EDITED - August 23 @ 8pm
The hockey world has tragically learned the passing of former NHLer and ESPN analyst Jimmy Hayes at the age of 31. The former first rounder of the Blackhawks also suited up for New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Florida, and Boston. His brother Kevin Hayes is a part of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Prayers to Western Canada after the passing of the three young men in the vehicle accident. All three were only 16. One was a part of the Edmonton Oil Kings, while the others were preparing the make the jump other developmental teams and be drafted in 2023.
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Following the path of other columnists, journalists, bloggers, and insiders, it seems to be this year’s fun trend to predict the outcome of next season while the signings continue to pour in, and with maybe more trades yet to come. Others have broken it down division by division, but I’m just going to give it all out in one massive blog to fill everyone in on what my hot and cold takes are for this season.
With covering the Blue Jackets, we will start with the Metropolitan Division first, and go east to west, with the worst ranked at the top of each list at 8, and best ranked at the bottom at 1 for more spin on my view.
Metropolitan Division
8 — Columbus Blue Jackets
Generation Z is here. The Blue Jackets brass has been given the opportunity of a rebirth, with defender Zach Werenski being given the keys to the franchise. Werenski is now the center piece, and who the team will be built around. The goaltending is rock solid between Jonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins, but the defense has gotten younger; and the offense has dried up. Head coach Brad Larsen was promoted from assistant after the departure of John Tortorella, and he is being given the time and staff to move the team into the right direction.
Adam Boqvist and Jake Bean are speedy adds on the defense, with lots of potential to improve. Boqvist was the present-day piece acquired from Chicago in the Seth Jones trade, while prospect Cole Sillinger will come later. Bean was added as a result of the second round pick also moved in the Carolina trade. Seth Jones announced he was not extending with Columbus, they decided to move on him this time, and to get the club the best value possible.
Additions — Jakub Voracek, Adam Boqvist, Jake Bean, Sean Kuraly, Zac Rinaldo
Subtractions— Seth Jones, Cam Atkinson, Michael Del Zotto, Adam Clendenning, Stefan Matteau, Zac Dalpe, Mattais Kivelikins
Projected Lineups
Voracek—Roslovic—Laine Nyqvist—Jenner—Bjorkstrand Texier—Kuraly—Stenlund Robinson—Bemstrom—Rinaldo
Werenski—Boqvist Gavrikov—Bean Carlsson—Kukan
Korpisalo Merzlikins
Injured: Max Domi (surgery)
7 — Carolina Hurricanes
The changes are blooming in Raleigh. The coaching has been extended, and veteran stability has been added to the Carolina squad. The defense has gotten weaker, but younger and more suspect. The offense is relatively strong and can push this team to contender-ship. The holes are my question marks, but this team could win, but also struggle is situations are not resolved.
Additions — Anthony DeAngelo, Ethan Bear, Frederick Andersen, Antti Raanta
Subtractions — Jake Bean, Morgan Geekie, Warren Foegle, Alex Nedjelkovic, James Reimer, Peter Mrazek, Jonathan Bernier, Brock McGinn
Potential Starting Lineups
Terrivanen—Aho—Svechinkov Niederitter—Staal—Throchek Lorentz—Necas—Levio Martinook—Stepan—Fast
Slavin —Pesce Gardiner—Bear Skeji—DeAngelo
Andersen Raanta
6 — New York Rangers
One player can describe the changes that have destroyed the Rangers — Tom Wilson. The Capitals winger changed the Rangers mentality during this rebuild to make this team tougher, stronger; and more questionable than ever before. This squad has all the talent and potential between Artemi Panarin, Alexis Lafereniere, Kappo Kakko on offense; the defending Norris Trophy winner, Adam Fox; and franchise goalie Igor Sherstenkin. The grit came after the onslaught from Washington, and if the tough guys take away the kids’ ice time, they may struggle into the postseason, or string wins at all. The process was going right for new president and general manager Chris Drury under old leadership in Jeff Groton and John Davidson, but Hall of Famer Glen Slather is back in the fold, and the heat is now on the Blueshrits.
Additions— Ryan Reaves, Jared Tinordi, Greg McKegg, Barclay Goodrow, Samuel Blias
Subtractions— Colin Blackwell, Pavel Buchnevich
Potential Starting Lineups
Panarin—Zibanejad—Kratsov Lafereniere—Cythil—Kakko Kreider—Strome—Gauthier Goodrow—Blias—Reaves
Miller—Trouba Hajek—Fox Lindgren—Nemeth
Sherstenkin Georgiev
5 — New Jersey Devils
The Devils are rising with the additions of Dougie Hamilton and Thomas Tatar, two of the biggest fish in the opening market this summer. Adding Jonathan Bernier after the sudden and unexpected retirement of Corey Crawford put a dent in the Devils’ hopes for Mackenzie Blackwood, but the future is the brightest it has been in Newark since the winning days of tricky Lou Lamerillo.
