce, D Brady Skjei
Most fascinating player: Roslovic. Carolina has a need for (more) speed and is counting on Roslovic to provide some this season. The winger has posted up on the Hurricanes' top line with Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, linemates who can amplify what Roslovic brings on his own. Carolina witnessed those strong qualities during its second-round playoff series against the Rangers last season -- Roslovic was new to the Blueshirts after being traded from Columbus at the deadline, but his speed stood out to now-coach Rod Brind'Amour. And it still does. Those expectations are a good thing for Roslovic to embrace. This is something of a redemption year for the 27-year-old after last season's recording of his lowest goal total (9) since 2018-19 and fewest points (31) since 2019-20. The talent around Roslovic creates a tremendous opportunity for him to thrive and give Carolina a boost offensively.
Best case: Carolina is right back in the mix to get to the Stanley Cup Final again. The Hurricanes went through significant changes on the back end but get surprisingly solid output from an aging Brent Burns and returning Gostisbehere to keep the Hurricanes' defense on track. Both Carolina goaltenders, Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov, remain healthy and emerge as one of the league's most productive tandems. An offense led by elite performances from a healthy Andrei Svechnikov and Aho puts the Hurricanes ahead of the pack immediately and they lead a race to the playoffs from there.
Worst case: Defense has long been a backbone of Carolina's success. Losing Skjei and Pesce was always going to sting, and their absence is quickly apparent for the leaky Hurricanes. Injuries wind up coming back to bite Carolina (again) and even its usually potent offensive attack can't make up for that. The Hurricanes aren't a good fit for Roslovic, and they feel the losses of Guentzel, Teravainen and Noesen in significant ways. Brind'Amour has to make sweeping changes early that Carolina struggles through while trying to stay in the wild-card mix in the Eastern Conference.
X factor: Goalie health. It's the elephant in the room for Carolina: Will Andersen and Kotchetkov be available often enough to be a real one-two punch in net? Andersen missed the majority of last season with blood-clotting issues, and the Hurricanes struggled to replace him. Veteran Antti Raanta was passable at best (he has since departed the organization) and Kochetkov tried to help -- until he too was sidelined in January by a concussion. So Carolina turned to a waiver wire pickup (Spencer Martin) and Raanta. Not ideal. Andersen and Kochetkov are quality netminders who give the Hurricanes a superb chance to win each night. Protecting their health will be a critical part of Carolina's success.
Fantasy outlook: Does Andersen have another big season, or does Kochetkov steal enough minutes to be the fantasy choice? More likely, do they limit each other's potential? Newly signed defenseman Gostisbehere offers sleeper value on the power play if Burns continues his twilight career decline.
Bold prediction: Canes miss the playoffs.
Last season: 47-30-5, 99 points. Lost in the first round. Stanley Cup odds: +1600 Key players added: F Jonathan Marchessault, D Luke Schenn, D Brady Skjei, F Steven Stamkos, G Scott Wedgewood Key players lost: F Jaret Anderson-Dolan, G Yaroslav Askarov, D Tyson Barrie, F Anthony Beauvillier, F Jason Zucker
Most fascinating player: Tommy Novak. Why Novak and not Marchessault or Stamkos? Easy. Because it appears that Novak will be the one centering the line with a former Conn Smythe Trophy winner in Marchessault on his right and a future Hall of Famer in Stamkos on his left. Since the Predators decided to retool their roster, they've seen Novak emerge from a promising prospect to someone who has firmly established himself as a key part of their future. Novak has shown he can be a top-six center who now has a chance to have the best year of his young career if he ends up anchoring this star-studded line.
Best case: Making a long playoff run. Andrew Brunette's first season showed the Preds have a roster capable of getting to the postseason. Following that up by having what might have been the NHL's most aggressive offseason campaign furthers the belief that the Preds can pose a serious challenge once the playoffs arrive. But there's also a reality that comes with the Preds in that advancing beyond the first round has been an issue. Failing to get past the opening round is why previous GM David Poile thought a retool was necessary, a belief that was carried by his successor, Barry Trotz. While the Predators likely have higher aspirations, they're also a franchise that has not made it beyond the opening round since the 2017-18 season.
