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Todd Cordell
I'll say three.
In the East I like Toronto. Everyone knows about all the talented kids being inserted into the lineup but I think they have a pretty solid supporting cast as well headlined by JvR, Nazem Kadri, Morgan Rielly and co. On defense I think Rielly and Jake Gardiner will both have strong years and I think Nikita Zaitsev will prove to be a real nice addition. The Atlantic Division is also the worst in hockey, which certainly helps Toronto's cause.
Out West I like Calgary to get back into the playoffs. Calgary has a very strong core group of players and were sunk last year in large part due to goaltending. Brian Elliott/Chad Johnson are big upgrades over Karri Ramo, Jonas Hiller and Joni Ortio.
Winnipeg has a fantastic forward core headlined by Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele and Bryan Little, among others. The addition of Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor and co. full time will ensure they have a lot of scoring depth in their lineup. They have a few nice pieces on defense, too, so if they stop overplaying Ondrej Pavelec I think they can be a good team this season.
James Tanner
Canadian teams that will make the Playoffs are Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto.
The Senators will be near the bottom of the league, along with Vancouver because they have two of the worst rosters in hockey.
The Canadiens have Price, but I don't think that will be enough, and Flames will come close, but the west is just too tough.
The Leafs have a deep lineup and should surprise a lot of people, Edmonton will surprise people, but they shouldn't as their ascent should be obvious.
Peter Tessier
Shea Weber changes everything on Montreal right? If things go well and Carey Price stays healthy I think the Habs are best shot to get in. After that it's anyone's guess. One could argue that maybe the Sens but after that it could be tough.
This is a curious thing because some believe the Leafs could be sleepers and what of the Jets if they had goaltending? Also the Oilers, with a healthy McDavid and not so porous defence corps they could sneak in too no?
IF 3 of the 7 Canadian teams get in that would be huge as they are in a down turn but there are 4 for sure set to rise and challenge in years to come.
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Central Division bold predictions
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