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Submitted by Mark Boyd on Sun, 11/05/2023 - 09:25
Breaking Down the NHL 2023-2024 Season: Team Rankings and Projections
The puck drops, signaling the commencement of the highly anticipated NHL 2023-2024 season, and hockey enthusiasts around the globe find themselves on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the unfolding drama, triumphs, and challenges that will define the journey of their beloved teams. In this expansive and insightful season preview, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the league, peeling back the layers of each franchise to uncover the intricacies of their strengths, weaknesses, and overall projections.
As we navigate through the diverse landscape of the NHL, our focus extends from the rebuilding endeavors of the San Jose Sharks to the undeniable prowess of the Carolina Hurricanes. It is within this tapestry of competition that we discover the stories waiting to be written, the underdog tales eager to be told, and the perennial contenders prepared to etch their names in hockey lore. The upcoming season promises to be a captivating narrative of passion, skill, and determination, and our preview aims to dissect and analyze each team's trajectory with precision and foresight.
Join us on this exhilarating journey through the NHL 2023-2024 season preview and find out which teams we think will finish higher and which will finish lower.
1. San Jose Sharks:
The aftermath of the Erik Karlsson trade has left the San Jose Sharks in a challenging position. Despite Karlsson's Norris-winning campaign last season, the team only managed to earn 60 points. With Karlsson's departure, the Sharks are projected to be the league's worst team, starting the season with a bleak outlook.
Projection:
Points: 66.9
Playoffs: 0 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
2. Montreal Canadiens:
The Montreal Canadiens face a tough road ahead, with a projection of 70.8 points and a bleak outlook for both playoffs and the Stanley Cup. The team will need to overcome significant challenges to make a meaningful impact in the upcoming season.
Projection:
Points: 70.8
Playoffs: 0 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
3. Chicago Blackhawks:
The Chicago Blackhawks find themselves in a similar predicament, with a projection of 71.1 points and only a 1 percent chance of making the playoffs. The team will need to defy expectations to secure a spot in the postseason.
Projection:
Points: 71.1
Playoffs: 1 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
4. Anaheim Ducks:
The Anaheim Ducks, entering the season with a projected 73.0 points and a mere 1 percent chance of making the playoffs, confront a daunting challenge in a fiercely competitive league. Despite high hopes fueled by an exciting young core and capable veterans acquired during free agency, the team endured the worst defensive season in recent memory, resembling a struggling minor league club.
The disappointments of the past season have prompted a reassessment of expectations. While a significant leap is not anticipated this time around, it is evident that the Ducks are in the midst of a rebuilding process.
Projection:
Points: 73.0
Playoffs: 1 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
5. Philadelphia Flyers:
The Philadelphia Flyers, with a projection of 73.7 points, aim to overcome the odds with a 1 percent chance of reaching the playoffs. The team's performance will be crucial in determining whether they can emerge as contenders in the tough Western Conference.
Projection:
Points: 73.7
Playoffs: 1 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
6. Columbus Blue Jackets:
Despite a tumultuous off-season marked by a controversial coaching change and resignation, the team is determined to make a playoff return. Last season's aspirations were hindered by injuries. However, the disappointing finish resulted in a valuable third overall draft pick, leading to the selection of highly-touted center Adam Fantilli.
The off-season continued to be eventful for Columbus, featuring significant moves such as hiring Mike Babcock as head coach and bolstering the blue line with trades for Damon Severson and Ivan Provorov. The coaching decision brought about a chaotic week before training camps opened, ultimately concluding with Pascal Vincent taking the reins as the new bench boss.
Projection:
Points: 74.3
Playoffs: 1 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
7. St. Louis Blues:
With a projection of 80.2 points and an 8 percent chance of making the playoffs, the St. Louis Blues aim to rebound from the previous season's challenges. The team's success hinges on strategic plays and cohesive teamwork.
Projection:
Points: 80.2
Playoffs: 8 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
8. Washington Capitals:
The Washington Capitals, projected to accumulate 81.4 points with a 7 percent chance of making the playoffs, are gearing up to reaffirm their dominance in the Eastern Conference.
Despite some roster adjustments, including the addition of scoring threat Max Pacioretty and a coaching change with Spencer Carbery taking the helm, the Capitals retain the essence of their previous season.
As they navigate through the competitive Metropolitan Division, questions linger about whether these changes, particularly the infusion of a fresher coaching perspective, will inject new energy into the team's aging core.
Projection:
Points: 81.4
Playoffs: 7 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
9. Arizona Coyotes:
The Arizona Coyotes aim for a resurgence with a projection of 82.9 points and a 14 percent chance of making the playoffs. The team's success will hinge on the development of young talent and the contributions of key players.
