NHL Weekly Power Rankings: The Start of the 2023 NHL Preseason
By Jim Lynch
28. Montreal Canadiens
Staying healthy is the goal this season for the Canadiens. The team has a lot of young talent and giving everyone a full season to play together with minimal injuries has to be the key.
27. Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks did not win the Stanley Cup this past season, but they might have had the second most successful season having landed Connor Bedard. It will be interesting to see how good Bedard is during his rookie season.
26. Arizona Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes had a relatively good season last year. The team was competitive despite being built to lose in 2022-23. This season will be about getting young star Logan Cooley NHL ready. He could be a serious contender for the Calder Trophy especially if he gets to play with Clayton Keller or Lawson Crouse as linemates.
25. Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks go into the 2023-24 season hoping to bounce back after another season with a coaching change half way through the year. With very few additions made this offseason, it will be interesting to see how the Canucks do this year with a full season of Rick Tocchet as the bench boss.