Power Rankings: 2015-2016 Pre-Season
By Jake Nally
With just one short week remaining until the first puck drops on Wednesday, October 7th at 7:00 ET in Toronto for the Canadiens-Leafs opener, fans all around the North America are ready for meaningful hockey games to begin.
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After a 2014-2015 campaign which offered suspense, excitement, and uncertainty, all 30 teams are aching to begin their quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup. We have young, up-and-coming teams looking to make a splash.
We have typical playoff powerhouses looking for bounce-back seasons after missing the postseason last year. This season is lining up to have just as many thrills, chills, and heartbreaks as last year, especially when you consider the parity in today’s NHL.
With that being said, here are the final preseason power rankings heading into the 2015-2016 NHL regular season:
Sep 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center
(22) chases Arizona Coyotes left wing Max Domi (16) in the first period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
30. Arizona Coyotes
With a young defensive corps and a forward group that has a lot of 30+ year old players, it’s hard for me to envision a great season for the ‘Yotes. The talent just doesn’t match up with the rest of the league yet.
The only excitement coming out of the desert this season could be the emergence of rookies Max Domi and Anthony Duclair.
Sep 29, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock talks to right wing
(19) during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
29. Toronto Maple Leafs
Hopefully the departure of Phil Kessel will give Toronto a fresh start. New coach Mike Babcock will have his hands full trying to bring a defensive philosophy to a team that has struggled in their own end.
Will one of Jonathan Bernier or James Reimer be able to establish himself as a #1 goalie? A lot of question marks heading into the regular season.
Sep 25, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left wing
(4) during the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
28. Edmonton Oilers
With a core of Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Connor McDavid, and Jordan Eberle, expect Edmonton to be fun to watch.
Oilers fan are hoping Cam Talbot is the answer in goal, and that Andrej Sekera adds a boost to the back-end. But goaltending and defense are still suspect.
Sep 21, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel (41) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Sabres defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
27. Buffalo Sabres
As is the case with most young teams, the talent is there. But can they put the talent together on the ice? Defense and goaltending will be the big question marks on whether Buffalo can make the next step forward. One thing is for sure, “We Like Eich.”
Hopes are that Robin Lehner can establish himself in Buffalo, after the goalie shuffle he went through in Ottawa. It at least looks like the Sabres are trending in the right direction.
Sep 30, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie
(31) looks on from the bench during the 3rd period against the Washington Capitals at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
26. Carolina Hurricanes
The Staal brothers, Eric and Jordan, are the unquestioned leaders on this team. But there are a lot of holes on defense beyond young stud Justin Faulk.
Hopes in Raleigh are that Elias Lindholm can step up this season along with new addition James Wisniewski on the back-end. Can Victor Rask build off a great season? And how will Kris Versteeg fit in after coming over from Chicago?
Perhaps the biggest story for the Canes, a goaltender battle between Cam Ward and Eddie Lack that could rage on for a majority of the season.
Sep 23, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; The New Jersey Devils celebrate a goal by New Jersey Devils right wing
(20) against the New York Islanders during the second period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
25. New Jersey Devils
The Devils have talented players on the roster, but seemingly have a lack of true leadership. Will anyone earn the “C” on their sweater by the start of the season? Or will the Devils play with three alternate captains?
How will Kyle Palmieri handle an increased workload? Will Damon Severson continue to show growth on the Devils back-end? Can Cory Schneider duplicate last seasons performance?
Sep 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center
(10) celebrates his goal with center
(49) during the second period against the New York Rangers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
24. Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers have a ton of question marks on the back-end heading into the season, with rumors swirling around a potential Luke Schenn trade. Michael Del Zotto is coming off a solid season, but has battled inconsistencies throughout his career. How will KHL transfer Yevgeny Medvedev fair? And can 2015 first rounder Ivan Provorov crack the roster?
The major issue in Philly for the past few seasons has been goaltending. Don’t expect that to change this season. With a less than impressive duo of Michal Neuvirth and Steve Mason, expect the Flyers to struggle in net once again.