Projection:
Points: 82.9
Playoffs: 14 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
10. Detroit Red Wings:
The Detroit Red Wings, with a projection of 85.0 points and a 14 percent chance of making the playoffs, embark on a journey of rebuilding and improvement. The team's young core will be instrumental in shaping its future.
Projection:
Points: 85.0
Playoffs: 14 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
11. Buffalo Sabres:
The Buffalo Sabres, with a projection of 87.2 points and a 21 percent chance of making the playoffs, seek to elevate their performance in the competitive landscape. The team's success will rely on the collective efforts of its roster.
Projection:
Points: 87.2
Playoffs: 21 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
12. Nashville Predators:
The Nashville Predators enter the season with a projection of 89.1 points and a 36 percent chance of making the playoffs. As the team looks to secure a postseason berth, key players will need to step up and deliver consistent performances.
Projection:
Points: 89.1
Playoffs: 36 percent
Stanley Cup: 1 percent
13. Seattle Kraken:
In their inaugural season, the Seattle Kraken aim to make a statement with a projection of 89.7 points and a 38 percent chance of making the playoffs. The team's success will depend on how quickly they can establish chemistry and cohesion on the ice.
Projection:
Points: 89.7
Playoffs: 38 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent
14. New York Islanders:
The New York Islanders, with a projection of 92.1 points and a 43 percent chance of making the playoffs, strive to build on their recent successes. The team's defensive prowess and goaltending will be crucial in their pursuit of a deep playoff run.
Projection:
Points: 92.1
Playoffs: 43 percent
Stanley Cup: 1 percent
15. Vancouver Canucks:
The Vancouver Canucks, with a projection of 92.4 points and a 52 percent chance of making the playoffs, aim to capitalize on their young talent and offensive firepower. The team's success will hinge on consistent performances from key players.
Projection:
Points: 92.4
Playoffs: 52 percent
Stanley Cup: 1 percent
16. Ottawa Senators:
The Ottawa Senators, facing mounting expectations to break through, are entering the season under increasing pressure. Despite falling short of their playoff aspirations last year, the team showed promise with strategic offseason moves, including securing Jake Sanderson and addressing goaltending with Joonas Korpisalo. Vladimir Tarasenko's arrival, along with the return of Josh Norris and the impact of the Jakob Chychrun trade, demonstrates the organization's commitment to propelling the team forward.
After gaining valuable experience in meaningful games last spring, Ottawa is poised to make a playoff push, with the race among the up-and-coming Atlantic Division teams intensifying. The Senators kick off the season as frontrunners, holding the driver's seat in this competitive race.
Projection:
Points: 94.3
Playoffs: 52 percent
Stanley Cup: 1 percent
17. Winnipeg Jets:
The Winnipeg Jets, with a projection of 96.0 points and a 70 percent chance of making the playoffs, look to establish themselves as contenders in a tough Western Conference. The team's success will rely on a balanced roster and strong performances from key players.
Projection:
Points: 96.0
Playoffs: 70 percent
Stanley Cup: 2 percent
18. Tampa Bay Lightning:
The defending champions, Tampa Bay Lightning, enter the season with a projection of 96.4 points and a 57 percent chance of making the playoffs. As they seek to defend their title, the team's depth and star power will be critical factors.
Projection:
Points: 96.4
Playoffs: 57 percent
Stanley Cup: 2 percent
19. Calgary Flames:
The Calgary Flames, with a projection of 96.5 points and a 71 percent chance of making the playoffs, aim to build on their recent successes. The team's offensive firepower and goaltending will be key elements in their pursuit of a deep playoff run.
Projection:
Points: 96.5
Playoffs: 71 percent
Stanley Cup: 2 percent
20. Pittsburgh Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins, with a projection of 96.5 points and a 65 percent chance of making the playoffs, continue to be a formidable force in the league. The team's veteran leadership and scoring prowess make them contenders in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Projection:
Points: 96.5
Playoffs: 65 percent
Stanley Cup: 1 percent
21. Minnesota Wild:
The Minnesota Wild, with a projection of 96.6 points and a 71 percent chance of making the playoffs, aim to build on their recent successes. The team's balanced roster and solid defensive play will be crucial in their quest for postseason success.
Projection:
Points: 96.6
Playoffs: 71 percent
Stanley Cup: 2 percent
22. Florida Panthers:
The Florida Panthers, with a projection of 97.1 points and a 68 percent chance of making the playoffs, aim to be a force in the Eastern Conference. The team's offensive firepower and goaltending will be instrumental in their pursuit of a deep playoff run.