Worst case: Another first-round knockout. The Predators did more than just sign Marchessault and Stamkos to bolster their top six. They added Schenn and Skjei to strengthen a team that already took its defensive identity rather seriously as the season progressed. All those moves are what make the Predators an attractive preseason pick. But they're trying to make strides in a conference with established powers such as the Avalanche, Golden Knights, Oilers and Stars. Not that another first-round exit torpedoes the Preds' long-term plans, but it does make things interesting given they have 10 players older than 30.
X factor: What happens in Brunette's second season? That alone could be the most alluring question facing the Preds. Here's why: Brunette is known for having an instant impact. He had one with the Panthers when he made them the NHL's most prolific offense in his lone season as an interim coach. As a Devils assistant, he made them one of the league's most dangerous groups for his one season. Brunette's first season with the Predators saw them finish in the top 10 in scoring and 13th in goals allowed. So what happens this season with Brunette getting a second season for a franchise that has gone all-in?
Fantasy outlook: Does Stamkos score another 40 in his new Nashville digs? How does Vegas export Marchessault fare after earning 42 in 2023-24? Perhaps a dip in those impressive totals from both is to be anticipated. Center Novak can't be disregarded as a promising fantasy performer, should he end up cemented between the two on what amounts to a dynamic second scoring line.
Bold prediction: Roman Josi wins the Norris Trophy.
Last season: 50-23-9, 109 points. Lost in the second round. Stanley Cup odds: +2000 Key players added: F Jake DeBrusk, D Vincent Desharnais, D Derek Forbert, F Danton Heinen, F Daniel Sprong Key players lost: D Ian Cole, G Casey DeSmith, F Elias Lindholm, F Vasily Podkolzin, D Nikita Zadorov
Most fascinating player: Brock Boeser. Even with all the times he reached the 20-goal mark, there was a thought that Boeser could score more if he ever stayed healthy. That's exactly what happened last season when he finished with a career-high 40 goals and 73 points in a career-high 81 games. His performances helped the Canucks win the Pacific, advance to the second round of the playoffs and prove they could have everything needed to be among the conference's Stanley Cup challengers. Plus: He's in the final year of his contract.
Best case: Reaching the Western Conference finals. A strong start to the regular season led to them finishing with more than 100 points and winning their division. But they fell one win short of advancing to the conference finals, losing to the eventual Western Conference champion Oilers. Now the Canucks will attempt to use this season to firmly establish themselves as one of the conference's legitimate Stanley Cup challengers.
Worst case: Failing to capitalize on their newfound progress. Teams such as the Avs, Golden Knights, Oilers and Stars have used the past few seasons to cement their statuses as Western teams in a championship window. As for the Canucks? They're trying to make the jump from a team that got into the playoffs to one that is a perennial participant and serious title challenger. Getting back to the playoffs would only enhance their reputation, while missing the postseason could create questions about where the Canucks fall in the conference's landscape.
X factor: Their offseason additions. Possessing a strong defensive identity is how the Canucks were the Pacific Division's No. 1 seed in the playoffs and won in the first round. A lack of consistent secondary scoring, however, played a part in why they were eliminated in the second. Managing their cap space while finding a way to address their needs was the priority in free agency. The result was signing three forwards who can help with those secondary scoring challenges while the defensemen they added should rebuild their third defensive pairing.
Fantasy outlook: With Thatcher Demko working through a complicated knee injury to start 2024-25, Arturs Silovs is now the guy between the pipes for one of the more competitive teams in the West. A fantasy wild card, the largely untested 23-year-old could either shine or fall flat straight away. If Silovs struggles, new backup Kevin Lankinen could see a lot more early action.
Bold prediction: Elias Pettersson bounces back big.
Last season: 38-39-5, 81 points. Missed the playoffs. Stanley Cup odds: +1000 Key players added: D Brett Pesce, G Jacob Markstrom, F Stefan Noesen, D Brenden Dillon, F Tomas Tatar Key players lost: F Tomas Nosek, F Alexander Holtz
Most fascinating player: Markstrom. New Jersey has been searching for a stable, No. 1 netminder. Can the 34-year-old Markstrom be that player? Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald believes he can, and swapped a 2025 first-round pick and defenseman Kevin Bahl to Calgary over the summer for Markstrom's services. Now all the veteran netminder has to do is produce. Markstrom wanted out with the Flames and has a terrific chance to be the backbone for a high-flying Devils team that too often has seen its admirable efforts upfront negated by leaky goaltending. Markstrom is two years removed from being a Vezina Trophy finalist and produced a decent .905 SV% for a comparatively bad Calgary team last season. The question now is what Markstrom can do all season long with the kind of support the Devils should provide.
