Weaker Pacific Could Benefit Kraken

The Seattle Kraken's off-season moves have left much to be desired. They've essentially retained the same team as last year, with the additions of Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour. This doesn't inspire confidence in their playoff prospects.

Here's the potential depth chart for the Kraken:

Forwards:

- McCann - Beniers - Eberle
- Schwartz - Stephenson - Burakovsky
- Tolvanen - Wright - Bjorkstrand
- Kartye - Gourde - Tanev

Defense:

- Dunn - Larsson
- Oleksiak - Montour
- Evans - Borgen

Goaltenders:

- Daccord
- Grubauer

While there's young talent and depth, the team lacks an elite player. Jared McCann is productive, but if he's your best player, a deep playoff run seems unlikely. The Kraken's saving grace might be the Pacific Division's overall weakness.
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Top End Teams

Edmonton Oilers

After a rough start last season, the Oilers had the best winning percentage in the NHL post-coaching change. Returning with essentially the same roster, led by McDavid and Draisaitl and bolstered by scorers like Skinner and Arvidsson, they're the division's top team.

Vancouver Canucks:

The Canucks had an inverse season to the Oilers, starting strong but with statistical concerns that later normalized. With a stellar goalie tandem in Demko and Silovs, they remain strong despite some key losses, with DeBrusk providing solid secondary scoring.

Middle of the Pack

Vegas Golden Knights:

Vegas appears weaker compared to last season. Although known for aggressive moves, their current roster looks thin on the wing, relying on additions like Holtz and Olofsson. They seem destined for third in the division.

LA Kings:

The Kings remain centered around veterans Kopitar and Doughty, despite a hoped-for rebuild led by Byfield and Turcotte. With Kuemper in net and Foegele replacing Arvidsson, the team feels stagnant.

Lottery Bound Teams

Anaheim Ducks:

The Ducks are perpetually rebuilding. They have a promising young core but lack veteran support and have unspent cap space. Barring an offensive miracle, they're likely to finish low in the standings.

San Jose Sharks:

The Sharks are in full rebuild mode with new prospects like Celebrini and Smith. They'll be among the bottom dwellers again, which is expected.

Calgary Flames:

Entering a full rebuild, the Flames are selling off assets like Mangiapane and Markstrom. They need a young superstar to become relevant again, achievable through high draft picks.