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Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin left Tampa Bay for Chicago.Ted Kulfan's West report
St. Louis will rely on Warren's Doug Weight (39) to carry the offense.
Joe Sakic and Colorado must make up for the loss of Peter Forsberg.
Vancouver's Ryan Kesler (Livonia) could be a top young center.
NHL legend Wayne Gretzky is the new coach in Phoenix.; Vancouver's Ryan Kesler (Livonia) could be a top young center.
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In order of predicted finish
Central Division
Detroit Red Wings
Coach: Mike Babcock. 2003-04: 48-21-11-2, 109 points (first place), lost in second round to the Flames.
New: G Chris Osgood, D Andreas Lilja.
Out: G Curtis Joseph, LW Ray Whitney, RW Darren McCarty, D Mathieu Dandenault, D Derian Hatcher, RW Brett Hull, G Dominik Hasek, D Jason Woolley.
Strengths: Babcock has emphasized skating and a consistent high tempo, which should be beneficial as the season progresses. ... Some key veterans are gone but names such as Yzerman, Shanahan, Lidstrom, Draper, Lang, Datsyuk, Schneider and Zetterberg remain. ... The defense should be strong, with Lidstrom and Schneider leading the way.
Weaknesses: How good will the goaltending be? Osgood was brought in to share the load with Manny Legace, but Osgood was hampered by a groin injury during the exhibition season. ... Age could be a problem.
X-factor: Datsyuk and Zetterberg are the future.
Projected finish: There are more questions than usual, but should have enough to win the Central Division. Not the conference, though.
Nashville Predators
Coach: Barry Trotz. 2003-04: 38-29-11-4, 91 points (third place), lost in first round to the Red Wings.
New: D Ryan Suter, D Shea Weber, D Danny Markov, LW Paul Kariya, C Kris Beech.
Out: D Brad Bombardir, LW Jim McKenzie, D Jason York, RW Vladimir Orszagh.
Strengths: This team has the speed and skill to take advantage of the new rules favoring offense. Getting Kariya makes them even deeper up front.
Weaknesses: The Predators can't afford too many injuries up front. ... On defense, they don't have a big, bruising physical presence.
X-factor: In a league with so much turnover, the Predators are a rarity. Eight of their top 10 scorers, their top four defensemen, and both goaltenders return. That may account for something.
Projected finish: With their offense, grit, and goaltending, it's difficult to believe the Predators would miss the playoffs.
Chicago Blackhawks
Coach: Trent Yawney. 2003-04: 20-43-11-8, 59 points (fifth place), missed playoffs.
New: C Curtis Brown, RW Matthew Barnaby, D Jassen Cullimore, D Adrian Aucoin, RW Martin Lapointe, D Jaroslav Spacek, G Nikolai Khabibulin, D Todd Simpson.
Out: G Jocelyn Thibault, D Bryan Berard, D Deron Quint.
Strengths: The Blackhawks have the best goaltender in the division in Khabibulin. ... The defense is improved with Aucoin, one of the underrated players in the league, and Spacek.
Weaknesses: There's a good, young nucleus on this team, but not everyone is convinced it can make the Blackhawks better.
X-factor: A healthy LW Eric Daze would be huge. Daze has been troubled by back problems throughout his career.
Projected finish: This is a better team, just with the acquisition of Khabibulin. The playoffs aren't out of the question.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Coach: Gerard Gallant. 2003-04: 25-45-8-4, 62 points (fourth place), missed playoffs.
New: LW Geoff Sanderson, D Radoslav Suchy, D Adam Foote, D Bryan Berard, C Jan Hrdina.
Out: G Fred Brathwaite, C Andrew Cassels, C Brian Holzinger, D Scott Lachance, D Jaroslav Spacek.
Strengths: Some scouts said LW Rick Nash was the best player in Europe during the 2003-04 season, and he was superb at the World Championships. Nash (41 goals) could be ready to break the 50-goal barrier.
