NHL season point projections: How we see 2022-23 campaign unfolding
Matthew Tkachuk was traded to Florida Panthers. Calgary Flames signed Nazem Kadri. USA TODAY Sports projects the point totals for all 32 NHL teams.
The Metropolitan Division is predicted to be won by the Rangers. The Penguins are good enough for a playoff berth, but they need to improve. Johnny Gaudreau will improve the Blue Jackets. If Jack Hughes stays healthy and Vitek Vanecek steadies the goaltending, the Devils will push for the playoffs.
The Panthers won't win the Presidents Trophy again, but they have enough talent to win Atlantic Division. The Lightning lost Ondrej Palat, the Maple Leafs have issues in net, and the Bruins will be without Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy and Taylor Hall early in the season. Senators will jump in standings, while Red Wings will stay at the bottom.
The defending champion Avalanche had a lot of injuries last season. The Predators added Nino Niederreiter and Ryan McDonagh to their team. Kevin Fiala was sold to the Wild. I picked the Blues to miss the playoffs last year. Peter DeBoer needs to get production from more lines than the top one.
The Pacific Division has a new look with a coach of the year Darryl Sutter. Dustin Brown retired, but Kevin Fiala will boost the Kings offense. Golden Knights could return to the playoffs if they avoid last season's injuries. Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau will put them into the playoff hunt. Ducks have exciting young talent, Mason McTavish will be in the mix for the Calder Trophy. Kraken added 50 goals between Andre Burakovsky and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Sharks' trade of Brent Burns shows they're rebuilding.
