The season hasn’t even started yet, I know, and it’s only been a few days of silence since free agency started, but it’s also that time in the offseason when there isn’t much happening and your mind starts to wander, and one place it’s wandered is where the Montreal Canadiens will be next season and which teams will make the playoffs.
So I decided to write about my standings predictions for all eight teams in the Atlantic Division.
#8 Buffalo Sabres
I’m just being realistic here, I don’t see the Sabres making much progress from last season to the next one. Although Jack Eichel is asking for a trade, I don’t think his health will allow for too much in return, that is if he gets traded. There is always the possibility of him staying with the Sabres and not playing at all, which would be worse for his health and the team. No matter what happens, I don’t think the Sabres have what it takes to get out of the last spot of the division.
#7 Detroit Red Wings
Similar to the Sabres, the Red Wings probably won’t see much improvement next season, and especially not in a division as strong as this one.
#6 Boston Bruins
I was surprised when the Bruins made it to the second round last playoffs, I thought they were going to struggle a lot, but the Washington Capitals seemed to be the ones struggling. However, in what will probably be the strongest division in the NHL next season, I don’t expect the Bruins to make the playoffs or to be close to making them. It will probably be a step-back for them and they might need to start thinking about making some big roster changes to the team in the near future if they want to be the strong team they used to be not too long ago.
#5 Ottawa Senators
The Senators started off last season horribly, there is no other way to say it. But, as the season went on, they got better, and yes, to be completely honest, I started thinking that they might take the last playoff berth from the Canadiens. If they can start next season like they ended that one, I think it could be the start of a great Senators team, but I have my doubts about their consistency over an 82-game season. These are all young players, and I think it will take a bit more time for them to be the great team they want to be.
#4 Florida Panthers
The Panthers had a great season, but they were not able to get past the first round against the Tampa Bay Lighting. This could change next season if they can make the playoffs as a wild card. They were already a good team last season, and they will likely only keep getting better.
#3 Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens’ biggest flaw this past season was their inconsistency, but with now knowing what it’s like to get to the Stanley Cup Final, and lose, they will be hungry for more, this Canadiens team will be more motivated than we have ever seen, and they should be more consistent. They seem to be adding players who can help create more offence, and if they can actually score more, it would be a huge help for the team’s consistency. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Canadiens have a great season followed by another amazing playoff run.
#2 Tampa Bay Lightning
The back-to-back Stanley Cup champions have every reason to be as motivated as ever to make the playoffs and attempt a third consecutive Stanley Cup. While I don’t think they will win another Cup, I definitely think they’ll be one of the strongest teams in this division. Their roster has gone through some changes this offseason, but as long as some of these players and coaches stay there and the mindset remains the same, they will be a dangerous team.
#1 Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs are famous for their incredible regular season performance and I don’t think that will change anytime soon. I expect them to play even better than they did last season and to come out on top of the division again. Will they make it past the first round of the playoffs this time? Who knows? But their regular season should be consistent and entertaining.
Of course, these standings can and probably will change once the offseason is officially over and the next season starts. For now, the lineups are still subject to changes, so I will be writing an updated predictions piece in the fall and another one mid-way through the season.