Sep 24, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center
(32) celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench in the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
23. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Jackets will look for growth among a young core of forwards and defense hoping certain players can elevate their game this season. Guys like Ryan Murray and David Savard on the back-end, with Boone Jenner and Alexander Wennberg up front.
Just don’t expect Nick Foligno to duplicate that career high 73 point performance he had last year.
The addition of Brandon Saad alongside young stud Ryan Johansen (71 points in 14-15) could help propel this team to the next level. With an elite defender in Jack Johnson, and a solid goaltender in Sergei Bobrovsky, the Jackets could make some noise this year.
Mar 19, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers right wing
(68) celebrates his goal against the Detroit Red Wings with center
(11) and center
(16) in the second period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
22. Florida Panthers
The Panthers kept things interesting for a majority of last season as they made a push for the playoffs. This team should have all the confidence in the world coming into this season.
With a great mixture of youth and experienced leaders, I expect Florida to make another run at the postseason in 2015-2016.
But will this be the final season for future hall-of-famer Jaromir Jagr, or does he have more left in the tank?
September 29, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie
(31) celebrates with defenseman
(88) after the game against the Vancouver Canucks at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks defeated the Canucks 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
21. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks seem to be putting their faith this season squarely on newly acquired netminder Martin Jones. Will Joe Thornton survive the season in black and teal? What do he and Patrick Marleau have left in the tank?
What kind of season will we get from guys like Thomas Hertl, Melker Karlsson, Matt Nieto, Nikolay Goldobin, and Chris Tierney? Joel Ward should at least add some stability up-front, while adding playoff experience (if the Sharks find a way to make the playoffs).
Are the Sharks still a threat in the ever-improving Western Conference? How much does new addition Paul Martin help this defense core?
Sep 29, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche head coach
against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Flames won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
20. Colorado Avalanche
Can Semyon Varlamov hold the fort in net? After a sophomore slump following his incredible rookie year, what will Nathan MacKinnon do in the third year of his pro career? Do Jarome Iginla or Alex Tanguay have anything left in the tank?
Can Carl Soderberg fill the void left by Ryan O’Reilly? What kind of growth will we see from young blue-liners like Tyson Barrie and Nikita Zadorov? Will Brandon Gormley emerge on the back-end this season?
Sep 24, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center
(37) during the first period against the New York Rangers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
19. Boston Bruins
Boston is hoping for a bounce-back year after missing the playoffs for the first time in 8 seasons last year. The departures of Milan Lucic and Dougie Hamilton will hurt, so it’s going to be up to some younger prospects to fill the void.
Can David Pastrnak play in a 1st line role alongside Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron? Will Matt Beleskey suffer a let down after a career year? How will Zac Rinaldo fit in? Will Tuukka Rask need to play 70 games again? A lot of questions loom for Boston as the B’s try to get back to the playoffs.
September 29, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman
(44) moves the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
18. Los Angeles Kings
The addition of bruiser Milan Lucic will bring a new element to the Kings’ first line with Anze Kopitar and Marian Gaborik. How will the multiple off-the-ice issues affect this team?
Can Tyler Taffoli and Tanner Pearson elevate their games to the next level this season? Will any young forwards emerge between Nick Shore, Andy Andreoff, or Brian O’Neill?
Can Christian Ehrhoff fill the void left by Slava Voynov? The Kings will have a chip on their shoulder after going from Stanley Cup Champs in 2013-2014, to missing the postseason last year.
Sep 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars left wing
(14) skates against the St. Louis Blues during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
17. Dallas Stars
The Stars may be the most improved team in the NHL after this offseason. Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya will bring postseason experience and a winning atmosphere to a Dallas team that was lacking just that.
Can Valeri Nichushkin emerge on the Stars top-line after missing most of last season due to an injury? Will John Klingberg continue to build off an amazing season last year?
