The Colorado Avalanche dethroned the Tampa Bay Lightning to turn out to be the NHL’s 2022 Stanley Cup champions. Hats off to the Avalanche! Effectively finished, Lightning, on virtually three-peating!
Whereas Colorado will get to take pleasure in its parade, we’re already turning the web page.
Listed here are our way-too-early NHL Energy Rankings for the 2022-23 season. Plus, earlier than the enjoyable of free company begins on July 13, we’re making one suggestion for every membership on the way it can enhance its prospects heading into subsequent season.
Don’t fret, Colorado is excessive on the checklist as a possible repeat champ. The place does everybody else fall in keeping with solely three months (not that we’re counting) till the puck drops on the 2022-23 season? Discover out under.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors charges groups in opposition to each other, and people outcomes are tabulated to provide the checklist featured right here.
Word: Stanley Cup odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
2021-22 file: 56-19-7, 119 factors
Consequence: Received Stanley Cup
2023 Cup odds: +450
Transfer to make: Re-sign Valeri Nichushkin
Nichushkin had a career-best common season and glorious playoffs. The pending unrestricted free agent deserves a big increase from the two-year, $5 million deal about to run out. Colorado ought to pay up. Nichushkin is an ideal match for the Avalanche, and he’ll be extra reasonably priced than fellow pending UFA Nazem Kadri. Nichushkin stepped up when Kadri was out late within the postseason, and at 27, he is 4 years youthful than Kadri. In Nichushkin, you are getting a high-end, 200-foot participant who has room to develop. Common supervisor Joe Sakic is aware of what to do.
2021-22 file: 51-23-8, 110 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in Stanley Cup Remaining
2023 Cup odds: +1000
Transfer to make: Get some relaxation
Critically. Tampa Bay wants a break. Breathe. Reset. Work out what’s subsequent for this franchise. Then begin answering the massive questions: Is that this group able to one other Stanley Cup run? Is it time for a extra vital retooling, significantly on the defensive aspect? Is there sufficient depth total? The Lightning have been on a excessive these previous two offseasons. Sitting in some disappointment can present perspective.
2021-22 file: 54-21-7, 115 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in first spherical
2023 Cup odds: +1200
Transfer to make: Commerce Petr Mrazek
Mrazek’s three-year, $11.4 million contract (which features a 10-team no-move clause) is getting old poorly with two seasons to go. Additionally, Toronto is up in opposition to the wage cap with no beginning goaltender signed for subsequent season. By some means, GM Kyle Dubas has to get out from below Mrazek. The veteran was injured too typically final season and hardly stellar when he did play (12-6-0, .888 save share, 3.34 goals-against common). Toronto will want severe cap house to lock up a long-term No. 1 goalie, whether or not that is Jack Campbell or another person. Discovering a brand new dwelling for Mrazek — and including a backup for a decrease cap hit — would assist there.
2021-22 file: 52-24-6, 110 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in Japanese Convention finals
2023 Cup odds: +1000
Transfer to make: Hold Kaapo Kakko
It was bizarre that coach Gerard Gallant scratched Kakko in Sport 6 of the Japanese Convention finals. And even Gallant acknowledged after that loss it was a “risk” the restricted free agent might have performed his ultimate recreation with the group. We have seen younger, gifted (and underappreciated) gamers obtain supply sheets earlier than. Kakko might simply be subsequent. Given how Gallant handled him amid an honest total postseason may make leaving appear favorable. It would not be for New York. The Rangers should restore the connection and get a deal finished.
2021-22 file: 54-20-8, 116 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in second spherical
2023 Cup odds: +1000
Transfer to make: Discover the goalie market (once more)
Frederik Andersen had a stellar common season — till he was, once more, derailed by damage. Andersen missed all of Carolina’s postseason run due to a knee concern, one other ill-timed damage like these populating his previous. Questions have been raised about whether or not Andersen might have returned (at lower than 100%) for the Hurricanes however did not. How is the rapport between group and participant there? Then there’s Antti Raanta, who had his personal damage woes. Can Carolina belief Andersen and Raanta to be a tandem once more subsequent season? Is Andersen’s well being a difficulty? The Hurricanes may need due diligence to conduct on the open market both method.
