It’s that time of year again when everyone and their neighbour is releasing their predictions for the new NHL season.
Parity is at an all-time high in the National Hockey League but that doesn’t stop people from putting their names and reputations on the line in an attempt to predict the future.
I begged them not to make me do it but here goes- my predictions for the 2016/2017 season.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
CENTRAL
Nashville Predators– They brought an elite defenceman into the organization this summer but enough about new Assistant Director of Player Development Wade Redden. Adding PK Subban to one of the most impressive groups of blueliners in the league will make this Nashville team tough to beat.
Dallas Stars– No team scored as many goals as the Stars last year and I’m expecting more of the same this season. At some point they may want to come up with a plan to keep pucks out of their own net though.
St. Louis Blues– They finally found a way to get by the Blackhawks in the playoffs and they should be a good team again this year. If they stumble early on, don’t be surprised if Ken Hitchcock is out of a job (sort of surprised he isn’t already).
PACIFIC
San Jose Sharks– On the heels of a Western Conference Championship, this Sharks team will be tough to beat again this year. Tons of skill throughout the line up and two of the best beards in the league.
Los Angeles Kings– This Kings team is sometimes painted as a group that is past its prime but they look like they’ll be the class of the Pacific this year. No big name additions this off season but they still have plenty of skill in their line up.
Anaheim Ducks– Still a deep lineup but did they do enough to get over the playoff hump? Seems unlikely. Randy Carlyle is back behind the Ducks bench and that probably isn’t a good thing.
WILD CARD
Chicago Blackhawks– Perennial contenders, the Blackhawks have watched the Conference slowly catch up to them. A handful of elite players but they just don’t have that “3 Cups in 7 years” depth anymore.
Edmonton Oilers– Stop me if this sounds familiar- this is the year the Oilers finally contend for a playoff spot. The Taylor Hall trade was a head-scratcher but there’s still just too much talent in that line up for that team not to push for a playoff spot. Bonus prediction- Connor McDavid is at or near the top of the league in scoring.
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-Calgary Flames- They added a little playoff experience in the form of Troy Brouwer and Brian Elliott but it won’t be enough. They’ll be neck and neck with their provincial rivals for most of the season though.
-Minnesota Wild- Eric Staal was added in free agency but this Minnesota team will struggle to keep pace in the Central. Get used to seeing Angry Bruce Boudreau.
-Arizona Coyotes- Arizona is in the middle of a bit of a rebuild and it will be a couple years before they’re ready to push for a playoff spot again. Lots of young talent in this line up though.
-Winnipeg Jets- They took a bit of a step back last year. They lucked out big time landing the 2nd overall pick in the Draft but I’d say their luck starts to run out a little bit once the whole hockey playing thing starts.
-Colorado Avalanche- You would think a team with players like McKinnon, Duchene, Landeskog and Barrie would be higher on this list but they just haven’t been able to surround their young stars with the right mix of veterans. Happier Head Coach, same disappointing result.
-Vancouver Canucks- Name as many Vancouver players as you can not named Sedin. Oh I’m sorry, Trevor Linden retired 9 years ago. Canucks continue to be in rebuild denial. They’ll have a tough time this year.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
METROPOLITAN
Washington Capitals– Last year’s President’s Trophy winners will dominate again this year and nobody will really care because until they manage to make some noise in the playoffs, they’ll continue to be a disappointment. A 120 point disappointment.
Pittsburgh Penguins– The Champs will bring back a pretty similar line up to the one that took home the Cup last June so it’s hard to see them taking a significant step back. Pretty excited to see how Phil Kessel looks after a summer of celebrating a Stanley Cup win though.
New York Islanders– Many of their fans may have missed it because their seats were facing the wrong direction, but this Islanders team took a pretty big step forward last year. They’re skilled, fast and they have Shane Prince. How can they lose?
ATLANTIC
Tampa Bay Lightning– There were times last year when it looked like Steve Yzerman might be one of the worst GM’s in the league but he somehow managed to hold it together. Brian Boyle is locked in. He hung on to Erik Condra. He brought back Cory Conacher. This guy can’t miss.
Florida Panthers– Still adjusting to the idea of the Panthers being a good team. Tons of young talent, a solid addition in Jason Demers and a 60 year old Jaromir Jagr as their leading scorer.
Ottawa Senators– You didn’t think I would go through the trouble of making this lengthy prediction post just to have the Sens outside of a playoff spot, did you? Seriously though, if healthy, I think this Ottawa team matches up pretty well against most teams in the Conference.
WILD CARD
Philadelphia Flyers– Not really sure which direction this Flyers team is headed but they still have plenty of skill in their lineup and enough to contend for a playoff spot. Expecting a big year from Shayne Gostisbehere (I did it!).
Montreal Canadiens– Carey Price.
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Carolina Hurricanes- The analytics people keep telling me to watch out for the Hurricanes so this year, I’ll watch out for the Hurricanes. Still don’t see them in the top three in the division but perhaps they push for one of the two Wild Card spots.
New York Rangers- The Rangers tried to get younger this off season and as a result, they’ll take a small step back. They still have one of the best and most handsome players in the league (Mika Zibanejad) but he can only carry them so far.
Boston Bruins- They’ve made some curious decisions in the last couple years but there’s still a decent team in Boston. Backes will help their forward group and players like David Pastrnak and Ryan Spooner will produce. I wouldn’t start selling those playoff tickets just yet though.
Buffalo Sabres- The usually cheerful Tim Murray must be starting to lose his patience. Rebuilds take time but how long until this Buffalo team returns to the playoffs? Because it ain’t this year.
Detroit Red Wings- The Red Wings streak of 25 straight seasons in the playoffs is one of the most impressive in pro sports and I can’t wait to watch it end.
New Jersey Devils- If you can name five Devils without looking, I’ll give you $5. Taylor Hall was obviously a huge addition for them but it’s still hard to imagine them pushing for a playoff spot.
Toronto Maple Leafs- Don’t let the Auston Matthews hype-train fool you. This team still has a long ways to go. Colin Greening can only carry them so far.
Columbus Blue Jackets- Completely forgot Columbus was in this division to be honest. They were right near the bottom of the Conference last year and will be there again in 2016/2017.