With Antti Niemi signed to bring stability in net alongside Kari Lehtonen, I expect Dallas to earn a postseason berth this year.
Sep 29, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets right wing
(12) celebrates his goal against the Ottawa Senators with the Winnipeg bench during the third period at MTS Centre. Winnipeg Jets win 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
16. Winnipeg Jets
Trade rumors swirled this offseason about bruising forward/defenseman Dustin Byfuglien. If Winnipeg is pushing for the playoffs, expect him to stick around. If they struggle out of the gate, Byfuglien could be a very interesting trade piece come mid-season.
Other questions surrounding the Jets include, will Nikolaj Ehlers make the opening night roster and can he battle for the Calder? What will Winnipeg do in goal with Ondrej Pavelec, Michael Hutchinson, and Connor Hellebuyck all in the mix?
Sep 29, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Ottawa Senators forwards
(9) and
(7) have a discussion with Ottawa Senators defenseman
(65) during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Winnipeg Jets win 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
15. Ottawa Senators
Ottawa made an incredible run to the postseason riding on the back of unbelievable rookie Andrew Hammond who went 20-1-2 in 24 games to launch the Senators into the playoffs.
The Sens will be looking for a bounce-back season from Bobby Ryan, with hopes of a breakout season by Mika Zibanejad. Can Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman avoid the dreaded sophomore slump?
Expect Hammond to fall back down to Earth this year and for Ottawa to take a minor step back. But with the talent on the roster, there’s no reason they shouldn’t push for the playoffs again.
Sep 28, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; The Detroit Red Wings congratulate goalie
(35) after defeating the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
14. Detroit Red Wings
With a few of their stars like Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Johan Franzen aging, coupled with the loss of coach Mike Babcock, Detroit could be in for a long season.
Can young guys like Teemu Pulkkinen and Anthony Mantha step up? How will new additions Brad Richards and Mike Green fair in Motown?
Will Jimmy Howard regain the starting golatender role? Or has Petr Mrazek earned the spot for good?
Sep 27, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA: Minnesota Wild goalie
(40) makes a save during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
13. Minnesota Wild
There really aren’t many weak spots on this Minnesota team. Age is not a factor. They have a great combination of youth and experience on both offense and defense. The hope is that Mikael Granlund can shoot the puck a little more, but the goaltending will be the key.
Will 37-year old Niklas Backstrom be able to stay healthy enough to backup Devan Dubnyk? (who got a lengthy lucrative extension in the offseason) or will that duty fall to Darcy Kuemper?
Sep 28, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward
(21) against the Arizona Coyotes in the third period period at Rogers Arena. Vancouver won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
12. Vancouver Canucks
The Sedin brothers, Henrik and Daniel, aren’t getting any younger. And neither is goaltender Ryan Miller. While they still might be elite at their positions, one has to wonder whether or not the window in Vancouver is closing.
I mean, the fact that they’re struggling to find a fit to play with the Sedins’ on the top line is worry-some to say the least. The Canucks will have to hope that new addition Brandon Sutter can light a spark in the Canucks top-six.
Sep 22, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center
(71) and right wing
(72) break into the offensive zone against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
11. Pittsburgh Penguins
The addition of Phil Kessel makes the Penguins even more deadly on offense, but that has never been an issue for this team. Kessel brings nothing to this team defensively, which is where they need to improve if they want to be considered true Cup contenders again.
A full healthy season by Kris Letang, accompanied with growth from Olli Maatta could go a long way to helping the Penguins this season.
Sep 29, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) jumps out of the way of a shot on Calgary Flames goalie
(1) during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
10. Calgary Flames
The Flames are my wild card to make the Stanley Cup Finals this season. I believe Dougie Hamilton will take a huge step forward this season playing with captain Mark Giorodano.
The defense is young and hungry, and the forward group is one of the most underrated in the league. A healthy Sam Bennett and free-agent signing Michael Frolik will certainly add a boost to an already deep core of forwards.