2021-22 file: 58-18-6, 122 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in second spherical
2023 Cup odds: +900
Transfer to make: Discover their subsequent Claude Giroux
Will Florida be capable of re-sign pending UFA Giroux? Will they need to? The Panthers felt buying Giroux on the commerce deadline was essential regardless of already being the NHL’s highest-scoring group. All that manufacturing dried up come the playoffs, during which the Panthers have been additionally an inexcusable 1-for-31 on the ability play. If Florida has any doubt its common season offense was a mirage, then including — or maintaining — a dependable top-six scorer ought to be prioritized.
2021-22 file: 43-31-8, 94 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +1200
Transfer to make: Resolve on a beginning goalie
Vegas handled heavy goaltending drama late final season. Robin Lehner performed harm and finally underwent surgical procedure. Laurent Brossoit was injured, too. Rookie Logan Thompson was an important story attempting to get Vegas to the postseason with a 4-1-3 file, .905 SV% and a couple of.77 GAA down the stretch. The Golden Knights want a No. 1 to reliably stabilize the place long run below new head coach Bruce Cassidy.
2021-22 file: 49-27-6, 104 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in Western Convention finals
2023 Cup odds: +1200
Transfer to make: Maintain your personal
Edmonton has loads to do that summer season. Precedence one ought to be pending RFAs Ryan McLeod, Jesse Puljujarvi and Kailer Yamamoto. GM Ken Holland mentioned he had to determine if Puljujarvi is a part of the Oilers’ future, and why not? Puljujarvi skated within the high six, took some much-needed strides and might personal a checking line position. McLeod confirmed vital enhancements the previous eight months. And Yamamoto is as succesful a ahead as Puljujarvi when it comes to versatility. Earlier than Holland thinks about re-signing Evander Kane or discovering Mike Smith‘s alternative in internet, focus ought to be on securing the Oilers’ homegrown expertise.
2021-22 file: 53-22-7, 113 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in first spherical
2023 Cup odds: +1600
Transfer to make: Commerce Kevin Fiala
Fiala may very well be a helpful participant on many groups. His largest worth to Minnesota is on the commerce block. GM Bill Guerin needs Marc-Andre Fleury again. That will not come cheaply. Guerin acquired Tyson Jost on the deadline. He prolonged Jordan Greenway. Guerin has spent (restricted) Wild cap house, however not on Fiala. And there is solely about $8 million to spare going into subsequent season. Fiala is a 25-year-old pending RFA who simply accomplished a 33-goal common season. Somebody on the market wants him. Guerin’s job is to search out the match.
2021-22 file: 49-22-11, 109 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in second spherical
2023 Cup odds: +1600
Transfer to make: Lengthen David Perron
Did anybody count on Perron to be St. Louis’ main scorer within the playoffs? 9 targets and 13 factors in 12 video games says he was. Even at 34, Perron is a worthy funding for the Blues. There’s pure curiosity about how GM Doug Armstrong will navigate the Vladimir Tarasenko commerce request state of affairs and whether or not he can shed Marco Scandella‘s contract. Perron is a layup. He loves being in St. Louis, and vice versa. Perron is productive, a powerful chief and all-around asset. Finished deal.
2021-22 file: 50-21-11, 111 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in second spherical
2023 Cup odds: +1800
Transfer to make: Re-sign Johnny Gaudreau
This is very easy. Calgary wants Gaudreau. He isn’t sporting a “C” however he may very well be. Gaudreau is the Flames’ greatest participant, the face of their franchise and an distinctive all-around expertise. The season he simply had enjoying with Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm confirmed how Gaudreau has advanced right into a simpler two-way participant. That is Gaudreau at his greatest. To let him stroll in free company could be a mistake.