Weaknesses: The quality of depth just isn't there yet. ... G Marc Denis still has potential, but he needs to show he's an elite-caliber goaltender.
X-factor: The lockout won't affect attendance or fan support in this market. Of all the expansion teams, Columbus is one of the strongest, with nightly sell-out crowds and enthusiasm around the city.
Projected finish: The playoffs are getting closer, but the Blue Jackets aren't there yet.
St. Louis Blues
Coach: Mike Kitchen. 2003-04: 39-30-11-2, 91 points (second place), lost in the first round to the Sharks.
New: G Patrick Lalime, D Eric Brewer, D Jeff Woywitka, LW Dean McAmmond, RW Scott Young.
Out: D Chris Pronger, G Chris Osgood, D Al MacInnis, C Pavol Demitra.
Strengths: Even without Pronger and MacInnis, the Blues should have a good defense, with depth rather than individual stars.
Weaknesses: There is little scoring potential on this team. Opponents will focus on C Doug Weight (Warren), who will be a big part of the Blues offense. ...The Blues desperately need RW Keith Tkachuk in top form.
X-factor: The Blues are headed to a youth movement.
Projected finish: The Blues have been to 25 consecutive playoffs. With this roster, a chance for 26 looks nearly impossible.
Northwest Division
Vancouver Canucks
Coach: Marc Crawford. 2003-04: 43-24-10-5, 101 points (first place), lost in the first round to the Flames.
New: RW Richard Park, RW Anson Carter, G Brent Johnson, D Steve McCarthy.
Out: RW Mike Keane, D Marek Malik, LW Brad May, D Brent Sopel, LW Martin Rucinsky.
Strengths: The top line of LW Markus Naslund, C Brendan Morrison (Michigan) and RW Todd Bertuzzi is as dominant as any in the league. ... Watch out for C Ryan Kesler (Livonia), who was one of the best players in the AHL during the 2004-05 season.
Weaknesses: Dan Cloutier hasn't shown anyone he's an elite goaltender during the playoffs. The pressure will again be on him this spring.
X-factor: Bertuzzi's performance since his vicious attack on Colorado's Steve Moore at the end of the '03-04 season. The Canucks will be hurt if Bertuzzi isn't his typical aggressive self.
Projected finish: If the new rules are enforced, the Canucks should be a dominant team, especially during the regular season.
Calgary Flames
Coach: Darryl Sutter. 2003-04: 42-30-7-3, 94 points (third place), lost in Stanley Cup Finals to the Lightning.
New: C Jason Weimer, C Daymond Langkow, RW Tony Amonte, RW Darren McCarty, D Roman Hamrlik, Dion Phaneuf.
Out: G Roman Turek, D Denis Gauthier, LW Oleg Saprykin, D Toni Lydman, D Mike Commodore.
Strengths: RW Jarome Iginla arguably is the best all-around player in the league. ... G Miikka Kiprusoff was all-world in 2003-04 (the Wings can attest to that), and was just as good in Europe last season.
Weaknesses: Can the chemistry this team had in 2003-04 be sustained this season?
X-factor: GM/coach Sutter has done a remarkable job of turning this team into one of the league's elite.
Projected finish: If they stay healthy, and play with the same type of purpose as in '03-04, and if Kiprusoff shows he's no fluke, the Flames will again go deep into the playoffs.
Edmonton Oilers
Coach: Craig MacTavish. 2003-04: 36-29-12-5, 89 points (fourth place), missed playoffs.
New: RW Todd Harvey, D Chris Pronger, C Mike Peca.
Out: D Eric Brewer, D Jeff Woywitka, C Mike York, LW Brad Isbister.
Strengths: Pronger has his detractors because of his tendency to take penalties, but he is one of the best defensemen in the game. ... Getting Peca, an annual contender for the Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward, was huge.