Projection:
Points: 97.1
Playoffs: 68 percent
Stanley Cup: 3 percent
23. Los Angeles Kings:
The Los Angeles Kings, with a projection of 97.2 points and a 63 percent chance of making the playoffs, look to return to the postseason. The team's veteran presence and strong defensive play will be key factors in their success.
Projection:
Points: 97.2
Playoffs: 63 percent
Stanley Cup: 1 percent
24. Boston Bruins:
The Boston Bruins, with a projection of 103.4 points and an 89 percent chance of making the playoffs, enter the season as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. The team's combination of skill, experience, and depth positions them as serious contenders.
Projection:
Points: 103.4
Playoffs: 89 percent
Stanley Cup: 9 percent
25. Vegas Golden Knights:
The Vegas Golden Knights, with a projection of 104.1 points and a 92 percent chance of making the playoffs, continue to be a powerhouse in the Western Conference. The team's depth and goaltending make them formidable contenders for the Stanley Cup.
Projection:
Points: 104.1
Playoffs: 92 percent
Stanley Cup: 8 percent
26.Colorado Avalanche:
The Colorado Avalanche, with a projection of 104.5 points and a 93 percent chance of making the playoffs, aim to build on their recent successes. The team's dynamic roster and strong offensive play make them favorites in the Western Conference.
Projection:
Points: 104.5
Playoffs: 93 percent
Stanley Cup: 8 percent
27. Toronto Maple Leafs:
The Toronto Maple Leafs, projected to earn 104.5 points with a 91 percent chance of making the playoffs, maintain their dominance in the Eastern Conference.
Despite their historic postseason challenges, including overcoming a modest first-round hurdle only to falter in a second-round encounter against a wild-card team, the Leafs are positioned as strong contenders for the Stanley Cup. The team's high-scoring offense and improved defensive play contribute to their perennial status as top-five contenders and the best in the Atlantic Division.
Projection:
Points: 104.5
Playoffs: 91 percent
Stanley Cup: 9 percent
28. Dallas Stars:
The Dallas Stars, with a projection of 105.1 points and a 94 percent chance of making the playoffs, aim to be a dominant force in the Western Conference. The team's balanced roster and solid goaltending make them serious contenders for the Stanley Cup.
Projection:
Points: 105.1
Playoffs: 94 percent
Stanley Cup: 10 percent
29. New York Rangers:
The New York Rangers, with a projection of 105.2 points and a 92 percent chance of making the playoffs, look to make a deep playoff run. The team's young talent and offensive firepower make them a formidable opponent in the Eastern Conference.
Projection:
Points: 105.2
Playoffs: 92 percent
Stanley Cup: 10 percent
30. Edmonton Oilers:
The Edmonton Oilers, with a projection of 107.2 points and a 96 percent chance of making the playoffs, aim to be a force in the Western Conference. The team's dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl positions them as serious contenders for the Stanley Cup.
Projection:
Points: 107.2
Playoffs: 96 percent
Stanley Cup: 15 percent
31. New Jersey Devils:
The New Jersey Devils, projected to earn 107.2 points with an 89 percent chance of reaching the playoffs, aim to solidify their status as contenders in the Eastern Conference. Last season, the Devils showcased a dynamic, puck-possession style that kept opponents on their heels, culminating in a successful run to Round 2 and exceeding expectations for a team on the verge of a breakthrough.
The momentum from their impressive performance last year has only intensified the expectations for the Devils, and they have responded with a proactive offseason. Key players, including Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt, secured cost-effective contract extensions. Management demonstrated strategic prowess by recouping a third-round pick in the Damon Severson deal and resolving the Mackenzie Blackwood situation. Notably, the addition of finishing talent through the Tyler Toffoli trade further bolstered the team's offensive capabilities.
Projection:
Points: 107.2
Playoffs: 89 percent
Stanley Cup: 5 percent
32. Carolina Hurricanes:
Topping the rankings are the Carolina Hurricanes, with a projection of 107.7 points and a 96 percent chance of making the playoffs. The team's balanced roster, strong defensive play, and goaltending make them the favorites to hoist the Stanley Cup in the upcoming season.
Projection:
Points: 107.7
Playoffs: 96 percent
Stanley Cup: 10 percent
As the NHL 2023-2024 season kicks off, each team faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities. From the rebuilding franchises to the perennial contenders, the journey promises excitement, drama, and intense competition. Only time will reveal which teams will exceed expectations, secure playoff berths, and ultimately contend for the coveted Stanley Cup.