Best case: The Devils make the playoffs -- and make a run. New Jersey hardly resembles a team that missed the playoffs last season, and is rapidly on pace to be an Eastern Conference contender. New coach Sheldon Keefe seamlessly implements a structure that highlights the Devils' skill and speed with a strong defensive focus. The star skaters perform as expected and New Jersey's depth players -- especially Noesen and Tatar -- make immediate impacts to give the team a top-to-bottom attack. For once, the Devils stay mostly healthy on the back end, and good goaltending is the missing link to push New Jersey back into a prominent postseason position.
Worst case: Change, it turns out, doesn't do any good for the Devils. After a solid start, Keefe's approach grates on New Jersey's major players and that early friction sets a negative tone. The top six looks a mess and Keefe goes into panic mode trying to find the right combinations before it's too late. Newly added Pesce isn't a difference-making presence on the back end, and the Devils' seriously feel that loss of Luke Hughes -- out seven weeks with a shoulder injury -- from the get-go. New Jersey winds up muddling along for the first couple of months and ends up in a hole too large to climb out of by spring.
X factor: How will the defense evolve? The injury to Hughes is a blow, but also creates an opportunity for someone else to step up. New Jersey's lack of defensive depth was an issue last season and Fitzgerald addressed it by adding Pesce, Dillon and -- perhaps less notably at the time -- Johnathan Kovacevic from Montreal. The latter is a bruising right-shot defender clocking in at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds. That's a good start. What sort of role might Kovacevic be able to create in Hughes' absence? Likewise, what would a healthy Dougie Hamilton mean for the blue line? Hamilton appeared in just 20 games last season and that had a significant impact on New Jersey's defensive prospects. Now more than ever, the Devils need Hamilton available and performing like a top-pairing skater.
Fantasy outlook: Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier and Timo Meier will drive the offense, with Hamilton healthy on the blue line. Markstrom provides the reliable goaltending needed for more wins. We'll need to see if Hughes can carve out a fantasy role alongside Hamilton once he's fully healed.
Bold prediction: New Jersey wins the Eastern Conference.
Last season: 45-29-8, 98 points. Lost in the first round. Stanley Cup odds: +1600 Key players added: F Alexander Holtz, F Victor Olofsson, G Ilya Samsonov Key players lost: F Michael Amadio, F William Carrier, F Paul Cotter, F Anthony Mantha, F Jonathan Marchessault, D Alec Martinez, G Logan Thompson
Most fascinating player: Samsonov. Which version of Samsonov will the Golden Knights see as part of their tandem with Adin Hill? The one who had a .919 save percentage in his first season with the Maple Leafs? Or the one who has posted a sub.-900 save percentage in two of his past three seasons? And regardless of what version the Golden Knights get, how will it fit within the structure of a team seeking a second championship in three seasons?
Best case: Winning a Stanley Cup. Make no mistake about the Golden Knights and how they operate as a franchise. Unless something changes, they're still a franchise with the primary objective of trying to win as many Stanley Cups as possible by any means necessary. They have 13 players remaining from the team that in 2023 won the first championship in franchise history. And with that comes the expectation that the Golden Knights could still once again win it all.
Worst case: Another first-round exit. Everything has an expiration date, and that includes teams in a championship window. That's what makes the Golden Knights' circumstances such a complex dynamic. While they have already won a championship, there's no guarantee that a franchise built on a win-at-all-costs approach will win another. It's a lesson the Golden Knights learned last postseason when they saw their 2-0 series lead against the Stars eventually turn into an opening-round departure. And considering the amount of talent they lost in the offseason due to financial reasons, that only adds to the Golden Knights' win-now mentality.
X factor: The front office. Every season, it's the same thing. The Golden Knights look like they can't make any more major moves because they lack the cap space -- only to come up with a trade that not only clears the cap but leads to them to a big-name player who adds another dimension to an already strong roster. Could that be the case again this season?
