Pittsburgh Penguins Offseason: 30-Team NHL Power Rankings

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Is it too early for a league-wide NHL power rankings? Maybe. But, we’ll likely visit this throughout the season and at this point in the summer, it’s safe to say that we have a good indication of how teams will look on opening night. At this point, contenders are mostly at the cap ceiling. Especially the Pittsburgh Penguins.

There are a few solid UFA targets still sitting on the market, so there will obviously be some key additions added before camp starts. Cody Franson, Christian Ehrhoff, and Jiri Tlusty headline that list with honorable mentions such as Mike Santorelli.

However, there is no one on that list that ultimately boosts a team to contender status overnight. So, with that being said, let’s take a look at how all thirty NHL teams stack up as currently constructed.

Next: Arizona Coyotes

Mar 28, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing David Moss (18) shoots the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins goalie

(1) as Penguins defenseman

(4) defends during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

30. Arizona Coyotes

The Coyotes remain a team in shambles, both on the ice and off. With so many questions about whether or not they’ll stay in Glendale, it’s tough to imagine they can block out all of the distractions and focus on hockey.

Also, considering they spent most of the offseason re-signing recycled players that could very well end up on the trade block again in 2016, things aren’t looking up for fans in Arizona.

Next: Toronto Maple Leafs

May 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs new head coach Mike Babcock speaks during a media conference at Air Canada Centre to announce his signing with the club. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

29. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason when they hired new head coach Mike Babcock. But, they also emptied their roster and stockpiled future draft picks, which means that the future could be bright but 2015-16 will be quite grim.

There’s a lot of work to do in Toronto and it remains to be seen if Babcock can turn that franchise around. One thing is for sure, though. It won’t be this season.

Next: New Jersey Devils

Mar 29, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; The Anaheim Ducks celebrate their 2-1 win over the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

28. New Jersey Devils

When I look at what Ray Shero has done so far in New Jersey, I have to give him kudos. He is learning from his mistakes in Pittsburgh and looking to build through the draft and newly acquired youth.

However, these NHL power rankings aren’t for teams that are off to a good start in their long rebuild process. Therefore, New Jersey remains in the bottom-three and Devils’ fans are likely in for another long season.

Next: Carolina Hurricanes

Mar 21, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers forward J. T. Miller (10) celebrates his 2nd period goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

27. Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes are a team that I can see surprising a lot of folks, including me. No, I’m not talking about making the playoffs.

I simply can’t rank them any higher than 27 due to the amount of question marks on that team. They’ll need Jeff Skinner to step up in a big way and return to his 2013-14 form. If he does and Jordan Staal can stay healthy, they may shake things up a bit for the teams just ahead of them.

Next: Vancouver Canucks

Apr 25, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks players reacts to the goal by Calgary Flames left wing

(not pictured) during the third period in game six of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

26. Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks look to be in serious trouble, and it likely isn’t getting any better over the next few years.

The Sedin twins are still effective but aging. And, after trading away Nick Bonino, Adam Clendening, and a second round pick for Brandon Sutter and a third round pick, you have to wonder what they’re thinking in Vancouver. Sutter is now signed to an extension for five years and viewed as a core piece of this franchise. That doesn’t bode well for Canucks fans.

Next: Philadelphia Flyers

Apr 11, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing

(93) during warmups before the game against the Ottawa Senators at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

25. Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers were on of the worst offensive teams in the NHL last season. And, while some of that was definitely due to coaching, I’m really surprised they essentially kept the same group in place for 2015-16 with a few minor additions.

The contract extensions for Jakub Voracek and Sean Couturier were both great value, at least from what we’ve seen out of those guys up to this point. But, the overall supporting cast is still less-than-desirable in Philly.

Next: Edmonton Oilers

Jul 2, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; NHL draft number one pick Connor McDavid walks out to the ice in the Edmonton Oilers rookie camp at the Rexall Center. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

24. Edmonton Oilers

The Connor McDavid era has officially started in Edmonton, and they also completely revamped their front office personnel. Will it be enough to give them a boost?

The Oilers are stacked with young talent and now have the widely proclaimed next Sidney Crosby. McDavid isn’t going to turn this franchise around in his rookie year, but if they play their cards right the Oilers could be much improved over the next two or three seasons.