Luke Hughes getting drafted has brother Jack hyped for this direction, and as this fan base should be too. The Devils have them and Nico Hischer to build this team around and contend with going forward. Lindy Ruff is a decorated coach from his Buffalo days, and is getting similar pieces to that in New Jersey.
Additions — Dougie Hamilton, Thomas Tatar, Jonathan Bernier, Ryan Graves, Christian Jaros
Subtractions — Nathan Batsian, Ryan Murray, Will Butcher, Connor Carrick, Nick Merkley
Potential Starting Lineup
Tatar—Hischer—Bratt Johnsson—Hughes—Wood Kuokkanen—Zacha—McLeod Boqvist—Sharangovich—Thompson
Graves—Hamilton Smith—Subban Sigenthaler —Severson
Blackwood Bernier
4 — Washington Capitals
The stagnant Capitals are watching everyone get better while they bully the league with Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin and Nicolas Backstrom leading this team. Being in Hershey and seeing the Capitals’ development system, I do not question Ilya Samsonov and Vitek Vancek like most of the league does as they are studs. Connor McMichael, Lucas Johansen, and Alexander Alexeyev are highly Touted, and for all the right reasons. My question in Washington lies with veterans, and why keep the higher paid lower six group together still. The kids in Hershey compete year in and year out, and can make the team better now than keeping some of the guys on the roster. Additionally, betting against Ovechkin is not smart to do, but the playoffs are extremely doubtful this year with the age of this team, and why they’re becoming this season’s San Jose Sharks, and will indeed miss the postseason.
Additions — Vitek Vancek, Matt Irwin, Dylan McIlrath,
Subtractions — Henrik Lundqvist, Zdeno Chara, Brendan Dillon, Daniel Carr, Craig Anderson, Michael Raffl
Potential Starting Lineups
Ovechkin—Kuznetsov—Wilson Mantha—Backstrom—Oshie Sheary—Eller—Sprong Hagelin—McMichael—Hathaway
Kempny—Carlson Orlov —Schultz van Reimsdyk —Jensen
Samsonov Vanecek
3 — New York Islanders
Regular season success does not lead to postseason success, and Lou Lamerillo knows that best. The Islanders have battled the Lightning in the last two Cup semifinal matchups, with lower regular season positioning. Chemistry and defense are this team’s biggest strengths, and they continue to be. Only question in Belmont is if they can score with the losses and veterans on the roster. Since things are so quiet, I’m assuming some additions into this list and the lineup. Hence why it’s an early too early list.
Additions — Zach Parise, Richard Panik
Subtractions— Jordan Eberle, Nick Leddy, Andrew Ladd,
Projected Potential Lineups
Lee—Barzal—Parise Beauvillier—Nelson—Bailey Komarov—Pageau—Zajac Martin—Cizkas—Clutterbuck
Pelech—Dobson Couburn—Pullock Greene—Mayfield
Varlamov Sorokin
Injured— Johnny Boychuk
2 — Pittsburgh Penguins
Sidney Crosby and his pals are still running this team to nowhere in terms of cup desires with lackluster goaltending, but freeing up cap space for more grit may help keep them afloat. Geno and Kris Letang are due soon along with recently added Jeff Carter, so it may signal one last hope into the locker room. Tristian Jarry needs to become Marc-Andre Fleury, before he is replaced by the actual Fleury in the Steel City. DeSmith is a dependable backup, but cannot be the starter for 50+ games. Maybe Burke convinces Hextall into a Bobby Ryan signing to help this team too?
Additions— Brock McGinn, Dominik Simon, Danton Heinen, Michael Chaput, Taylor Fedun, Fillip Hallander
Subtractions— Jared McCann, Brandon Tanev, Zach Trotman, Mark Jankowski, Frederick Gaudreau, Yannick Weber, Colton Sceviour, Pontus Aberg, Maxime Lagace, Andrey Pedan, Cody Ceci, Kevin Cuzuzman
Potential Starting Lineups
Gunetzel—Crosby—Rust Zucker—Malkin—Simon McGinn—Carter—Kapanen Heinen—Bleuger—Aston-Reese
Dumoulin —Letang Petterson—Marino Matheson—Ruhewedel
Jarry DeSmith
1 — Philadelphia Flyers
The 2013 Minnesota Wild are now the 2021 Philadelphia Flyers. The veteran faces added at the cost of Ron Hextall’s patient development. And this year we have the next Metropolitan Divison champions, with an early playoff exit. Fletcher played every move in his card possible to make this squad the best on paper is possibly be. Jakub Voracek and Shayne Ghostisbehere off the books. Prospects in Nolan Patrick, Phillipe Myers, and Carson Twarynaski gone. Brian Elliott gone, with all the pressure on Carter Hart in the crease. First round picks sacrificed. Veteran leaders and alternative captains brought in. And all on rental contracts or on lesser terms. This is a now year for Philly. The question is, can Alain Vinegault do it, and bring it out of the Flyers players.