Fantasy outlook: After a brief stint in which he collected four points in six contests, and only one playoff goal, Tomas Hertl is ready to settle in full time as a scoring threat at 5-on-5 and on the top power play. While Noah Hanifin is expected to see valuable minutes with the extra skater, veteran Alex Pietrangelo shines in fantasy competition that rewards blocked shots in addition to scoring categories.
Bold prediction: They win at least one playoff round.
Last season: 45-29-8, 98 points. Lost in the first round. Stanley Cup odds: +2500 Key players added: F Cam Atkinson, F Zemgus Girgensons, F Jake Guentzel, D Ryan McDonagh Key players lost: F Anthony Duclair, F Tanner Jeannot, F Steven Stamkos, D Mikhail Sergachev
Most fascinating player: Guentzel. The Lightning effectively moved on from former captain Stamkos in part so they could sign Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million contract. On its own, that looks like a safe bet -- Guentzel is a point-per-game player with three consecutive 30-plus goal seasons. Tampa Bay is rightly expecting this to be the prime of his career and he'll have every opportunity to flourish. But there's pressure, too, following a player like Stamkos. The Lightning are looking to replace a veteran performer who was their third-leading scorer last season, racking up 40 goals and 81 points in 79 games. That's no small void to fill and Tampa Bay is counting on Guentzel to provide that production when he officially hits the ice for his new team this season.
Best case: Tampa Bay continues to master the art of the retool. GM Julien BriseBois went big, going after Guentzel, trading top-pairing defenseman Sergachev to Utah and bringing back defenseman McDonagh. Those moves all prove worthwhile as the Lightning look refreshed and reinvigorated. New captain Victor Hedman seamlessly transitions into a role Stamkos held for over a decade and Tampa Bay responds with strong early chemistry that carries it through a few inevitable bumps as fresh faces work into the lineup. The Lightning build up steam in the regular season and hit the playoff scene on a high note.
Worst case: BriseBois' risky business doesn't pay off as planned and the Lightning look lost to start the season. Tampa Bay's design is too top-heavy and when Guentzel can't find a groove, the Lightning feel Stamkos' absence -- on the ice and in their dressing room -- from the get-go. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has a slow start to the season and Tampa Bay's refurbished blue line looks blah despite Hedman's strong play. The Lightning's offseason depth additions -- including J.J. Moser and Atkinson -- don't quite fit and Tampa Bay never looks like the cohesive bunch BriseBois was seeking to create. The Lightning are run over by the Atlantic's rising squads and miss the postseason.
X factor: Jon Cooper. It's not easy being the longest-tenured coach in the sport. Cooper is that elusive leader, though. He guided the Lightning to consecutive Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021, then got them back to the Final in 2022 despite a somewhat tumultuous playoff run that could have derailed a lesser group (and coach). Cooper is the constant for an ever-changing Tampa Bay team that has had to contend with backbreaking salary cap issues year after year. He'll find a way to at least give Tampa Bay a chance to succeed no matter who is in the lineup. That magic touch is invaluable to the Lightning -- now more than ever.
Fantasy outlook: If Vasilevskiy returns to form, the Bolts could have three top-25 fantasy players in Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Vasilevskiy himself. Hedman, who will quarterback the power play, and Guentzel are just outside that range. Beyond them, there is upside in Brandon Hagel and Atkinson, along with reliability from Anthony Cirelli and Nicholas Paul.
Bold prediction: Guentzel scores 40 goals or more.
Last season: 52-24-6, 110 points. Lost in the first round. Stanley Cup odds: +3000 Key players added: F Jaret Anderson-Dolan, G Eric Comrie, D Haydn Fleury, G Kaapo Kahkonen, D Colin Miller, F Mason Shaw Key players lost: G Laurent Brossoit, D Brenden Dillon, F Sean Monahan, F Tyler Toffoli
Most fascinating player: Nikolaj Ehlers. What's clear is the seven-time 20-goal scorer is going to get paid next season. Whether it's the Jets who are paying him? That appears to be the most notable question for the 28-year-old winger, who is entering into the final season of a seven-year contract worth $6 million annually. Any number of scenarios could be presented to the Jets and Ehlers, who has a modified no-trade clause, between now and the end of a season that could see the club reach the playoffs.
