2015-2016 NHL Season Preview at a Glance

Hockey is right around the corner and fantasy drafts are being completed. This means that it is time to take a look at the 2015-2016 NHL season preview. Who will win the West? The East? The Stanley Cup? To give you a sense of who this season’s top contenders are likely to be, I have them all listed for you below.

Western Conference:

1. Anaheim Ducks– The Ducks just might be the Cup favourites this year. Their strengths largely outweigh their weaknesses. Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf are itching for another run at the Cup, and with Getzlaf growing older by the year; it may be now or never.
2. Chicago Blackhawks– Coming off of another Cup win, the Chicago Blackhawks will continue to be competitive in the West. Their core roster was somewhat overturned when they swept away Patrick Sharp, Brandon Saad, Brad Richards, Antoine Vermette and Johnny Oduya.
3. St. Louis Blues– Even without T.J. Oshie, the Blues roster looks relatively deep. If they want to be contenders for the Cup, they NEED to change their ways and do better in the playoffs.
4. LA Kings– Last year was a rest year for the Kings, but they will be looking to redeem themselves this season. They improved their core roster by acquiring Milan Lucic. The playoffs are probable for the Kings this season.
5. Minnesota Wild– The Wild will either do well as a team, or do well because Devyn Dubnyk is carrying them on his shoulders.
6. Calgary Flames– If the Flames goaltending succeeds, then they may have a shot at the playoffs. They have the drive, so putting their talent together will take them far.
7. Edmonton Oilers– McDavid. The Oilers may not make the playoffs, but are almost guaranteed to place better than last year.
8. Dallas Stars– The Stars have added Cup contenders with the additions of Sharp, Oduya and Antti Niemi. Benn and Seguin have been the team’s saviours, so success is imminent. Dallas will be expecting a playoff appearance this season.
9. Nashville Predators– The Preds will be praying for a healthy Pekka Rinne and a developing roster if they want to steal a playoff spot this year.
10. Winnipeg Jets– The Jets need to boost their offensive production. Their goaltending is still lacking, so improvements can be made.
11. Colorado Avalanche– Nathan MacKinnon is almost certainly going to bounce back from his sophomore slump last season. Grigorenko and Soderberg were brought in to boost the Av’s offence, but they still have some holes to patch.
12. San Jose Sharks– Extremely unpredictable, the Sharks seem to be on the outside looking in at this point.
13. Vancouver Canucks– Did almost nothing in the off-season. The Canucks will be counting on the Sedin twins again this season. Vancouver may be facing a post-season less year.
14. Arizona Coyotes– The Coyotes will be gunning for Auston Matthews. Looking at their chances of success, they’ll probably get him too.

Eastern Conference:

1. Tampa Bay Lightning– Looking to bounce back from a devastating Stanley Cup Final loss last season. Fortunately for them, they still have a winning team intact. Look for them to go far again this season.
2. Washington Capitals– Ovechkin is still producing. The Caps have been a contending team for a while now, and they’ll keep up the trend.
3. NY Islanders– Had a breakout year last season, with Okposo and Tavares leading the way. The Islanders will only get better from here on in.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins– Picked up Kessel from the Leafs and put him on the first line with Crosby and Geno. The Penguins are going to be dangerous.
5. NY Rangers– Still looking for a Stanley Cup after being denied late in the playoffs. Rick Nash is bound to lead this team to victory sooner or later.
6. Montreal Canadiens– Having the best goalie in hockey on your side can only take you so far. The Habs will be looking to Pacioretty for some new found leadership.
7. Detroit Red Wings– With Blashill at the reigns, Detroit will have a new outlook on this season. They can make the playoffs no problem, but their new administration will be looking for something more. Unfortunately, being the best will take some time, and it sure won’t be this year.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets– Johansen completed another successful year last year, but Foligno will be competing for a spot on the first line. The Blue Jackets will be organizing their roster for future success, but this season could be an off year for them.
9. Ottawa Senators– The Senators can be successful if they don’t rely on Hammond to do all the hard work. This year will be a test for the Senators.
10. Florida Panthers– The Panthers are still finding it hard to compete against the top teams in the East. They moved up in the rankings last year, but will probably stay where they are until they develop their prospects and find a way to score, as well as defend.
11. Buffalo Sabres– If the Sabres do well this season, it will have been because of Jack Eichel and Evander Kane. Eichel will be raking in a bunch of points, but the Sabres are still in a building stage.
12. Philadelphia Flyers– The Flyers are one of those teams that fly under the radar, and not in a good way. They have had the same core players for a while now, so it’s probably time for a change. Since those changes didn’t come last summer, they won’t be doing anything special.
13. Boston Bruins– The Bruins failed big time last year, and their roster is a heap of unmotivated men. Don’t count on them making it to the post-season this season.
14. Toronto Maple Leafs– The Leafs will be able to compete in about five years, when they actually have a decent roster. It’s going to take some serious Babcock miracles to get this team back on track.
15. Carolina Hurricanes– No one really knows what Carolina’s plan is, but it hasn’t worked so far. Get ready for another disappointing season Canes fans.
16. New Jersey Devils– Will continue to dwell at the bottom of the East until they realize that a serious rebuild is in order.