Additions — Keith Yandle, Cam Atkinson, Ryan Ellis, Martin Jones, Nick Seeler, Rasmus Ristalonen, Nate Thompson, Adam Clendenning
Subtractions— Jakub Voracek, Robert Hagg, Phillipe Myers, Nolan Patrick, Brian Elliott, Carsen Twarynaski, Alex Lyon, Andy Anderoff, Nate Prosser, Derrick Pouliot, Tyler Wotherspoon
Potential Starting Lineup
Giroux—Couturier—Atkinson Farabee—Hayes—Kocnecy Lindblom —Laughton—van Reimsdyk Thompson—Frost—Aube-Kubel
Provorov—Ellis Sanhiem—Ristalonen Yandle—Braun
Hart Jones
Atlantic Division
8 — Buffalo Sabers
The 32nd ranked team this season. The rebuild of the rebuild has hit full scorched earth in Western New York after failed attempts to acquire talent, when there is lack of structure in coaching and management. Don Granato is the best piece on the Sabers team. Jack Eichel wants out, and yes while he is still on the roster, he needs surgery. Casey Mittlestadt, Dylan Cozens, and Rasmus Dahlin are are hurting their own growth in Buffalo, and Owen Power is dodging them to go back to Michigan.
Additions— Vinnie Hinistroza, Mark Pysyk, Robert Hagg, Craig Anderson, Aaron Dell, Ryan MacInnis, Ethan Prow, Sean Malone, Will Butcher, Devon Levi, Jimmy Schuldt
Subtractions— Rasmus Ristalonen, Sam Reinhart, Linus Ullmark, Jake McCabe, Tobias Reider, Riley Sheahan, Dawson DiPietro, Casey Nelson, Carter Hutton, Michael Houser, Will Borgen, Sean Fogarty, CJ Smith, Jean-Sebastian Dea, Stefanos Lekkas,
Potential Starting Lineup
Olofsson—Mittlestadt—Cozens Bjork—Thompson—Hinistroza Eakin—Hayden—Caggiula Skinner—Girgensons—Okposo
Dahlin—Jokiharju Butcher—Miller Hagg—Pysyk
Dell Anderson
Injured — Jack Eichel (neck)
7 — Ottawa Senators
This year they are redoing the mistakes of last year, by moving on from all their 2020 additions and making prominent prospects available by trade. The kids still have growth to do, and if it all clicks at once, this team can push into the playoffs. Only question is Matt Murray and if he can find his winning form again, or if it was a facade in Pittsburgh. Tim Stuzle and Brady Tkachuk are their superstars up front and with Thomas Chabot on the back, they have a formidable young core to win soon.
Additions — Michael Del Zotto, Nick Holden, Pontus Aberg, Dillon Heatherington, Kole Sherwood, Scott Sabourin, Andrew Agozzino,
Subtractions— Vitaly Abramov, Marcus Hogberg, Artem Anisimov, Joey D’Accord, Mikael Wikstrand, Matthew Peca, Mike Amadio, Jack Kopacka, Jean-Christophe Beaudin, Derek Stepan, Evgeni Dadanov, Brandon Fortunato, Cody Goloubef, Zach Magwood, Jonathan Davidsson, Michael Haley, Ryan Dzingel
Potential Starting Lineup
Tkachuk—Stuzle—Batherson Brown—Tierney—White Formetton—Norris—Pinto Aberg—Paul—Sabourin
Chabot—Zub Del Zotto—Zatisev Mete—J. Brown
Murray Gustavsson
6 — Detroit Red Wings
The wizardry of Steve Yzerman continues to blossom around the MoTown’s hockey team. Adding talent for bargains on the trade block and acquiring youthful talent to grow into the rebuild will help keep structure within the core, as well as having the winning players they do. Nicky Leddy won with Chicago; Mitchell Stephens, Luke Witkowski, and Brian Lashoff all just won with Tampa Bay; and Jakub Vrana won with Washington. The goaltending reset is a huge win for Detroit, both in the trade of Alex Nedeljkovic and the draft selection of Sebastian Cosa.