2021-22 file: 46-25-11, 103 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in first spherical
2023 Cup odds: +2000
Transfer to make: Safe the highest six (i.e., preserve Evgeni Malkin)
Pittsburgh had a incredible first line final season in Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust. What the Penguins lacked was a complementary second unit that may very well be simply as efficient come playoff time. Malkin stays their best choice at heart there; all he wants is a brand new contract. Then, Ron Hextall has to search out the proper wingers. Malkin is greatest paired with guys who can maintain onto the puck, cycle and rating greasy targets.
2021-22 file: 46-30-7, 98 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in first spherical
2023 Cup odds: +4000
Transfer to make: Let DeBoer information the way in which
Dallas’ main offseason concern was whether or not Rick Bowness ought to proceed behind the bench. That query was answered when Bowness was fired and subsequently changed by Peter DeBoer. Now the Stars want to begin taking notes. Dallas has been wildly inconsistent the previous couple of seasons, however there are nice gamers in place. Goaltender Jake Oettinger is a cornerstone. RFA Jason Robertson will get his deal finished. Miro Heiskanen is a top-tier blueliner. DeBoer simply has to place the puzzle again collectively. He deserves assist from the highest down in doing it his method.
2021-22 file: 44-27-11, 99 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in first spherical
2023 Cup odds: +2500
Transfer to make: Add some chunk
Los Angeles might use a little bit sandpaper. Exterior of Carl Grundstrom, the Kings haven’t got many grinder varieties. It confirmed by way of in opposition to Edmonton of their first-round playoff collection, during which the Oilers badly outhit Los Angeles and appeared to make the Kings extra hesitant to have interaction. Edmonton is a talent group that may problem bodily; Los Angeles ought to emulate that. Perhaps it is a mindset shift, perhaps it comes by way of new personnel. For years, the Kings have been fearsome on the ice. Bringing again some heaviness goes a good distance.
2021-22 file: 51-26-5, 107 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in first spherical
2023 Cup odds: +1800
Transfer to make: Shore up the middle place
Whether or not Patrice Bergeron performs once more or not, Boston has to deal with its heart depth. Erik Haula and Charlie Coyle are positive, however the Bruins want a long-term, top-end expertise who can finally substitute Bergeron. Clearly, a No. 1 heart is not simple to search out and Boston has Jack Studnicka within the wings. The Bruins haven’t got quite a lot of time to get higher down the center. GM Don Sweeney has to begin now.
2021-22 file: 45-30-7, 97 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in first spherical
2023 Cup odds: +5000
Transfer to make: Get Juuse Saros some assist
Overlook free agent Filip Forsberg for a second. Nashville actually wants a succesful No. 2 netminder. Saros was the Predators’ unquestioned MVP final season, and with out him, their postseason hopes went stomach up. David Rittich was terrible in reduction. Third-stringer Connor Ingram gave it a go, however Colorado had a straightforward sweep. GM David Poile will attempt to settle the {dollars} and cents to carry again Forsberg. More durable — however simply as essential — is focusing on the appropriate complement in internet.
2021-22 file: 40-30-12, 92 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +6000
Transfer to make: Determine a third-line heart
Vancouver is on the clock. The Canucks have 9 ahead contracts expiring over the subsequent two seasons. There are robust choices to come back in a salary-cap world. Most instantly, the Canucks have to spherical out their heart depth. Can or not it’s with Jason Dickinson, who underwhelmed after Vancouver signed him to a three-year, $7.95 million contract final August? If not, then who? The Canucks have a gifted younger roster that ought to be difficult for a playoff berth. Stability down the center is essential.
