NHL prospects are starting to report this week, and training camps will open later this month.
As the regular season approaches on October 8, each team in the Western Conference has its own set of questions.
Let’s dive into the biggest question facing each team, listed alphabetically with last season’s record in parentheses.
Anaheim Ducks (27-50-5, 59 points)
What will Trevor Zegras become? Not too long ago, Zegras dazzled everyone with his skills and even made it to the cover of “NHL 23.” Now, he’s caught up in trade rumors. If Anaheim doesn’t see him as part of their future, a trade seems likely for the American star.
Calgary Flames (38-39-5, 81 points)
Is a Calgary fire sale coming? On a recent “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliott Friedman hinted that Calgary hasn’t fully committed to rebuilding. They’ve already traded Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane and Jacob Markstrom. Friedman suggests more players might want out if Calgary goes all-in on a rebuild.
Chicago Blackhawks (23-53-6, 51 points)
What’s next for Connor Bedard? Chicago spent big this summer to build around their young star. Bedard turned 19 in July after an impressive rookie season with 61 points in 68 games. How he progresses will be key for Chicago’s success this year.
Colorado Avalanche (50-25-7, 107 points)
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What’s their path to improving? Colorado has been aggressive at trade deadlines but faces complications with Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin’s contracts. Landeskog is recovering from knee surgery and hasn’t played since June 2022. Nichushkin is suspended but could return by November. The Avalanche need either these players or cap space to make a run.
Dallas Stars (52-21-9, 113 points)
Will the Dallas pipeline hit another home run? Forwards Wyatt Johnston, Mavrik Bourque and Logan Stankoven are at different stages of development but have high potential . Their performance could significantly impact Dallas’ Stanley Cup chances.
Edmonton Oilers (49-27-6, 104 points)
Is Edmonton’s goaltending enough? The roster is deep but old. Goalie Stuart Skinner needs to improve his .905 save percentage from last season; it dropped to .901 during playoffs where Edmonton lost two games by one goal.
Los Angeles Kings (44-27-11, 99 points)
Did they really address their problems? Los Angeles added Tanner Jeannot and Joel Edmunson for toughness but still struggles offensively at five-on-five play according to Natural Stat Trick stats.
Minnesota Wild (39-34-9, 87 points)
Do the Wild have enough offense? Minnesota had the lowest expected goals against per game last year but needs more scoring power from Marco Rossi and Marat Khusnutdinov when Kirill Kaprizov isn’t playing if they want playoff success.
Fans might wonder if these changes are enough for their teams to succeed this season!
Nashville Predators (47-30-5, 99 points)
Can their talent delay the inevitable? Signing older players like Steven Stamkos (34), Jonathan Marchessault (33) and Brady Skjei (30) might be risky for Nashville’s aging roster that could use another top-six center.
San Jose Sharks (19-54-9, 47 points)
Did they do enough for new franchise centers? Last year’s Sharks were historically bad . With young centers Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith joining along with five NHL forwards and two defensemen added over summer—San Jose hopes it pays off soon!
Seattle Kraken (34–35–13;81 pts.)
Is there enough offense here?! Seattle finished poorly in goals per game & high-danger chances created last year according Natural Stat Trick metrics—but adding Chandler Stephenson brings speed while Brandon Montour should help power-play improvements alongside young stars Matty Beniers & Shane Wright developing further too!
St Louis Blues(43–33–6;92pts.)
Is Jordan Binnington back yet?? Only three regular starting goalies had worse save percentages than Binnington across past two seasons combined—but he improved last year (.913%) ranking eighth among those who appeared ≥41 games! Blues played better post-firing HC Craig Berube so functional Binnington could mask some defensive issues ahead possibly…
Utah Hockey Club(36–41–5;77pts.)
Can Utah still add more talent though?? Promising youngsters fill roster after years rebuilding during Arizona Coyotes twilight era—with plenty draft picks + cap space available now…could leverage assets if big-time player hits trade market soon perhaps?
Vancouver Canucks(50–23–9;109pts.)
How good is Vancouver without Thatcher Demko??? Among regular starters only Connor Hellebuyck had better save percentage than Demko last year—he was solid behind defensively strong team finishing fourth fewest shots allowed/game @five-on-five sixth lowest expected goals against/game via Natural Stat Trick stats! But injury concerns linger…Elliott Friedman reported knee issue can’t be fixed surgically meaning he’ll play through pain likely ongoing basis sadly…
Vegas Golden Knights(45–29–8;98pts.)
How much does Mark Stone have left tank-wise?? Winger missed110games past three seasons due chronic back problems yet scored53points56games despite declining defensive metrics noticeably overall…Vegas went13wins11losses2OT-losses without him equating88point pace missing playoffs narrowly instead ultimately…
Winnipeg Jets(52 wins24 losses6 OT-losses110 total-points!)
Did Colorado expose Winnipeg badly perhaps?? Jets were among best regular-season teams defensively ranking upper half league metrics-wise whilst leading way five-on-five save percentages driven Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck consistently throughout campaign effectively indeed! Structured gameplay reasonable scorers no glaring lineup holes evident seemingly yet matched head-to-head versus top-tier opponents fell short notably losing first-round series vs Colorado convincingly within just five games disappointingly alas…