Next: Buffalo Sabres

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Jack Eichel poses with team executives after being selected as the number two overall pick to the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

23. Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres were almost as active in acquiring talent this summer as they were in unloading it last season during their tank effort. They obviously preferred McDavid, but Jack Eichel should be the perfect player to build this franchise around.

I’m not ready to launch Buffalo into the top-twenty just yet, but I expect them to be much improved from last season. Considering how they’ve started their rebuild, watch out for the Sabres in the next two to three years.

Next: Boston Bruins

Apr 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche fan holds a drawing in reference to goalie

(1) (not pictured) during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

21. Colorado Avalanche

Colorado is a hard team to rank, and could easily be placed a few spots above or below where I have them.

The Avalanche have a ton of talent and very good goaltending, but they can’t seem to put it all together consistently. Is Patrick Roy the right man for the job? It sure seemed like it in 2013-14, but last season was a far reach from that. Only time will tell if they can rebound from a rough 2014-15 season and battle for a playoff spot next year.

Next: San Jose Sharks

Mar 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Matt Nieto (83) celebrates with the bench after scoring a goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

20. San Jose Sharks

The Sharks have forged an identity for themselves as perennial playoff failures. They’ve consistently showed promise and looked like true contenders until the post-season rolls around, and this past season saw them miss the playoffs completely.

A roster shakeup may be needed in San Jose, but they’ll give it another go with their core largely in tact and a new coaching staff. Will the addition of Paul Martin provide them with the boost needed to get back in the post-season? Only time will tell, but it seems unlikely.

Next: Florida Panthers

Apr 9, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers right wing

(68) looks to pass the puck as Boston Bruins center

(23) defends in the third period at BB&T Center. The Panthers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

19. Florida Panthers

The Panthers were a team right in the thick of things for a playoff bid but fell short when it counted most. They’re a young team with a lot of upside in years to come if they keep building around that youth.

This season, though, I look at them as a bubble playoff team yet again. Jaromir Jagr is an ageless wonder, but will that keep up for yet another full NHL season? I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see the Panthers sneak into the post-season fold, especially if Roberto Luongo can stay healthy and play as we know he can.

Next: Los Angeles Kings

Apr 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie

(32) makes a save in the third period of the game against the San Jose Sharks at Staples Center. Kings won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

18. Los Angeles Kings

The Kings have a lot of question marks heading into 2015-16. Will they get Anze Kopitar signed? Is Slava Voynov returning?

The addition of Milan Lucic could prove to be a huge move for a team that plays a very physical style of hockey. But, I don’t think they’ve done enough to guarantee a post-season bid. Of course, when it comes to the Kings, that can change quickly.

Next: Dallas Stars

Nov 29, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing

(10) celebrates his goal against Dallas Stars goalie

(32) during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Stars 2-1 in the overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

17. Dallas Stars

Dallas has a legit superstar duo in Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. However, Jason Spezza is aging, as is Patrick Sharp and Ales Hemsky is streaky and injury prone.

If that group can stay healthy and find consistency, the Stars will be a force to reckon with. They are sure to find solid goaltending with the combination of Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi, and I really like their defensive corps despite the doubts of many in this industry. This is a team that could easily crack the top-ten in the NHL if everything comes together, or miss the playoffs again if they suffer another significant injury like last season.

Next: Winnipeg Jets

Apr 22, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; The Winnipeg Jets celebrate their season after losing the series to the Anaheim Ducks after the third period in game four of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Anaheim wins the game 5-2 and sweeps the series 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

16. Winnipeg Jets

Many have the Jets ranked much higher than me, but they simply didn’t do enough this offseason to make me believe they’re a sure thing in 2015-16.

Re-signing Drew Stafford to a nice deal was a great step for them, but I still worry about their scoring depth. Also, Can Ondrej Pavelec carry them to the promise land? He still has to prove it before I can move them up in my rankings.

Next: Ottawa Senators

Apr 7, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; The Ottawa Senators celebrate a short-handed goal scored by center

(44) in the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

15. Ottawa Senators

The Senators, AKA the Cardiac Kids will be a tough team to keep down this season. After their historic run into the playoffs last year it’s tough to imagine they won’t keep that consistency into next season.

