Here is how I see the Pacific right now.
Top tier
Vegas - they stand alone at the top as they have made the 3rd round or better in 3 of their 4 years in the league. Losing Fleury in that room can be a big blow. Nolan Patrick will be an interesting player to watch as he gets a fresh start and could get a prime opportunity with a lack of center depth in Vegas.
Mid Tier
Edmonton- I think their goaltending and defense are too suspect to have them as a lock in the top tier. I think those areas are so bad they could miss the playoffs altogether. That said this is the best their forwards have looked in years and they have 2 of the very best players in the game. I see them competing for the division if they get the same goaltending performance as last year
Calgary- this is a very mid pack team who may have enough to compete for the division if all goes well. We have seen this team win the west when things went right but that was 2 years ago and questions remain about just how good their top players really are. They have the most decorated and best coach under this era of hockey so the time to win is now or it could be blow up central
Vancouver- made some pretty big moves. Flushed away future cap flexibility to dump bad contracts and picks for win now players. Garland adds to an already impressive top 6 and OEL was once a franchise player who they are banking on needing a change of scenery to get back to that level.
Seattle- I think their move in net coupled with a decent group of players with a chip on their shoulder could lead to this being a really tough team to play against. I could see them having a rough go as well but I like this roster on paper more than I liked the Knights before their first season.
LA- I think the Kings moves this summer, combined with their solid prospect base and existing veterans put themselves in a spot where they could be competitive this season. I almost had them in the bottom but they are an improved team who have some X factor prospects.
Bottom tier
Anaheim- if they get Eichel while keeping Zegras I could see them moving to the upper tier but short of that this is a bad team. Gibson could be a difference maker but they are too weak in other parts of the roster. They are still in rebuild mode
San Jose- this team is one of if not the biggest dumpster fires in the NHL. Littered with horrible contracts and problem players. I think they are in a good spot for Wright and Bedard over the next couple of years.
1 playoff lock, 2 bottom feeders and 5 teams fighting for 2-4 spots
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