Modifié 17 sept. 2022 à 5 h 39
I think Toronto wins the Atlantic. We know that all three of Florida, Toronto, and Tampa Bay each regressed to some degree this off-season. Personally I think Toronto regressed the least amount of the three
I think Tampa is going to look noticeably different without Palat and McDonagh, having added to or replaced their personnel with the likes of Vlad Namestnikov, Phillipe Myers, and Ian Cole.
Besides downgrading Mikheyev to Jarnkrok, Toronto's team is pretty much the same team. Will be curious to see if guys like Liljigren and Sandin take a step, and if a guy like Nick Robertson can make the team out of camp. The Leafs will of course have to subtract from their roster to be able to fit Sandin, which is important to keep in mind.
I'm kind of surprised more people aren't talking about this, but Florida's blueline doesn't look too impressive now that Weegar is gone. I mean, it was still an imperfect blueline even WITH Weegar. I could really see Florida having some trouble keeping the puck out of their net considering how hit and miss Bobrovsky can be. Definitely don't see the Panthers winning the presidents trophy this coming season. They should still make the playoffs considering the rest of the competition they face in the Atlantic, but I definitely don't see a cup contender with the roster the Panthers currently have constructed.
I know this might sound kind of cheesy, but I honestly feel that Ottawa's playoff hopes largely hinge on Boston's ability to stay afloat/tread water for the first two to three months of the season when they will be without Marchand, McAvoy, and Grzelcyk. I can honestly see it go either way. If Boston were fully healthy to start the year, I would say that Ottawa's best bet is the 2nd wildcard spot should the Atlantic claim both wildcards. We know where both team's strengths lie, but when weighing each team's weaknesses against each other, I think Ottawa's holes/deficiencies on their blueline extend a bit further than Boston's depth scoring issues.
As for Detroit, Buffalo, or Montreal, I don't see any of them being ready to challenge for a playoff spot yet.