Additions — Nick Leddy, Pius Suter, Alex Nedljkovic, Mitchell Stephens, Jordan Osterle, Luke Witkowski, Brian Lashoff,
Subtractions— Dennis Cholowski, Valterri Flippula, Christian Djoos, Richard Panik, Jonathan Bernier, Bobby Ryan, Darren Helm, Luke Glendenning
Projected Potential Lineup
Bertuzzi—Larkin—Vrana Suter—Fabbri—Zadina Erne—Veleno—Raymond Rasmussen—Stephens—Smith
Leddy—Hronek DeKeyser—Staal Osterle—Seider
Nedjelkovic Greiss
5 — Montreal Canadiens
The run to the Stanley Cup was the high of the Marc Beegrvin era in Montreal, but the health of the elite will destroy any chance of a playoff birth in Quebec. Carey Price and Shea Weber have major health injuries, and the youth is still developing in Montreal. The timing in the team is off. David Savard is a big get after winning the cup, but the team all around has gotten weaker.
Additions— David Savard, Mike Hoffman, Cedric Paquette, Matthieu Perrault
Subtractions — Cale Fleury, Thomas Tatar, Corey Perry, Eric Staal, John Merrill, Erik Gustaffson
Potential Starting Lineup
Kotkniemi—Suzuki—Caufield Hoffman—Drouin—Gallagher Lehkonnen—Perrault—Armia Phoeling—Paquette—Evans
Chariot—Petry Kulak—Savard Romanov—Edmunsson
Price Allen
Injured- Shea Weber
4 — Boston Bruins
The tea has been spilt in the Northeast. The winning ways in Boston are dying by the exodus of star power leaving the area. Zdeno Chara and Torrey Krug in 2020. David Krejci and Tukka Rask in 2021. The more familiar faces go, the weaker this team is getting on the ice and on paper. Patrice Bergeron cannot be the sole carrier of this team on both ends. Sure the supplemental pieces were nice adds, but they got rid of their 2021 secondary pieces too.
Additions — Thomas Nosek, Derek Forbort, Nick Foligno, Erik Haula, Linus Ullmark, Troy Grosnick
Subtractions— David Krejci, Nick Ritchie, Ondrej Kase, Kevan Miller, Jeremy Lauzon, Sean Kuraly, Tukka Rask
Potential Starting Lineup
Marchand—Bergeron—Pasternak Hall—Haula—Smith Foligno—Coyle—DeBrusk Nosek—Frederic—Lazar
Grezlyk—McAvoy Forbort—Carlo Reilly—Zboril
Ullmark Swayman
Injured — John Moore
3 — Toronto Maple Leafs
Overachieving in the regular season and failing In the postseason has been their success the last few years in the hockey Mecca, but the babyfat is still coming off this Leafs team. The kids are still learning, and blowing the core is too reactionary by any hockey fan’s take for Toronto. The core is still getting better in Toronto, but they may lose their top defender after this season in Morgan Reilly. The only concern in this city is their goaltending, which i heavily question. No more Freddie or big save Dave, but there still is no clear answer to their direction. Is Peter Mrazek and Jack Campbell a tandem, or a starter and backup, because I don’t believe in either to lift the cup in Toronto.
Additions — Peter Mrazek, Ondrej Kase, Nick Ritchie, David Kampf, Joshua Ho-Sang
Subtractions — Joe Thornton, Jared McCann, Zach Bogosian, David Rittich, Frederick Andersen, Zach Hyman, Fillip Hallander, Scott Sabourin
Potential Starting Lineup
Ritchie—Matthews—Marner Kerfoot—Tavares—Nylander Mikayev—Kampf—Kase Engvall—Spezza—Simmonds
Reilly—Brodie Muzzin—Holl Dermott—Sandin
Campbell Mrazek
2 — Tampa Bay Lightning
The three peat will happen. The Lightning got even grittier and dirtier with the moves they made, but are now depending more on their stars to carry them to this next cup.
Additions — Corey Perry, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Brian Elliott, Zach Bogosian, Brent Seabrook
Subtractions — Blake Coleman, Barclay Goodrow, Mitchell Stephens, Tyler Johnson, Yanni Gourde, Curtis McElhinney, Luke Schenn, Luke Witkowski, Brian Lashoff,
Potential Starting Lineup
Palat—Stamkos—Kucherov Killorn—Point—Joseph Katichouk—Cirelli—Raddysh Maroon—Bellemare—Perry
Hedman—Rutta McDonagh—Bogosian Sergachev—Foote
Vaslievsky Elliott
1 — Florida Panthers
In Zito we trust. In Zito Florida trusts. The diamonds in the rough was his biggest adds in 2020, and he is hoping for the same result in 2021, but with extensions and new flavor. Spencer Knight is now the number one goalie, but will Sergei Bobrovsky be walked on by the kid? Also, Sam Reinhart is a big fish to get in any trade, and giving up a lot of future may be risqué.