Best case: Winning a first-round series. Clearly, advancing beyond the first round is a theme for a number of Western Conference teams. What makes the Jets' situation unique is the fact that they can win Game 1 only to struggle the rest of the way. In 2023, they scored five goals in a Game 1 against the Golden Knights only to allow more than four goals per game before getting eliminated in five games. Then there's what happened last year. The Jets outlasted the Avalanche with a 7-6 win in Game 1 only to then allow more than five goals per game and lose the series in five.
Worst case: Either missing the playoffs altogether or another first-round exit. There comes a point in which every franchise must ask difficult questions about its direction. It's possible the Jets could be heading in there should either of those scenarios play out. The Jets are essentially a perennial playoff team, having made the postseason in six of the past seven campaigns. But they've reached the second round only once in that time. The upcoming offseason could see them reshape their roster, using $38.6 million in cap space as they seek to firmly establish themselves as one of the favorites in the West.
X factor: How will the team adapt to Scott Arniel in his first season? Arniel was an assistant under Rick Bowness for two seasons and was hired to take over once the venerable Bowness retired following the Jets' first-round exit. What philosophies will Arniel use now that he's in charge? And could those traits that could be parlayed into the Jets not only returning to the playoffs but winning a first-round series?
Fantasy outlook: Kyle Connor is a 40-goal scorer when healthy, while Mark Scheifele is a second-tier fantasy center behind the league's best. The third member of that Jets' top line, Gabriel Vilardi, could break out with 70 points if he stays fully fit. Cole Perfetti appears ready to crank it up a productive notch on the power play. The 22-year-old deserves a roster spot in deeper fantasy leagues.
Bold prediction: Connor Hellebuyck leads the U.S. to a 4 Nations Face-Off victory.
Last season: 44-27-11, 99 points. Lost in the first round. Stanley Cup odds: +3000 Key players added: D Kyle Burroughs, D Joel Edmundson, F Warren Foegele, F Tanner Jeannot, D Caleb Jones, G Darcy Kuemper Key players lost: F Viktor Arvidsson, F Pierre-Luc Dubois, F Carl Grundstrom, F Blake Lizotte, D Matt Roy
Most fascinating player: Kuemper. Forget whom he was traded for and the episodes that came with "He who shall not be named" during his only season with the club. The Kings are still a franchise that has shuffled through Pheonix Copley, Joonas Korpisalo, Jonathan Quick, Cal Petersen, David Rittich and Cam Talbot since 2022 only to still fall in the first round. Kuemper, who won a Cup in 2022, has inherited a position that could be one of the difference-makers in the Kings getting to the second round.
Best case: They reach the second round. It wasn't that long ago when the Kings' rebuild was seen as one that could cement the team as a championship contender. And there's still the possibility that can happen. But when a franchise has struggled to get out of the first round for three straight seasons and each opening-round exit presents questions that are both old and new in the process? That's where it gets complicated. This is what makes winning a first-round series so pivotal for the Kings.
Worst case: Losing in the first round or missing the playoffs. A fourth consecutive first-round exit is going to lead to even more questions about what needs to be done going forward. And with teams such as the Blues on the cusp while others such as the Flames, Kraken, Utah and the Wild are also trying to pose a threat? There's also a possibility the Kings miss the playoffs altogether which would only amplify the pre-existing concerns about the direction of the franchise.
X factor: The games they play without Drew Doughty. Losing Matt Roy in free agency was an already major item considering he led the Kings in short-handed minutes and was second in average ice time. Now the Kings are going to be without Doughty on a month-to-month basis as he recovers from a fractured ankle. Doughty was second in the NHL last season in ice time and also led the Kings in power-play minutes as he quarterbacked a unit that was 11th. The Kings used the offseason to add Kyle Burroughs and Joel Edmundson to help fill the void left by Roy, hoping their additions would help strengthen their overall defensive approach. It's just that Doughty's absence gives the Kings another area to address in the early stages of the season.
Fantasy outlook: A healthy Adrian Kempe is good for 35 to 40 goals, while captain Anze Kopitar remains one of the game's more well-rounded fantasy performers. Cemented in the top six, Quinton Byfield should build on last year's 20-goal, 35-assist total, and goalie Darcy Kuemper has sleeper potential behind a better defensive system than he had in Washington.
Bold prediction: Quinton Byfield breaks 70 points.