Sep 30, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Washington Capitals forward T. J. Oshie (77) is congratulated by teammates after his shoot out goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
9. Washington Capitals
The addition of wingers Justin Williams and T.J. Oshie brings playoff experience and a championship presence (J.Williams in CAR/LA) to the Caps that they desperately need to make the next step towards becoming Cup contenders.
Alex Ovechkin should score 50 goals again as usual, (I know, how boring) and Braden Holtby could be in for a Vezina type campaign.
Sep 23, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman
(6) during the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
8. Nashville Predators
The Preds started off hot last year and seemed to cool down by the end of the year. Pekka Rinne is one of the best in the business, and should carry this team again.
I also expect young center Cody Hodgson to have a breakout year playing with much better caliber players in Nashville than in his previous years in Buffalo. Watch out for this defense core, as it should once again be one of the most productive groups.
Sep 23, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center
(91) controls the puck against the New Jersey Devils during the third period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
7. New York Islanders
The Isles are another sexy pick of mine that have a shot to make the Cup finals this year. John Tavares might be among the best in the business at this point, and he has great chemistry with linemate Kyle Okposo.
With Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy leading the defense and a solid goaltender in Jaroslav Halak in net, the Isles could make a ton of noise this season.
Sep 30, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie
(30) during the third period against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden. New York Rangers won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
6. New York Rangers
The Rangers will be nursing the loss of leader Martin St. Louis, but that shouldn’t change their style on the ice. There is still plenty of talent on both ends of the ice, and a ton of chemistry on this team.
Put that in front of arguably the best goalie in the game in Henrik Lundqvist, and the Rangers should coast into the postseason once again.
Sep 25, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie
(31) makes a save against against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
5. Montreal Canadiens
Not much changed this summer for the Habs. They still have a great defensive group. Their forwards can still fly down the ice to create chances. And Carey Price is still Carey Price.
The one player that could be a lightning rod for Montreal is Alexander Semin. Semin will be looking to have a huge bounce-back year playing with a much better team in Montreal than he played with in Carolina last season.
Sep 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; St. Louis Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock watches his team take on the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Blues defeat the Stars 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
4. St. Louis Blues
The very appropriately titled “STL line” comprised of Alexander Steen, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Jori Lehtera should have another stellar year. Paul Stastny looks to try and have a bounce-back season as well.
Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk are one of the best defensive pairs in the league. With young Jake Allen leading the way in goal, St. Louis is locked and loaded to make another run at the Cup.
September 29, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing
(10) moves in for a shot on goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
3. Anaheim Ducks
The losses of Francois Beauchemin and Matt Beleskey will definitely hinder the Ducks. But they still have a great core of players headed by captain Ryan Getzlaf and alternate captain Corey Perry.
New arrivals include winger Carl Hagelin and defenseman Kevin Bieksa. Top prospect Nick Ritchie is also vying for a roster spot. The Ducks will again be a power in the West.
Sep 22, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center
(91) skates with the puck as Nashville Predators right wing
(38) defends during overtime at Amalie Arena. Nashville Predators defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
After a tough loss in the Stanley Cup Finals last season, I expect Tampa to have a huge chip on their shoulder. Once you get that close to kissing the cup, there is nothing that will stop you from getting to that point again and hopefully beyond.
Steven Stamkos should have another super-human season, along with another solid campaign by the “Triplets” line. I expect Ben Bishop to have a career year to lead Tampa back to the postseason.
Sep 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center
(19) with the puck during the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
1. Chicago Blackhawks
Despite the losses of guys like Brandon Saad, Johnny Oduya, and Kris Versteeg, Chicago has earned the pole position in my power rankings merely out of respect.
Chicago did quietly acquire a few guys that could have a big impact including KHL transfer Artemi Panarin. They also added D Trevor Daley and W Ryan Garbutt in the Oduya deal. Also added C Artem Anisimov and W Marko Dano in the Saad deal.
With Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Corey Crawford still leading this team, expect them to make another run at the Cup this Spring.
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