Additions — Joe Thornton, Sam Reinhart, Christopher Gibson, Zac Dalpe
Subtractions— Chris Dreidger, Anton Stralman,
Potential Starting Lineups
Huberdeau—Barkov—Vergahae Duclair—Reinhart—Hornqvist Vatrano—Bennett—Tippett Marchment—Thornton—Accari
Weager—Ekblad Nutivarra—Montour Forsling—Gudas
Knight Bobrovsky
Central
8 — Arizona Coyotes
The worst team in the Western Conference, and the team that made all the best moves possible this offseason. We all know what the dessert is doing. It was not going to last with the current ownership who is not willing to spend money, but add team with the most cap hit possible, and shop their stars. The team is tanking, and is fighting for Shane Wright. The franchise may not last in Phoenix or Glendale, but they may go to a new city soon. After the cheating scandal and draft pick penalties, the Coyotes are hitting a full reset.
Additions — Shayne Ghostisbehere, Andrew Ladd, Antoine Roussel, Jay Beagle, Loui Erikkson, Dmitrij Jaskin, Josef Kosenar, Carter Hutton, Liam O’Brien, Connor Timmins, Anton Stralman, Ryan Dzingel, Travis Boyd
Subtractions — Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Connor Garland, Darcy Kuemper, Niklas Hjarlmasson, Alex Gologski, Jordan Osterle, Jason Demers, Michael Chaput
Potential Starting Lineup
Keller—Schmaltz—Kessel Dzingel—Dvorak—Hayton Roussel—Beagle—Jaskin Crouse—Boys—Fischer
Chychrun—Lybushkin Ghostisbehere—Timmins Caboicaino—Stralman
Hutton Koesnar
7 — St. Louis Blues
The Blues have been in a downhill spiral since the Stanley Cup win. There seems to be lots of dysfunction in Missouri, and it doesn’t make sense why. The superstars that were there are leaving for more money after bringing their only Cup to the team. Alex Piterangelo, the captain that hoisted the cup, chose Vegas; Vladimir Tarasenko has asked out of St. Louis; Jaden Schwartz chose Seattle as he next chapter; Vince Dunn asked out in 2020, and was claimed by Seattle. Justin Faulk has continued to be in rumor talk in the Lou. Maybe a full rebuild is time, and why not when there is Canadian and Russian superstars arriving in the upcoming drafts.
Additions — Brandon Saad, Pavel Buchnevich, Matthew Peca, Calle Rosen, Tommy Cross, Charlie Lindgren
Subtractions — Jaden Schwartz, Samuel Blias, Mike Hoffman, Jacob De La Rose, Jon Gilles, Tyler Bozak, Alexander Steen, Carl Gunnarson,
Potential Starting Lineups
Buchnevich—O’Reilly—Tarasenko Saad—Schenn—Kyrou Sanford—Sundqvist—Perron Clifford—Barbashev—Thomas
Krug—Faulk Scandella—Parayko Mikkola—Walman
Binnington Husso
6 — Nashville Predators
The team that is probably trending the most downwards in the entire NHL, and it is not even close. The goaltending has the most questions in the league with Jusse Saros as their undisputed number one starting goaltending. The heavy contracts in Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen are still hurting their team. David Poile seems to be recognizing the team is needing wholesale changes, and the efforts are only just beginning.
Additions — Cody Glass, Phillipe Myers, David Rittich, Matt Luff
Subtractions — Pekka Rinne, Ryan Ellis, Erik Gubdransson, Erik Haula, Luca Sbisa, Calle Jarnkrok
Potential Starting Lineup
Forsberg—Johansen—Tolvanen Granlund—Duchene—Kunin Grimaldi—Cousins—Sissons Treinen—Glass—Luff
Josi—Fabbro Ekholm—Myers Borowiecki—Benning
Saros Rittich
5 — Dallas Stars
The reset has gone underway in the Lone Star State, and Jim Nill is the star of this team. His crafty management has changed the goaltending of this team, while losing overpaid big money players in years past to get this team back into contendership. Biggest worry is the durability of all the veteran talent in Dallas. Joe Pavelski is a playoff performer. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn are in their early 30s. Ryan Suter is here. And Miro Heskinanen has become the franchise in Texas.
Additions — Brayden Holtby, Ryan Suter, Luke Glendenning, Michael Raffl, Jani Hakanppa
Subtractions — Jason Dickinson, Andrew Cogalino, Jamie Oleskiak
Potential Starting Lineup
Benn—Seguin—Radulov Gurainov—Hintz—Pavelski Robertson—Faksa—Glendenning Kiviranta—Comeau—Raffl
Heskinanen—Suter Lindell—Klingberg Sekera—Hakanppa
Holtby Khudobin
Injured— Ben Bishop
4 — Minnesota Wild
The culture shock is still ongoing in the Wild. Bill Guerin is bringing the right changes in Minnesota, and wrongly wasn’t voted in GM of the Year. The moves made in Minnesota may be as controversial as they get, but this team is continuing the trend positively. The only big question right now is the future of Calder winner Kirill Kaprizov.
