The National Hockey League will be here before we know it. We expect a great season on ice as the Vegas Golden Knights are looking to defend their Stanley Cup title. Let’s take a look at an Early Season Outlook for the National Hockey League:
Let’s start in the Eastern Conference. A season ago, the Boston Bruins were the best in the regular season but lost in the first round of the postseason. The Florida Panthers were the surprise team in the Eastern Conference, heading all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals.
View the 2022 NHL Standings here
Vegas Golden Knights
The defending champions brought their star goaltender back on a contract. This team is loaded once again. The Golden Knights are bringing back Ivan Barbashev. If Vegas can stay healthy for the 2023-2024 season, they will have a great chance to repeat.
Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton did not do a bunch in the off-season, but did they need to? McDavid and Draisaitl are still two of the best players in the entire league. Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell are the key factors for this team. They will only go as far as those two take them between the pipes.
Los Angeles Kings
This team has progressively been getting better. This appears to be one last dance for Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Los Angeles added Pierre-Luc Dubois to the mix. Los Angeles could still use some elite goaltending help.
Seattle Kraken
The first trip to the postseason is not enough for Seattle. They went out and grabbed Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Yailer Yamamoto via free agency.
Calgary Flames
New General Manager and new head coach Craig Conry and Ryan Huska could have their hands full. The locker room was souring under Darryl Sutter, and sending a few players out won’t make the talent level increase for 2023-2024.
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks were able to add Carson Soucy, Ian Cole, and Teddy Blueger. They are saving for an extension for Elias Petterson upcoming.
San Jose Sharks
San Jose was able to trade for Anthony Duclair, which should help with scoring. They also added Eilip Zadina and Mackenzie Blackwood to the team
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks are probably a season or two away from contending, but the pieces are starting to come together a bit.
*Prices subject to fluctuation.
There you have it. That’s a quick look at all the teams in the NHL Pacific Division 2023. Enjoy the season, and best of luck!
Check out the other divisions coming soon!