Last season: 41-32-9, 91 points. Missed the playoffs. Stanley Cup odds: +4000 Key players added: F Vladimir Tarasenko, G Jack Campbell, G Cam Talbot Key players lost: F David Perron, D Jake Walman, G James Reimer
Most fascinating player: Simon Edvinsson. The Red Wings rookie turned a successful 14-game NHL stint last season into heightened expectations for what he can add to the team's blue line. Edvinsson skated alongside veteran Jeff Petry to form a solid second pairing for Detroit in the waning weeks of the 2023-24 season. It's not that Edvinsson had a significant impact on the box score (he netted just one goal and one assist); it's more that Edvinsson made good decisions in his own end, was hard on the cycle and generally exhibited a poise beyond his 21 years. It will be intriguing to see what Edvinsson can do now that the curtain's been pulled back on his NHL game.
Best case: Detroit ends the franchise's longest playoff drought with a return to the postseason field. Losing a tiebreaker to the Washington Capitals kept the Red Wings from playoff competition a year ago but this time around there's no waiting until the final minute to know they're in the mix. The Red Wings capitalize on top-tier performances from their best skaters -- particularly Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat and Moritz Seider -- while Cam Talbot and Ville Husso are the high-caliber tandem Detroit has been missing in recent seasons. A full-team buy-in to the defensive details finally curbs the Red Wings' leaky habits of the past and they are primed to excel in the club's first playoff berth in eight years.
Worst case: The Red Wings have been their own worst enemy before by not prioritizing defensive play. Detroit does that again -- to its own peril. Another strong start to the season is derailed by inconsistencies from the blue line on out. The power play -- which ranked among the league's top-10 a year ago -- fails to launch and without that boost Detroit can't keep pace offensively in the Atlantic. Their veteran additions -- including Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane -- are a nonfactor and Talbot proves to no longer be a No. 1 option. Detroit slowly slides down the standings and lands with another disappointing thud outside the playoff picture.
X factor: Derek Lalonde. The Red Wings finished ninth offensively last season -- and 24th defensively. There's been a clear disconnect for Detroit on how to play a strong two-way team game, and it's on Lalonde now to pull it out of this group. GM Steve Yzerman believed in Lalonde's ability when he made the former Tampa Bay assistant a first-time NHL head coach in 2022. Now three seasons into his tenure, it's time for Lalonde to help the Red Wings turn a corner by adhering to a defense-focused structure. Detroit has shown enough offensive potential that if Lalonde can fix the defensive deficiencies then this could be a significant season for the Red Wings.
Fantasy outlook: Dylan Larkin brings stability, making Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond solid bets for value. On defense, Moritz Seider stands out as a star, Simon Edvinsson has significant fantasy potential and Erik Gustafsson could be a power-play specialist.
Bold prediction: Red Wings hit reverse in Motor City, miss playoffs.
Last season: 39-27-16, 94 points. Lost in the first round. Stanley Cup odds: +5000 Key players added: F Anthony Duclair Key players lost: D Sebastian Aho
Most fascinating player: Maxim Tsyplakov. It's rare for the Islanders to pursue a free agent signing so there must have been something about Tsyplakov that GM Lou Lamoriello couldn't ignore. Tsyplakov was a coveted commodity coming out of the KHL, and while there's a certain air of the unknown about how he'll transition to the NHL, Tsyplakov has shown in training camp he's ready to compete for a roster spot. Linemate Bo Horvat said early on that while the 26-year-old won't wow you with speed, he's smart, strategic and a solid playmaker. That's a good foundation for any forward to build off, and if Tsyplakov can continue to deliver on that, it would be a serious boost for an Islanders offense that's consistently lacking depth up front. If Tsyplakov can beat out the competition for an opportunity in the Islanders' lineup he seems set up for success in the season ahead.
Best case: The Islanders' offensive struggles are finally a thing of the past as New York's key weapons -- including Horvat, Mathew Barzal and newcomer Anthony Duclair -- all find a rhythm early. Ilya Sorokin is not only healthy but recaptures his form from two years ago as a dominant netminder. Speaking of health, Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech -- who both missed about 25 games last season -- are stronger than ever anchoring the Islanders' back end, and that sets a tone for the entire defense to follow. Patrick Roy excels in his second season behind the bench as players get more comfortable in his structure. New York is a playoff contender throughout the season and cruises into a postseason slot with little drama.