Additions — Dimitry Kulikov, Jon Merrill, Alex Gologski,
Subtractions — Ryan Suter, Carson Soucy, Zach Parise
Potential Starting Lineup
Kaprizov—Eriksson Ek—Zuccarello Fiala—Bjugstad—Greenway Gaudreau—Sturm—Hartman Foligno—Rask—Rau
Brodin—Dumba Gologski—Spurgeon Kulikov—Merrill
Talbot Kahkonnen
3 — Winnipeg Jets
After shocking Canada in the postseason, this team is continuing their upward trend. The defense has gotten to the best positioning its been in since the dominate right handed side a few years ago. In years past, their right side was Dustin Bufuglien, Tyler Myers, and Jacob Trouba. The Jets new 2021-2022 left defensive trio is Josh Morissey, Brendan Dillon, and Nate Schmidt. And if Schmidt plays the right like he usually does, then it would be Logan Stanley. The goaltending is already a fortress, but they can contend in the West and in the Cup.
Additions — Nate Schmidt, Brendan Dillon, Riley Nash,
Subtractions — Mason Appleton, Laurent Brossoit, Matthew Perrault, Marko Dano, Jordie Benn, Tucker Poolman, Nate Thompson, Derek Forbort,
Potential Starting Lineup
Connor — Schiefle—Wheeler Dubois—Stastny—Ehlers Vessalainen—Lowry—Guatafsson Harkins—Copp—Nash
Morissey—Pionk Dillon—Schmidt Stanley—DeMelo
Hellybuck Comrie
2 — Chicago Blackhawks
The most improved and added to team in the NHL without a doubt is the magic of Stan Bowman in the year of 2021. The cap magic, draft capitol, and veteran exile has lead to a mass change in ChiTown. Elite defenseman and Veznia caliber goaltending have been added for pieces and nothing in the same breath. They are now in a new window of opportunity to win a cup, and that is before stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane step away from the game.
Additions — Tyler Johnson, Marc-Andre Fleury, Seth Jones, Caleb Jones, Jake McCabe, Jurajhi Kharia
Subtractions— Vinnie Hinistroza, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, John Quenneville, Nikita Zadarov
Potential Starting Lineup
DeBricant—Strome—Kane Borgstrom—Toews—Nylander Kharia—Johnson—Connolly
Jones—Jones De Haan—Murphy Beaudin—Mitchell
Fleury Lankianen
Injured — Andrew Shaw (post-concussion snydrome)
1 — Colorado Avalanche
The President’s Trophy winners of last year, and the runner ups for this year. The Avs had to make some tough decisions, but rebounded to near perfection. The new number one may be better than the old number one, even though he was the Veznia finalist in 2021; the youth is replacing the veteran depth; and the defense was shaken by the threat of the Kraken. The only question is when they hoist the Stanley Cup.
Additions — Ryan Murray, Darcy Kuemper, Darren Helm, Stefan Matteau, Dylan Sikura, Kurtis MacDermid, Ronald McKeown,
Subtractions— Jonas Donskoi, Ryan Graves, Phillip Grubauer, Matt Calvert, Pierre-Edourd Bellemare, Connor Timmins, Liam O’Brien, Brandon Saad, Carl Soderberg, Devan Dubynk, Adam Werner, Patrick Nemeth, Mike Vecchione, TJ Tynan,
Potential Starting Lineup
Landeskog—MacKinnon—Rantanen Jost—Kadri—Kaut Helm—Sikura—Compher Matteau
Toews—Makar Murray—Girard MacDermid—Johnson
Kuemper Francouz
Pacific
8 — San Jose Sharks
The hunters are the hunted. The boat anchor contracts and controversy around this team keeps this team presenting them from contention. The Sharks are close to the cap, but do not have the team or goaltending in the now to get even remotely close to win many games this year. The biggest worry is how many players go the longer they keep their problems.
Additions — Nick Bonino, James Reimer, Adin Hill, Nick Merkley
Subtractions — Alexander True, Ryan Donato, Martin Jones, Josef Kosenar, Marcus Sorensen, Christian Jaros
Potential Starting Lineup
Kane—Couture—Meir Nieto—Hertl—LaBanc Cogalino—Bonino—Barbanov Balcers—Merkley—Gambrell
Vlasic—Karlsson Ferraro—Burns Smiek—Meloche
Hill Reimer
7 — Anahiem Ducks
The Mighty are rising again, and it is in the youth movement. The young core is being built in Trevor Zegas up front; Jamie Drysdale on the backend; and John Gibson in their prime in between the pipes. The veteran leadership is there between Ryan Getzlaf, Adam Henrique, and Jakob Slifverberg.
