[djsFlames]

I'd argue that top end talent is rising and it could definitely be spread out a little more. Look how stacked teams like San Jose, Colorado, Chicago are up front. They basically have two 1st lines and a 2nd line. Wasn't Pavelski then Couture playing as the 3rd C for a while? Ridiculous. I mean good on those teams for putting together a good crop but at the same time the talent seems to be bunching up in some places, and good teams can still sustain their systems with the level of talent coming in despite drafting low, so they're immune to going to rebuilds. Meanwhile teams on the outside continue to be held down in the standings. If the talent were more spread out (with more teams) there would be more of a life cycle for teams above and below the playoff line and more of a presence of energy/role players on teams as well. But at the same time it's great for a fan enjoying the game to see the increase in talent coming in.