Worst case: New York returns an almost identical roster to last year's, and similar problems inevitably crop up. The Islanders' 22nd-ranked offense from a season ago doesn't make vast improvements and continues to average fewer than three goals per game -- not enough to keep up with the Metro's other high-scoring squads. New York's blue-line depth was thinner than expected and can't survive the inevitable wear and tear that comes when the top four are taking on big minutes. Sorokin's not 100% following offseason surgery and the fallout from that carries over to the regular season. Without a strong backbone in net, the Islanders lose too many tight games and start to slide down the standings.
X factor: Health. The Islanders were run aground last season by key injuries, particularly on the defensive side. New York had a league-worst penalty kill (71.5%) because skaters such as Pelech, Pulock and Scott Mayfield (who missed 41 games) were unavailable for long stretches. The Islanders don't have a lot of prospects (especially on defense) to pull from or veterans waiting in the wings to step in and take on significant roles if they do run into health woes. That could come back to bite them. The Islanders could benefit from an insurance policy or two in case the injury bug creeps quickly back into the equation.
Fantasy outlook: While Noah Dobson stood out, finishing 17th in fantasy points last season, the Islanders return 10 players who finished among the top 250; only the Stars have more. Brock Nelson, Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal provide reliable value, while Kyle Palmieri, Anders Lee, Alexander Romanov, Ryan Pulock and Jean-Gabriel Pageau often fluctuate in lineups.
Bold prediction: Mathew Barzal sets a career scoring mark.
Last season: 38-32-12, 88 points. Missed the playoffs. Stanley Cup odds: +5000 Key players added: F Anthony Beauvillier, F Kevin Hayes, D Sebastian Aho, D Matt Grzelcyk Key players lost: F Reilly Smith
Most fascinating player: Drew O'Connor. When the Penguins traded Jake Guentzel to Carolina last March there was a hole on the top line winger alongside Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust -- and O'Connor got the opportunity to slot in. He rode shotgun with Crosby all the way through Pittsburgh's feverish 17-game push to the end of that regular season, a strong audition that ultimately earned him the same spot to start training camp. If that trio developed enough chemistry to be an intriguing go-to option again for coach Mike Sullivan, it's on O'Connor now to show that he can re-create those previous positive results (including seven goals and 10 points) from the outset. O'Connor complements his linemates with a straightforward attack and a big body to lend some physicality. This also happens to be a contract year for O'Connor, too. Building off his past could pay dividends on the ice and his bank account by year's end.
Best case: Pittsburgh ends its two-season playoff drought and proves there is still something special about Penguins hockey. Crosby is resplendent again as Pittsburgh's offensive leader, Evgeni Malkin continues to track as a near 30-goal scorer and Erik Karlsson not only stays healthy but shows more flashes of his recent Norris Trophy-winning play. The Penguins establish a strong goalie tandem with Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic, where there's genuine confidence in either one to secure a win every night. Sullivan puts on one of his best coaching jobs in years and Pittsburgh looks closer to being a powerhouse (again) than we've seen in years.
Worst case: The Penguins find old problems returning. and they can't come up with quick solutions. Pittsburgh's goaltending is average and that negates whatever strides they're able to take offensively. Despite adding younger skaters such as Rutger McGroarty, there remains an obvious lag in Pittsburgh's game caused by their overall age. Matt Grzelcyk is a liability on the back end, and Kris Letang's game suffers. The Penguins make a midseason coaching change in an effort to change their momentum, but that doesn't provide enough of a boost to get back on track. The Penguins fall short of the playoffs again and face a long summer of questions about what a potential rebuild will look like.
X factor: The power play. It's hard to believe that even with the likes of Crosby and Malkin available the Penguins ranked 30th (15.3%) with the extra man last season. For a club that was fighting to the finish for a playoff slot, a putrid power play can be the untimely back breaker. How will they prevent special teams from being a liability again this season? Sullivan has needed a Patric Hornqvist replacement as Pittsburgh's net-front man and Michael Bunting should (in theory) be that person -- but Bunting didn't take naturally to the role in his first season. Will Bunting's sophomore attempt there be any better? Could Rickard Rakell be the right guy? Pittsburgh has to capitalize on its talent to make the power play a real weapon to drive confidence and spark momentum.