Additions — Greg Pateryn, Buddy Robinson, Danny O’Regan,
Subtractions — Haydn Fleury, Ryan Miller, Danton Heinen, David Backes, Carter Rowney,
Potential Starting Lineup
Henrique—Getzlaf—Slifverberg Comtois—Zegras—Steel Jones—Lundstrom—Volkov Milano—Grant—Deslauriers
Fowler—Manson Lindholm—Shattenkirk Larsson—Mahura
Gibson Stolarz
6 — Vancouver Canucks
The boat anchor swapping has gone on in Vancouver for a bit due to lackluster management decisions during Free Agent Frenzy. They added a franchise defenseman from five years ago, with a superstar winger to get rid of bad contracts and top futures. The question in Vancouver is how the changes help the young core of the roster. Elias Petterson and Quinn Hughes have yet to be sign, but the Canucks rearranged the roster and bought out and eliminated their 2020 transactions.
Additions — Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Connor Garland, Tucker Poolman, Jaroslav Halak, Jason Dickinson
Subtractions— Loui Erikkson, Jay Beagle, Antoine Roussel, Nate Schmidt, Braden Holtby, Jake Virtanen, Kole Lind, Alexander Edler
Potential Starting Lineup
Miller—Petterson—Boeser Hoglander—Horvat—Garland Pearson—Dickinson—Bailey Motte—Sutter—MacKewen
Hughes—Myers Ekman-Larsson—Hamonic Juolevi—Poolman
Demko Halak
5 — Calgary Flames
Identity crisis is in full heat in Western Alberta with this squad. A team looking to add players to their coaching system, while the whole current roster doesn’t fit the mold. Superstars could be moved between now and the trade deadline in Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan , and Matthew Tkachuk. Daryl Sutter is an elite coach, and has won cups, but is he past his prime, and did the former Canucks in Chris Tanev and Jakob Markstrom make the right decision to join them? Additionally, they maybe lost the best player in the expansion draft in captain Mark Giordano to the Seattle Kraken. The former Norris winner will leave a massive hole in Calgary’s playoff hopes.
Additions — Blake Coleman, Kevin Gravel, Trevor Lewis, Nick DiSimmone, Nikita Zadarov, Daniel Vladar, Tyler Pitlick, Adam Werner, Andy Welinski,
Subtractions — Mark Giordano, Alex Petrovic, Derek Ryan, Michael Stone, Spencer Foo, Buddy Robinson, Zac Rinaldo, Josh Levio, Domink Simon, Nikita Nestsrov, Artoym Zagidulin, Jokaim Nordstrom
Potential Starting Lineups
Gaudreau—Monahan—Lindholm Tkachuk—Backlund—Coleman Mangipanie—Dube—Ritchie Lucic—Pitlick—Lewis
Hanifin—Tanev Kylington—Anderson Zadarov—Welinski
Markstrom Vladar
4 — Los Angeles Kings
Rob Blake, Luc Robatallie, and the rest of the Kings management believe now is the opportunity for this team to contend for the Cup for the first time in eight years. The core is aging and diminishing in Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, and Jonathan Quick. Adding the prime players they did brings separation between the youth of this team and the veterans. The Kings also have developed the best prospect pool in the entire National Hockey League, with centers Quinton Byfield and Alex Turrcotte; winger Arthur Kayliev; and defenseman Brandt Clarke being the top kids of note. Are the bad contracts going to cost the Kings the postseason?
Additions — Viktor Arvidsson, Phillip Danault, Alexander Edler, Brayden Burke, Vladimir Tkachev, TJ Tynan, Garrett Sparks,
Subtractions — Kurtis MacDermid, Matt Luff, Troy Grosnick, Tyler Steenbergen, Mark Alt, Mikey Eyssimont, Drake Rymsha, David Brickley,
Potential Starting Lineups
Iaffalo—Kopitar—Brown Athansiou—Danault—Arvidsson Grundstrom—Kempe—Viladri Lemieux—Lizzote—Wagner
Edler—Doughty Maatta—Roy Wolainin—Walker
Petersen Quick
3 — Seattle Kraken
What else is cracking in the league besides the expansion and cap management of the Seattle Kraken? Ron Francis and David Hakstol built a cap smart team, taking youthful prospects over salary cap complications. The Seattle Kraken took 30 players from the 31 teams, as Vegas was exempt from the expansion draft.