2021-22 file: 37-35-10, 84 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +4000
Transfer to make: Drill down on protection
The Islanders have 5 defensemen below contract for 2022-23. That is not superb. Zdeno Chara won’t be again; ditto Andy Greene. Noah Dobson and Sebastian Aho require new offers. Even having them again within the fold requires additional masterminding from GM Lou Lamoriello. The Islanders want a strong top-four rotation at the very least. Does that come by way of trades? Free company?
2021-22 file: 44-26-12, 100 factors
Consequence: Misplaced in first spherical
2023 Cup odds: +3000
Transfer to make: Tackle holes within the high six
The Capitals are searching for reinforcements. Nicklas Backstrom just lately had hip surgical procedure and faces a “prolonged” restoration course of. Tom Wilson underwent knee surgical procedure and is anticipated to overlook six to eight months. These are two top-six contributors who may very well be unavailable till midway by way of subsequent season. Washington’s window to win one other Stanley Cup will not be open for lengthy. Alex Ovechkin will not be this elite endlessly. And he cannot do it on their lonesome for the Capitals. GM Brian MacLellan ought to be scouring the commerce and free-agent markets for assist.
2021-22 file: 31-37-14, 76 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +8000
Transfer to make: Bolster scoring depth
The Geese are noticeably top-heavy. Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras eclipsed the 60-point plateau final season. Cam Fowler and Adam Henrique hit 42 factors every. To flee the continued rebuild, Anaheim wants extra offensive manufacturing. Rickard Rakell is gone. Ryan Getzlaf has retired. Who replaces their contributions? What extra can GM Pat Verbeek add to make the Geese harmful? Zegras and Terry are nice abilities who will solely enhance with extra talent gamers round them.
2021-22 file: 39-32-11, 89 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +5000
Transfer to make: Commerce Blake Wheeler
Winnipeg is at an attention-grabbing crossroads. Pierre-Luc Dubois is mulling whether or not he needs to remain long run with the Jets. Mark Scheifele sounds more and more unfavorable about his personal future in Winnipeg. Oh, they usually nonetheless haven’t got a coach. The place are the Jets going right here? Buying and selling Wheeler sends a message. It is nothing in opposition to Wheeler or what he has delivered for Winnipeg. The Jets merely should chart one other course. The trail they have been on in latest seasons hasn’t produced significant outcomes. Transferring Wheeler opens the door for a brand new path and new voices to emerge.
2021-22 file: 32-40-10, 74 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +10000
Transfer to make: Splashy signing(s) on D
Detroit gave up the second-most targets final season (310) and critically lacked for defensive depth after Calder Trophy winner Moritz Seider. It is due to Seider that GM Steve Yzerman ought to make waves beefing up the remainder of his protection. Severe enhancements are wanted and it is not a patch-and-dash state of affairs. Danny DeKeyser‘s contract is up. So is Marc Staal‘s. Now could be the time to provide this D corps a full makeover.
2021-22 file: 27-46-9, 63 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +10000
Transfer to make: Stack the workers
Clearly, New Jersey is one other group searching for a correct beginning goaltender. However one other game-changing resolution to come back includes the coaches. The Devils did not carry again assistants Alain Nasreddine and Mark Recchi. Which means the Devils’ protection and energy play might be below new administration. Gamers are one factor, however the appropriate coaches make a distinction in how effectively that expertise executes. New Jersey needed a change. Whom can they guess on to show the tide?
2021-22 file: 37-38-7, 81 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +8000
Transfer to make: Ink Patrik Laine to a brand new deal
If Laine was honest this spring in saying he needs to remain in Columbus, the Blue Jackets ought to get a long-term deal finished ASAP. It is no secret Columbus has had retention points up to now with top-tier abilities. Laine will put butts within the seats (and lift them again out with many, many targets). Perhaps we’ve not even seen the very best of Laine but. If he can preserve enhancing in a secure atmosphere, that is a win for everybody. The Blue Jackets ought to covet those that covet being with them.