Fantasy outlook: Sidney Crosby was the only Penguins player in the fantasy top 50 last season, but there's potential for more. Improved power-play performance could elevate Erik Karlsson back to elite status, and make Bryan Rust and Evgeni Malkin reliable starters. Newcomers Anthony Beauvillier, Kevin Hayes, and Rutger McGroarty offer sleeper potential.
Bold prediction: The power play finishes in the top 10.
Last season: 39-33-10, 87 points. Missed the playoffs. Stanley Cup odds: +4000 Key players added: F Yakov Trenin Key players lost: D Alex Goligoski, D Dakota Mermis
Most fascinating player: Marco Rossi. Not that everything about the Wild comes back to the combined $14.743 million buyout cap charges for Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. But it is rather important when it comes back to how the Wild find success while navigating such a financial burden. That's what made Rossi breaking out for 21 goals and 40 points to emerge as a top-six center while still on his entry-level contract so critical. He gave the goal-starved Wild another option at a team-friendly price. Rossi's second season has a chance to be beneficial for the Wild in that he could help them challenge for a playoff spot. But it also has a chance to be just as beneficial for Rossi, who is entering the final year of his ELC just as the Parise and Suter buyouts will dip to a combined $1.66 million annual cap hit.
Best case: Return to the playoffs -- and make some noise. Staying healthy and scoring consistently will play a major role in the Wild's bid to challenge for a playoff spot in what's expected to be a competitive field for the Western Conference wild-card race. Fielding a consistent roster was a challenge at times last season, which was the case last January. In one day, they moved captain Jared Spurgeon and star winger Kirill Kaprizov to injured reserve, while also having Jonas Brodin, Marcus Foligno, Filip Gustavsson and Mats Zuccarello out of the lineup. So what happens if the Wild can find a way to stay healthy and increase scoring? A team that remained in the hunt into April last season will qualify this time around.
Worst case: Taking a step back and missing the playoffs by a wider margin. Yes, the Wild missed the playoffs and finished 11 points behind the Golden Knights for the final wild-card spot last season. But they actually had more points than the Golden Knights after Nov. 27, the day Hynes was hired to replace Dean Evason. The Wild won the 12th most games in the NHL and were on the cusp of being in the top 10 in fewest goals allowed per game in that span. But if the injury woes continue, and veterans take a step back without young players able to step up to fill the gaps, it could be another postseason on the outside looking in.
X factor: The Wild's development model. Recently, the Wild have enjoyed an annual tradition of watching one of their homegrown talents break into their lineup and shape their roster. Enter Marat Khusnutdinov. He arrived in the NHL late last season after spending the past three years as a full-time KHL player. His most recent KHL campaign saw him finish with six goals and 20 points in 49 games. Khusnutdinov joined the Wild, and had four points in 16 games. It appears he could start this season as a bottom-six center, with the idea he might not be the only young talent to make their mark. Both Liam Ohgren and Jesper Wallstedt could also feature at some point.
Fantasy outlook: In addition to scoring, second-line center Joel Eriksson Ek throws his body around and wins plenty of faceoffs alongside linemate Matt Boldy, who projects to flirt with a point/game rate. Sophomore defender Brock Faber is tasked with anchoring the club's top power-play after collecting 47 points in his first full NHL campaign.
Bold prediction: Jesper Wallstedt takes Filip Gustavsson's job.
Last season: 40-31-11, 88 points. Lost in the first round. Stanley Cup odds: +7500 Key players added: F Pierre-Luc Dubois, F Andrew Mangiapane, D Jakob Chychrun, D Matt Roy, G Logan Thompson Key players lost: D Nick Jensen, G Darcy Kuemper
Most fascinating player: Pierre-Luc Dubois. Washington is the third team Dubois has played for in three years. Will this finally be the right fit he's been looking for? The third overall pick in 2016 was acquired by the Capitals in a blockbuster trade with Los Angeles in June after a one-season effort with the Kings produced just 16 goals and 40 points in 82 games. Despite all of Dubois' potential, he has yet to show it fully formed at any of the stops he's made over the last few years. That could all change in Washington. Dubois is set to anchor the Capitals' second line with Connor McMichael and
