It’s a bit early to start throwing out upsets for each division. This article may be a little unorthodox to write, but the season is approaching quickly and I am extremely excited for the upcoming season.
The Metropolitan Division is always a tough division, over the last few years the top five has been relatively the same teams. This year may be the year things get shaken up, although Washington, Pittsburgh will stay atop the division I believe there will be a new team in the playoff mix here though. The New Jersey Devils are that team. With the improvement of their roster a bit this year, that minor fix up in the roster may push them up in the top five in the Metropolitan. With the addition of Taylor Hall and what Hall brings to the table on the offensive side of the puck will help the Devils offense. Hall ranked 20th among forwards last year in points on a struggling Oilers team, now being paired up with old linemate Adam Henrique his point production is bound to increase and make him even more of a threat on the ice. Plus Corey Schneider in net is a plus and will be relied on heavily by the Devils this year. With Schneider in net and the addition of Hall may give the Devil's the push in the top five this year.
The Atlantic Division ranks up quite similar to the Metropolitan, the top two teams between Florida and Tampa Bay will more than likely remain the same. The one team that had a bit of a rough season due to multiple injuries, but coming back healthy and stronger are the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens are getting back Carey Price who is arguably one of the best goalies in the league with Price healthy this year it will only help Montreal win more games. Plus a healthier offense coming in for Montreal, as well a new face on the defensive side will help shake up this Canadiens roster a bit. If Montreal can stay healthy all year and be consistent throughout the year, there’s no doubt in my mind this team will be back in the top five in the Atlantic division.
Each team in the Pacific Division has made some significant moves this off season some moves better than others but each team this year will come in with a different looking roster than last season. The biggest upset in this division that I confidently can say will finish with ten plus more points, the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes have made substantial moves this season that will pay off a tremendous amount for them. The signing of Alex Goligoski will be a major help for the Coyotes struggling defense. As well as signing two forwards, Radim Vrbata and Jamie Mcginn who will make an immediate impact on their roster this coming season. Coyotes optimism has to be high after finishing fourth in a strong division, and making solid offseason moves this team can easily finish ten points higher at around 88, 90 points.
This one doesn't come as much of a shock but the Nashville Predators will without a doubt be a top two team in the Central Division this upcoming season. After eliminating the first place Anaheim Ducks in the first round and finishing fourteen games above .500 the light at the end of the tunnel is near for Nashville. With the addition of high powered defensemen PK Subban, plus the already skilled offense Nashville has there is no argument here that Nashville ranks among the top two in the Central. Especially after the Blues and Blackhawks subpar offseason. Don’t sleep on this Nashville team, they’re dangerous when everything is clicking on all cylinders of the ice.
