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I'm gonna keep this kind of short, cause we could debate this topic for a long time if we wanted to.

 

Pacific:

I agree that the Flames probably won't regress like the Avs did last year, but I don't think they will finish 2nd in the Pacific. The Flames will make the playoffs, but they are surely not as talented as the Kings. I also think that you are a little short on the Sharks (I'm trying not to show my bias here). I think Martin Jones will have his struggles this year, but I think he will be as good as Niemi was last year, which "almost"made the playoffs. I also think the Canucks are a fading team.

 

7. Arizona

6. Vancouver

5. Oilers (I agree they are not quite there yet)

4. Sharks*

3. Calgary

2. Los Angeles

1. Anaheim

 

Central:

You really think a goalie tandem of Lehtonen and Niemi is worse than the Jets? I can't agree with that. I agree that there will be some issues with the goalies in Dallas, I also think they are professionals, and they will get the job done. Also, the Dallas offense might be one of the strongest in the league. I can't agree that they will be in last place in the Central. I also don't think the Avs will be in the top three. They regressed last year, and didn't improve their roster very much. I also don't see the Jets returning to the playoffs. The Blackhawks are still the best team in the division, but they never win it. I don't see them winning the Central again this year. And I still don't trust Dubnyk in Minnesota.

 

Keep in mind, all of these teams will be in contention for a good part of the season.

 

7. Lose-a-peg (Sorry, I couldn't resist)

6. Colorado

5. Minnesota

4. Nashville*

3. Dallas

2. Chicago

1. St. Louis

 

*Wild Card teams

Alright, I am going to try not to be an a** but I seem to come off that way, and do not take it to heart.

I love the everyone continues to say, "The Avs have done nothing to make their roster better from last season." Now lets look at this, the Colorado Avalanche lost an AVERAGE of SIX**** starting players PER game last season! 6 in 82 games. Ok so that is roughly 492 games lost amongst a team of VERY young players. Mind you MOST of their "Star" players were intact for majority of the season, they lost Erik Johnson for 35 games, Nathan MacKinnon 18 games, Semyon Varlamov (Unsure on how "many" he missed but lets say about 10. Not to mention Jesse Winchester did not play a single game (PK guy) - Patrick Bordeleau (Who I do not care for) missed 81 games (enforcer). These are key parts of this team, Stastny and OReilly did not run the show by themselves in 2013-14 or 14-15 did they contribute? Hell yes they did, but we have replaced them, maybe Iginla is not as young as he once was, but lead the Avs with 59 points last season - Stastny had 46 and missed 8 games. He replaced him quite well, both guys on new teams that didn't maybe hit the way they wanted. Both will have a chance to rebound now that they have found a little chemistry.

Ryan OReilly sat with 55 points last season, which is about where O'Reilly is expected to produce. He isn't a top 3 guy, can he play like he is? Yeah I guess, but he is much better 6-9. He had a fantastic 2014-15, but so did the entire team. Replacing him; Carl Soderberd - a little older and has not seen as much NHL action. Do I think he was worth 5M per season? No, but he is a solid 6-9 guy. 48 and 44 points the last two season, I think Soderberg steps in nicely and makes a bang for his buck. The real replacement here though for OReilly is a true winger in Mikko Rantanen! This kid is going to be electric. He was the biggest overlook from picks 3-9, the #1 euro skater in the draft. He scored in the Burgundy vs White game and again against the Anaheim Ducks. Two games two goals by a playmaker. I cannot wait to see this kid work magic in the top 6.

Varlamov - He has proven that when he s healthy, he does not need a back up goalie to be perfect. Reto Berra played last night against Calgary http://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/boxscore?id=2015010035. No it wasn't their "actual" roster, but he played solid and looked confident, something he has missed since his injury last season in Ottawa. Calvin Pickard has proven he is pretty good and can back up as needed. So three solids in net.

Last season 39-31-12 (in 2014-15 we found a way to win those OT/SO games and failed to do so this season.) Add 9 of those 12 to the W section, we tie the Jets for a wild card spot (even though I think the Jets win it.) We also lost a game by 1 goal 24 times, and 15 of those 24 were to playoff teams. Lets say those other 9 Colorado won.... This entire season could have been so much different has MacKinnon,, Varly ad Johnson been healthy all season.

So its not a matter making changes and adding players that are "top 3-6" players or top 4 defensemen. It is purely chemistry and health and most people do not see that, except for the two that matter... Sakic and Roy...

But that is just how I feel and again a lot of Bias... but yes, I see a Healthy Colorado Avalanche team in the top 3. I still feel like the Blues goaltending is weak, yes they have won both pre-season games by a good amount of goal scoring... I just do not think it will hold. As for the goaltending in Dallas, two starting goalies does not bid well often... Yes Minnesota had Manny and Rollie, but that was just two great personality goalies, mainly Manny for giving up so much time to Rollie...... Last the Sharks, have a great team, don't get me wrong.... But I don't think Jones can carry them to the playoffs... If he does... they are out in one.. But Stalock as his back up who will fight for number one. It could get into Jones head anytime he has an off game....

Its all just fun and prediction... Come December I might be off n EVERYTHING or hell Nothing,.... who knows

PACIFIC:

7. Coyotes. No brainer

6. Canucks. Due for a big fall

5. Oilers. Improved but not this year

4. Sharks. Still trying

3. Kings. In the mix again

2. Flames. Fun team to watch got better

1. Ducks. Best team in Hockey

CENTRAL

7. Avalanche. Did little to improve and lost O'Reilly

6. Jets What goes up must come down

5. Stars. Lots of goals for and against

4. Predators. Don't believe in their centers

3. Wild. See Predators comment

2. Hawks. Don't believe the rumors of their demise

1. Blues. Regular season divas

The Central is so deep and even, every team has a hole but immense talent as well. I could see a case for any team in the division finishing anywhere from first to last.

So here is why I think you are wrong about Colorado.

Semyon Varlamov - Healthy and ready to bounce back - he has proven when healthy he is a monster, I do not see him having an injury prone season.

Duchene - He is ready to break out, if he and Iginla can work the magic they sputtered with last season, BOOM.

Tanguay and Iginla - finally found their chemistry again and I doubt it take 40+ games for them to get back into it again.

Mikko Rantanen - he is a HUGE sleeper, I see this kid lighting fire after he proves he is a top 6 guy. Put him with MacKinnon, I can see Mack dumping 75+ points easy with this kid.

Bigras - If he doesn't make the roster  I will be shocked, He is primed and ready giving the Avs 6 pretty darn good solid defense on the back.

Berra - wont lose the fight to Pickard this season and will be a solid back up that he started the season as.

I cannot see the Avs dropping below 5th in a very tough Central. I don't see St. Louis #1 either. Just wont happen.

1.4 - 1.45 - 1.5 are Berra's NHL Cap hits. He is way over paid far to quickly.