Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks will most likely be a top contender in the Western Conference and surely in the Pacific Division yet again this coming season. Although they will be missing star forward Bobby Ryan, they have acquired promising forward Jakob Silfverberg in return from their off-season trade with the Ottawa Senators. They will also have the returning veteran presence of 43 year-old forward Teemu Selanne as he has just recently announced that he will play yet another year of professional hockey for the Ducks.
Calgary Flames
The Flames have struggled over the last couple of years and this year may also be a struggle for the Calgary-based club. They have parted ways with great players like Jerome Iginla, Alex Tanguay, and Jay Bouwmeester making their road to a bright future seem like a longer and daunting path, at least in the present. They have acquired future picks across the board and a few noteworthy players like David Jones and Shane O’Brien that could potentially brighten their future.
Chicago Blackhawks
All bias aside the Hawks are my pick to win the Central Division this year and hopefully the Western Conference! They are returning their starting six defensemen, starting goaltender, and most of their incredible offense. Not to mention throwing rookie forward Brandon Pirri into the mix at center will most definitely, according to Pirri’s AHL stats, improve the overall offense for the Hawks. Watch out cause here come the Hawks, the mighty Blackhawks!
Colorado Avalanche
The Avs are my underdog pick for the year. Aside from acquiring first overall pick of the 2013 Draft, Nathan Mackinnon, and recently signed veteran Alex Tanguay, the Avs are an aspiring team of young talented players. With guys like Duchene, Landeskog, O’Reilly, Erik Johnson, Varlamov, and Tyson Barrie, the Avs’ young talent is bountiful and waiting to be tapped into. Hopefully they can fire on all cylinders and go far this season.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have recently come to light in the West. They have made a lot of big moves to help rebuild this organization and really get things going for them. A big and helpful acquisition made this summer by the Jackets Free Agency hunt was that of forward Nathan Horton. I believe the Jackets will have a great year this year if Sergei Bobrovsky stays hot in net and if they can find a steady offensive push from forwards like Marian Gaborik, Brandon Dubinsky and Nathan Horton.
Dallas Stars
Aside from their interesting new jerseys this year, the Dallas Stars may have what it takes to make a solid playoff push this season. Dallas has made some moves to acquire young and talented forward Tyler Seguin and veteran defenseman Sergei Gonchar to improve their chances of success. I am still undecided at this point at how I think the Stars will do this season.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers may have a better season this year. Their young and talented core players now have one more year of experience. Can Nail Yakapov perform better than last year; will recently acquired David Perron fit in and do well with the Oilers; and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins stay healthy and perform up to par? I do have some hope that they can put it together and be a possible Wild Card in the West.
Los Angeles Kings
Aside from keeping most of their core players from last season, the Kings have added some new names to the roster that can potentially amplify their game. Forward Matt Frattin and goalie Ben Scrivens were acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs this off-season. The Kings will no doubt, in my mind, make it to the playoffs as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Minnesota Wild
Minny has what it takes this year. With adding guys like Jonathan Blum, Keith Ballard, Matt Cooke and Nino Niederreiter, the Wild have gained more grit and skill on both the blue-line and on offense. Charlie Coyle will hopefully have another great year to add to Minny’s offense and hopefully to the team’s overall success. I think not only will Minny make the playoffs this year, I think they also might just upset someone come April!
Nashville Predators
If there is one team to bounce back this season it may just be the Preds. Signing guys like Viktor Stalberg, Matt Cullen, and goalie Carter Hutton will really improve the skill level and depth for the Preds this year. Hopefully young guns like Seth Jones, Craig Smith, and Filip Forsberg can meet their potential and also contribute their talents to Nashville to get them to the playoffs. Keep an eye on Nashville.
Phoenix Coyotes
The Yotes have made some interesting moves this off-season like acquiring like Mike Ribero. Ribero was a steady producing forward for the Washington Capitals last season and proved his worth quite often. They have a shot at getting to the playoffs again but I think it will take a lot to get them there.
San Jose Sharks
Nothing new about San Jose except for getting forward Tyler Kennedy. They will make the playoffs and continue to be a force in the West, that’s for sure.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues have held a lot of talent over the years. With the majority returning including noteworthy rookie Vladimir Tarasenko and a new face, Magnus Paajarvi, the Blues will make the playoffs again and be solid Cup contenders at that!
Vancouver Canucks
What’s to say about the Canucks? They basically have their core players still, minus league favorite Raffi Torres. They did trade away Corey Schnider to the Devils for a future draft pick. Now they are stuck with Luongo in net…have fun with that Vancouver! Yes, they will make the playoffs. No, they will not win the Cup.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets can make an impact on the West this year with new additions like Michael Frolik and Devin Setoguchi. Watch for them as captain Andrew Ladd leads them to a hopeful post-season appearance for a run at Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Frank Markasovic
Sports Editor