Figuring out my Atlantic Division predictions was the most difficult division for me. For the most part, the teams from this division who made the playoffs had net losses in talent, while those that missed the playoffs made noticeable improvements. The result is a group of teams that could reasonably end up in many different orders; the division race here will likely be a bloodbath and fascinating to follow.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs - The Leafs roster underwent massive overhaul, as the team saw the departure of many of their veteran rentals from their all in push. However, the Leafs replaced those losses in free agency, adding Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, John Klingberg, and Ryan Reaves. I'm not a huge fan of the Klingberg and Reaves moves, but adding Bertuzzi and Domi was savvy from my point of view. They still have to figure out how they're doing to duck the cap, so there's still more intrigue here. Big picture wise, I think this new Leafs roster is built with an eye towards getting over the playoff hump rather than regular season success. I predict they'll see a bit of a drop in points, but will still finish atop the Atlantic Division since unlike the other Atlantic playoff teams last year, they actually adequately replaced their losses.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning - The Lightning don't have nearly the same depth they enjoyed during their cup runs, and that trend continued this offseason. Due to cap constraints, they lost key depth contributors in Alex Killorn and Ross Colton. Conor Sheary is a nice addition, but probably can't replace the lost production on his own. Despite these departures, the Lightning still possess quite a bit of elite talent that will keep them afloat, which I think will lock them into a playoff spot.
3. Buffalo Sabres - It might be a shock to see Buffalo in a top three spot, but last season they were only a point out of a playoff spot. I think they're ready to take that next step. The forward corps is what drives this team; it is talented, balanced, and young, which means this group may still have another gear in them. The defense has been shored up with Connor Clifton and Erik Johnson; not household names, but they should still provide solid partners for Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power and help them further their development. I think there's potential for a more proven top-four RHD addition, but as constructed the blue line is much more solid than before. The real X factor for the Sabres is goaltending. Devon Levi looked good in his cup of coffee last season, but it's unclear whether he's ready to handle a true starter's workload. Adding a more proven goalie to play in tandem with him will go a long way towards solidifying Buffalo as a playoff team in my opinion. Overall, I think Buffalo is the best situated of the Atlantic's non-playoff teams from last year to leap into the playoff picture, and I predict this is the year the Sabres end their playoff drought.
4. Florida Panthers (WC2) - On the back of their Cindarella run to the cup final, the Panthers didn't rest on their laurels. Up front, they traded Anthony Duclair but added Evan Rodrigues. On the back end, out went Radko Gudas and in came Niko Mikkola, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Mike Reilly. On paper, this roster seems largely the same in quality. However, the playoff run cost them in other ways. Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour will each miss a chunk of the regular season after offseason surgery, and other key players are recovering from ailments of their own. I think because of that, the Panthers will start slow, but will round into form down the stretch enough to sneak back into the playoffs and potentially cause some more chaos.
5. Ottawa Senators - The Senators saw some major roster turnover this offseason; their Alex DeBrincat acquisition didn't work out as hoped, and he was shipped to Detroit. While the Sens didn't get a player of equivalent talent in return, Dominik Kubalik and Vladimir Tarasenko should be able to replace most if not all of Cat's production. In net, they added Joonas Korpisalo to solidify the goaltending position; while he's probably an improvement on what they had last season, his inconsistency make Ottawa's goalie situation anything but a sure bet. They also still have to figure out how to sign Shane Pinto while still being cap compliant. Overall, their roster remains flush with NHL-level youth and both the forward group and defense are solid and balanced. I believe the Sens will definitely be in the mix for a playoff spot. I have them on the outside looking in here, but wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if they crash the postseason party.
6. Detroit Red Wings - Detroit made some waves this offseason. They signed JT Compher, Daniel Sprong, Christian Fischer, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Justin Holl in free agency, and traded for Alex DeBrincat and Klim Kostin. The forward group is much deeper than last year and should be conducive to a score-by-committee approach. However, the defense is still suspect, which I think in the end will hold them back. Similar to Ottawa, I have the Red Wings finishing outside the playoffs but wouldn't be shocked to see them crack the playoff picture.
7. Boston Bruins - Boston poured everything into one last cup push last season, and the bill came due this offseason. The cap pressure they were under meant that in addition to the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejčí, they lost Taylor Hall, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Dmitry Orlov. The resulting group is much weaker than before, even with the additions of Morgan Geekie, James Van Riemsdyk, Patrick Brown, and Kevin Shattenkirk. The Bruins' strong goaltending tandem coupled with the star power of David Pastrnak should keep them in most games, but ultimately I predict they slide back, out of the playoff picture.
8. Montreal Canadiens - The Canadiens should be better than last season based purely on the basis of health. Their roster resembled a field hospital last season, and a bit more injury luck will go a long way towards improving their record. However, Montreal is still a step behind the other teams in their division, and the team didn't add much besides Alex Newhook. They're still a young team with a lot of promise for the future, but for the team being I predict the Canadiens will once again finish at the base of the Atlantic Division.
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