I would venture to say that the biggest question mark for the Sens is their goaltending, as Andrew Hammond looked very human in the playoffs after an absolutely insane performance in the regular season. I’m a firm believer that you don’t need a great goaltender to be a contender, but you do need a very good one. We’ll see if Hammond or Craig Anderson will provide that in 2015-16 as they did in 2014-15.

Next: New York Islanders

Apr 25, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders center

(91) is congratulated after scoring a first period goal against the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

14. New York Islanders

The Islanders are banking on their squad from last season to improve and made little changes to this roster. Is that the right decision?

It’s hard for me to count on the Isles to live up to their hyped potential due to their inconsistency each year. You never know which team you’re going to get. They have the makings of a very good playoff team, but I can also see them sliding down the standings in a much improved Metropolitan Division.

Next: Calgary Flames

May 10, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; The Calgary Flames celebrate after a goal by left wing Jiri Hudler (right) during the first period against the Anaheim Ducks in game five of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

13. Calgary Flames

I have two huge questions for the Calgary Flames heading into 2015-16.

First, can they improve on their underlying numbers, or are they a team that can continue to defy analytics despite reflecting poor possession stats? Their youthful legs and talent made up for a lot of their shortcomings last season, but teams know what they’re about now. They’re no longer a surprise playoff team.

The addition of Dougie Hamilton should prove to be huge for them, but I question whether or not Jiri Hudler can continue his performance from one season ago. If he can, the Flames should find themselves back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs next April.

Next: Detroit Red Wings

Apr 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing

(20) boards Tampa Bay Lightning center

(90) during the third period of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

12. Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings are a team with aging superstars, questions at goaltending, and a new coaching staff. However, is anyone questioning Pavel Datsyuk‘s ability?

Datsyuk is coming off surgery in late June and will be reevaluated in late September. So, obviously the success of this team is extremely dependent on the outcome of that procedure and how quickly he can return. I like the young assets in Detroit, and if Datsyuk can indeed stay healthy and Jimmy Howard can be good enough, they should find themselves right in the middle of things next spring.

Next: Montreal Canadiens

May 9, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie

(31) stretches during a break in the second period in game five of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

11. Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens weren’t as good as their record showed last season, but Carey Price carried them with his stellar performance. Is he capable of doing so again in 2015-16? Will he have to?

The addition of Alex Semin could be extremely valuable considering his price tag. He could breakout in a “prove-it” type of contract. Or, he can clash with Michel Therrien and end up doing more harm than good. It’s obviously still early, but I’m not ready to crown Montreal as a top-ten NHL team for 2015-16 just yet.

Next: Chicago Blackhawks

Jun 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; CChicago Blackhawks right wing

(81) kisses the Stanley Cup during the 2015 Stanley Cup championship rally at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

10. Chicago Blackhawks

I’ll probably take some flack for ranking the Blackhawks at number ten, but overcoming this offseason is going to be a major test for Chicago.

They’ve added some nice pieces and have young talent that looks ready to step-up, but losing Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp isn’t ideal by any means. The Patrick Kane situation is the icing on the cake to an already challenging summer.

Next: New York Rangers

May 29, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie

(30) reacts on the bench with teammates

(15) ,

(8) and

(5) as the Rangers play with an empty net against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game seven of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

9. New York Rangers

The Rangers were an absolute force last season, and made their second consecutive deep playoff run before sputtering out in the Conference Finals. While the team stayed mostly in tact, multiple teams in the Metropolitan Division improved by leaps and bounds this summer. Can the Rangers keep up?

Rick Nash is proving to be the elite goal-scorer that they envisioned him to be in New York, at least in the regular season. They should be quite potent once again if he continues his scoring ways, and with Lundqvist in goal there’s no telling how far they can go.

Next: Minnesota Wild

May 7, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward

(56) celebrates his goal during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks in game four of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports

8. Minnesota Wild

The Wild are one of those teams that have very good players, but no dominant superstars in the form of high-end scorers. However, that doesn’t matter to them.

Their a team that is built to play a specific system under Mike Yeo and it works well. The biggest question mark is whether or not Devan Dubnyk can once again be the goaltender that he was last season.

Next: St. Louis Blues

Apr 24, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing

(91) in the game against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

7. St. Louis Blues

The Blues are in the top-five for center depth across the NHL and still possess solid complimenting pieces for their physical, defensive style of hockey. However, trading TJ Oshie may prove to be a bad decision in the long run.