Draft Selections Anaheim— LD Haydn Fleury Arizona— C Tyler Pitlick Boston— LD Jeremy Lauzon Buffalo— RD Will Borgen Calgary— LD Mark Giordano Carolina— C Morgan Geekie Chicago— LW John Quenneville Colorado— RW Jonas Donskoi Columbus— LD Gavin Bayreuther Dallas— LD Jamie Oleskiak Detroit— LD Dennis Chokowski Edmonton— RD Adam Larsson Florida— G Chris Dreidger Los Angeles— RD Kurtis MacDermid Minnesota— LD Carson Soucy Montreal— RD Cale Fleury Nashville— LW Calle Jarnkrok New Jersey— C Nathan Bastian NY Islanders— RW Jordan Eberle NY Rangers— C Collin Blackwell Ottawa— G Joey D’Accord Philadelphia— LW Carsen Twarynski Pittsburgh— LW Brandon Tanev San Jose— C Alexander True St. Louis— LD Vince Dunn Tampa Bay— LW Yanni Gourde Toronto— C Jared McCann Vancouver— RW Kole Lind Washington— G Vitek Vancek Winnipeg— C Mason Appleton
Additions — Phillip Grubauer, Alexander Wennberg, Jaden Schwartz, Antoine Bibeau, Marcus Johansson, Connor Carrick, Luke Henman
Subtractions— Gavin Bayreuther, Tyler Pitlick, Kurtis MacDermid, Vitek Vancek,
Potential Starting Lineups
Schwartz—Wennberg—Eberle Jarnkrok—Blackwell—Donskoi Tanev—McCann—Johansson Twarynski—Bastian—Geekie
Giordano—Larsson Oleskiak—Soucy Fleury—Fleury
Grubauer Dreidger
Injured— Yanni Gourde
2 — Edmonton Oilers
The Oil is getting hotter and hotter in Western Alberta, and the opportunity is opening up more and more for the Oilers to win the Cup now. Connor McDavid, Leon Drasatil, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are all locked in and are closing in on their prime years. The defense has become a revolving door, but with new leadership and experience back there; the goaltending is the only weakeness.
Additions — Zach Hyman, Duncan Keith, Derek Ryan, Warren Foegle, Brendan Perlini, Tim Soderlund, Cody Ceci
Subtractions — Caleb Jones, Ethan Bear, James Neal, Adam Larsson, Adam Cracknell, Kevin Gravel, Dimitry Kulikov, Jokaim Nygard, Alex Chassion, Tyler Ennis, Gaeten Haas, Anton Slepyshev, Dominik Kahun, Patrick Russell, Alan Quine, Theodor Lennstrom
Potential Starting Lineup
Drasatil—McDavid—Hyman Foegle—Nugent-Hopkins—Puljujarvi Perlini—Turris—Yamamoto Shore—Ryan—Kassian
Nurse—Barrie Keith—Ceci Russell—Koekkoek
Smith Koskinen
Injured— Oscar Klefbom
1 — Vegas Golden Knights
Revenge is a dish best served cold, and Vegas has an angry roster on their hands. Player turnover is at an all time high. Fell just short of the President’s Trophy to Colorado. Upset by Montreal in the Stanley Cup Semifinals. The franchise heartbeat was dealt for nothing. This team will win the President’s Trophy for the first time in franchise history in 2022. It was a down year for Alex Piterangelo, and I think this team will be winning a lot of hardware with a full 82 game season with him on the roster. Robin Lehner now has the keys to the house in the blue crease. His prime is here, and he can carry a team deep. Only question in Vegas is the strength of their depth, and both center and defense. Both will be needed to win in the playoffs, but it seems missing on the current construction.
Additions— Nolan Patrick, Brett Howden, Evgeni Dadanov, Sven Baertschi, Laurent Brossoit,
Subtractions— Cody Glass, Marc-Andre Fleury, Nick Holden, Nick DiSimmone, Ryan Reaves, Mikael Hakkarainen, Reid Duke, Tomas Jurco, Carl Dahlstrom, Dylan Sikura, Jimmy Schuldt, Oscar Dansk, Thomas Nosek, Tyler Goulbourne,
Potential Starting Lineup
Marchessault—Karlsson—Smith Paccioretty—Stephenson—Stone Janmark—Patrick—Dadanov Carrier—Howden—Roy
Theodore—Piterangelo McNabb—Martinez Hague—Whitecloud
Lehner Brossoit
Other Crazy Early Predictions
Presidents Trophy — Vegas Golden Knights Prince of Whales Trophy — Tampa Bay Lightning Clearance Campbell Trophy— Colorado Avalanche Hart Memorial Trophy— Connor McDavid Ted Lindsay Trophy — Connor McDavid Rocket Richard Trophy— Alex Ovechkin Norris Trophy— Cale Makar Veznia Trophy — Robin Lehner Jack Adams Trophy — David Hakstol GM of the Year — Stan Bowman Calder Memorial Trophy—Quinton Byfield Stanley Cup Trophy— Tampa Bay Lightning Mark Messier Leadership Award— Nathan MacKinnon Frank J Seleke Trophy — Sean Couturier Bill Masterton Trophy—Jack Eichel King Clancy Trophy— Sidney Crosby Calder Cup Champion — Hershey Bears
Thoughts on how early is too early??
More to come...