2021-22 file: 28-42-12, 68 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +10000
Transfer to make: Signal an NHL goalie
It is unbelievable that Chicago doesn’t have an NHL goaltender below contract. How does that occur? Level being, GM Kyle Davidson must fill out his goaltending depth chart ASAP.
2021-22 file: 32-39-11, 75 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +10000
Transfer to make: Franchise goaltender wanted
It is a theme for groups that do not make the playoffs: Goaltenders needed. Buffalo is looking out for a brand new No. 1. Craig Anderson was an unbelievable story final season, however he is not a long-term resolution. This franchise is on the upswing once more — or it is going to be with some consistency within the crease. The Sabres scrolled by way of six totally different goalies in 2021-22 and solely two of them had a save share north of .900. That may’t be the case once more subsequent season.
2021-22 file: 32-37-13, 77 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +8000
Transfer to make: Decide the appropriate GM
San Jose lucked out having a profitable long-term normal supervisor like Doug Wilson. Now the Sharks have to search out his successor. Interim GM Joe Will has been dealing with latest enterprise, which provides San Jose time to mirror on who greatest can fill Wilson’s footwear. San Jose is popping its keys over for the primary time in virtually 20 years. This can be a monumental transfer that they should get proper.
2021-22 file: 25-46-11, 61 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +12500
Transfer to make: Make a play for Nazem Kadri
Pay attention. All of us need to see John Tortorella teaching Kadri. Purely from a persona perspective, it may very well be nice theatre. However Kadri might critically assist the Flyers in a giant method. He is coming off a profession common season and simply gained a Stanley Cup. Kadri deserves to money in on a long-term deal, and he is the kind of persona Flyer followers will love having after a troublesome couple of years for the franchise.
2021-22 file: 22-49-11, 55 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +10000
Transfer to make: Commerce Jeff Petry
It would not be simple for GM Kent Hughes to maneuver Petry and the three years remaining (at $6.25 million per season) on his contract. However it might be the very best factor for everybody. Petry is a continuing supply of commerce rumors, and the saga has gone on lengthy sufficient. If Montreal can discover a suitor for the defenseman, it’d clear up some cap house and proceed the rebuild in earnest. And Petry would get a contemporary begin.
2021-22 file: 33-42-7, 73 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +10000
Transfer to make: Half with Matt Murray
The Matt Murray period in Ottawa has been dramatic and largely unsuccessful. The Senators’ best choice transferring ahead could be discovering one other associate for Anton Forsberg. Simpler mentioned than finished, after all. Murray has a 10-team no-trade checklist and is barely midway by way of his four-year, $25 million contract. Nevertheless, there are many groups available in the market for goaltenders. Ottawa must retain some wage, however the appropriate commerce associate may very well be on the market. It could be a weight off the Senators to shut that chapter and open a brand new door for Murray to rebound.
2021-22 file: 27-49-6, 60 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +15000
Transfer to make: Draft like a champion
GM Ron Francis acknowledged his dedication to “constructing a group by way of the draft.” Time for Francis to do it. He is bought 12 picks to work with (thus far) within the 2022 draft, 5 of that are within the first and second spherical. Francis has to hit on these to realize his final purpose of crafting a contender by way of the sluggish and regular route. It’ll take years earlier than draftees flip into influence gamers, but when Francis can inject hope into the group — and fan base — for a shiny future forward, that’ll be a win.
2021-22 file: 25-50-7, 57 factors
Consequence: Missed playoffs
2023 Cup odds: +25000
Transfer to make: Have some enjoyable
It is going to be unusual watching NHL video games in a (comparatively) tiny faculty enviornment. The Coyotes should lean into the weirdness and make it a great time — no matter that appears like. Capitalizing on the distinctiveness of their long-term enviornment uncertainty is an effective method to take a few of the strain off questions on this group’s future — and the numerous dramas surrounding this ongoing undertaking in Tempe. Generally the very best protection is an effective offense.