I understand what Troy Brouwer offers, but I’m not sure he’ll have the impact that St. Louis is looking for. They’re a team that’s right on the cusp of being a true Cup contender, but this season could be the last chance for this group. If they witness another disappointing early playoff exit, there’s likely to be a shake-up for 2016-17.

Next: Washington Capitals

May 13, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals left wing

(8) celebrates with Washington Capitals defenseman

(74) after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers during the first period of game seven of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

6. Washington Capitals

The Capitals definitely have their question marks on defense with Brooks Orpik getting older and the loss of Mike Green. But, adding TJ Oshie and Justin Williams improves this already dangerous offensive lineup.

You’ll notice multiple teams from the Metro sitting atop these NHL power rankings. That division is likely the most improved in the league, and the Caps are a huge reason for that. Lookout if Ovie goes on a scoring tear like he did in 2014-15.

Next: Columbus Blue Jackets

Apr 8, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing

(71) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Nationwide Arena. The Jackets won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

5. Columbus Blue Jackets

The addition of Brandon Saad was obviously huge. However, while I love what he brings to the table, I’m anxious to see what he can do without Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa alongside him. Will he live up to his new contract?

Saad obviously contributed to this ranking, but he isn’t the main reason. Once Columbus got healthy in 2014-15 they looked almost unstopped down the stretch and almost clawed back into the playoff race. This is a dangerous team when healthy. I had them ranked number one in my Metro Division rankings a few weeks ago, but that was before the Pens added Eric Fehr and Nick Bonino to the bottom-six.

Next: Nashville Predators

Apr 25, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Nashville Predators left wing

(18) celebrates with center

(63) and center

(9) after scoring in the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks in game six of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

4. Nashville Predators

The Predators are very similar to the Wild in the sense that they win based on system and execution rather than star power. They also have Pekka Rinne to lean on between the pipes.

Their 104-point season in 2014-15 was no fluke. With most of their main pieces still in tact, look for Nashville to continue their consistent play throughout next season. There’s some concern regarding Rinne’s ability to stay healthy, but they’ve survived stretches without him in the past.

Next: Pittsburgh Penguins

Apr 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center

(71) skates with the puck against the New York Rangers during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Rangers won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pens entered the offseason in what seemed to be a salary cap crunch and many expected very little movement. However, Jim Rutherford actively worked multiple angles and ended up being one of the more aggressive teams throughout July and August.

The addition of Phil Kessel launched the Pittsburgh Penguins toward the top-ten for most NHL power rankings around the web, but adding Nick Bonino via trade and signing Eric Fehr has made them one of the deepest teams in the league. Their defense remains suspect due to age and inexperience, but if they can step-up and provide the solidity needed for this offense to do their thing, they’ll be replacing a lot of bulbs in the goal lights at Consol Energy Center.

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning

Jun 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie

(30) makes a save against Chicago Blackhawks center

(65) in the second period in game six of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

2. Tampa Bay Lightning

The triplets line formed one of the best possession trios in hockey last season and contributed offense at an alarming rate. Obviously, Steven Stamkos is the straw that stirs the drink in Tampa Bay, but the triplets will once again be a key to this team’s success in 2015-16.

The Lightning have their share of concerns this coming season, as I personally outlined for TheHockeyWriters.com this week. If Tyler Johnson is hampered by his broken wrist it could have a huge impact on one of the best lines in the NHL. And, if the Lightning and Stamkos are unable to agree on an extension, things will get extremely interesting and distracting.

I imagine neither will be an issue as Johnson feels great after his surgery in June and Stamkos should sign at some point in the near future. Look for big things once again from the defending Eastern Conference Champs.

Next: Anaheim Ducks

May 30, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks head coach

in the third period in game seven of the Western Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks have done a great job of getting impactful players at low costs, and are one of the deepest teams in the league because of it. While I think the Ryan Kesler contract was a bit of overpayment for a player at his age, their defensive corps and goaltender duo remain young and fairly inexpensive.

Anaheim surprised me when they traded Kyle Palmieri, considering Matt Beleskey walked via free agency. They did acquire Carl Hagelin in a trade, but that meant shipping Emerson Etem to New York. Despite those losses, their main pieces are still in tact and this team remains a force in the West.

Next: Top Pens Goals of 2014-15 as Voted by Fans

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