This is the kind of prediction I love to see, detailed and well thought out. Also before the season starts as to not have the upper hand of insight.
I may not have taken a good look at Columbus. I think NJ will be a sleeper, and I also believe Vegas gets in out West and even as a top 6 seed.
Can't wait to see how it all plays out but I can't knock this prediction especially coming from an astute GM like Halo. Well done sir, and time will tell.
Let me elaborate some:
Metro:
The NYR are the class of the division and probably the league.
Carolina is counting on a strong season from Nico and Keller but it's really a coin flip between them and the Islanders. I went with Carolina for second because it's my rankings haha. Isles have Great goaltending and superstar talent up front. They're a threat.
I thought Philadelphia was really good down the stretch and like the addition of Elliott. With their D they should be good enough for fourth.
New Jersey will be in a dog fight for the last wild card with Tampa, Ottawa and Detroit. If Stamkos gets hurt again and Varlamov stays healthy you could see NJ take that spot.
Pittsburgh I feel takes a step back. They won't be a bad team by any means but I really don't love the goal tending situation and I doubt Crosby scores 40 goals again. Malkin and EJ also are no strangers to IR either.
Columbus and Washington: Both Teams are improved. If they were in the Pacific they might be in the playoffs.
Atlantic:
Boston isn't as strong in goal but has enough depth to be the class of the division.
Montreal is probably a sleeper to win the whole thing. Probably the best goal tending in the league along with some nice additions.
Florida will take a step back but still has a lot of depth. They should still be a factor although no longer a favorite
Tampa: Lots of talent. I'd have them higher but I worry about Stamkos, Bishop and Halak's injury history. Could be a tough first round match up for someone if everyone is healthy.
Ottawa and Detroit are pretty even to me. They will both be in the mix for the last wild card and would both make the playoffs if they were in the West. I picked Ottawa to finish higher because I'm worried about my Blues after watching the preseason and wonder how good Allen will be for the wings.
Toronto: Great future. In a couple years they'll own this division.
Buffalo: First year owner the beef has just started to make his mark.
Central:
Nashville Easily the class of the Western Conference.
Chicago: Good deep team. Seems like owner Dickie Dunn is retooling a little bit with the recent moves.
Dallas: This team lacked a superstar up front but that problem has been solved with the addition of Seguin. If they could get another goalie they'd be a real threat.
St. Louis: The loss of smith will hurt them. They'll still be good but are probably no longer a cup contender.
Colorado: I'm never sure what Antman is doing. As the team stands now I'm not sure if they are a playoff team but I'm pretty sure more moves are coming so I'll pencil them in as a Wild Card
Winnipeg: Team on the rise. I could see them taking the Avs spot. It will be close.
Minnesota: Contenders in 2018-19
Pacific:
Kings: They're easily the deepest team in the division. I'd probably rank them as the third best team in the conference behind Chicago and Nashville though
Oilers: Is there a team with a better farm or more depth upfront? Their fans have been screaming for a big move to acquire a starting goalie the last couple of years but Jonathon keeps preaching patience. We will see if it pays off.
Flames: I really like the moves they made in the off season. They don't have a lot of depth but they should be able to get in because of the division they play in.
Vegas: Their depth is their strength. I'm not a huge fan of Smith or Griess so I have them on the outside looking in. Also this team lacks a big time star which is to be expected because they are an expansion team.
Arizona: They have McDavid to build around and a good farm. They are building for next year.
Anaheim: A lot of good young talent but are also building for next year.
Canucks: Also rebuilding
San Jose: Some of the moves baffle me but I love the enthusiasm. I hope they prove me wrong and win the cup.
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