Weaknesses: G Ty Conklin played well at the World Championships for the United States but he hasn't done anything during an NHL season.
X-factor: GM Kevin Lowe did a great job of raising the profile of the organization by acquiring two big-names in Peca and Pronger.
Projected finish: If Peca and Pronger stay healthy, and Conklin shows he's a true No. 1 goaltender, the Oilers should squeeze into the playoffs.
Colorado Avalanche
Coach: Joel Quenneville. 2003-04: 40-22-13-7, 100 points (second place), lost in second round to the Sharks.
New: RW Ian Laperriere, LW Antti Laaksonen, C Pierre Turgeon, D Patrice Brisebois, LW Brad May, LW Andrew Brunette.
Out: C Peter Forsberg, D Adam Foote, RW Matthew Barnaby, C Chris Gratton, LW Paul Kariya, RW Teemu Selanne.
Strengths: Losing Forsberg and Foote hurts, but this team still has C Joe Sakic, LW Alex Tanguay, RW Milan Hejduk and D Rob Blake, each of whom ranks among the NHL's best players.
Weaknesses: The Avalanche just don't seem as scary without Forsberg and Foote, and the mystique could be gone.
X-factor: A few people have noticed a "we'll show them" attitude among the Avalanche during the exhibition season.
Projected finish: They'll contend for a playoff spot but don't be surprised if the Avalanche get squeezed out.
Minnesota Wild
Coach: Jacques Lemaire. 2003-04: 30-29-20-3, 83 points (fifth place), missed playoffs.
New: C Brian Rolston, C Todd White, LW Andrei Nazarov.
Out: LW Andrew Brunette, RW Richard Park, LW Antti Laaksonen, C Jason Weimer.
Strengths: Lemaire is as wily as any in the league. ... The Wild have one of the league's rising young stars in RW Marion Gaborik, although he had a slump in 2003-04.
Weaknesses: Only four teams scored fewer goals in 2003-04, and the power play ranked 28th in the league.
X-factor: The last time the NHL cracked down on obstruction, the Wild used it to their advantage with team speed. Can they do it again?
Projected finish: When you look at this roster, it's not nearly good enough to contend. But Lemaire will find a way to stay close.
Pacific Division
San Jose Sharks
Coach: Ron Wilson. 2003-04: 43-21-12-6, 106 points (first place), lost in the third round to Flames.
New: RW Milan Michalek.
Out: LW Vincent Damphousse, C Curtis Brown, D Mike Rathje, C Mike Ricci.
Strengths: G Evgeni Nabokov is one of the game's best, and he was dominant during the Sharks' 2004 playoff run. ... The defense is strong with guys such as Brad Stuart, Kyle McLaren and Scott Hannan.
Weaknesses: Losing Rathje to free agency will leave a big hole. The blue line doesn't have a lot of depth.
X-factor: This has been one of the underrated organizations in the league the past few seasons.
Projected finish: There probably aren't many teams better.
Dallas Stars
Coach: Dave Tippett. 2003-04: 41-26-13-2, 97 points (second place), lost in first round to the Avalanche.
New: RW Jaroslav Svoboda, D Martin Skoula, D Stephane Robidas.
Out: RW Valeri Bure, RW Rob DiMaio, D Teppo Numminen, C Pierre Turgeon, RW Scott Young.
Strengths: Marty Turco (Michigan) has been a superb regular-season goaltender. ... People who've seen C Mike Modano (Westland) in the exhibition season are convinced he's going to rebound.
Weaknesses: If Modano continues to slip, it'll hurt the Stars, who are counting on him heavily to be a big factor on offense. ...Turco, for as good as he has been during the regular season, has been a bust in the playoffs.
X-factor: There are few quality prospects in the system, so the future looks bleak.
Projected finish: If Modano, D Sergei Zubov and Turco continue to play at a high level, the Stars should stay in the playoff hunt.
Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Coach: Randy Carlyle. 2003-04: 29-35-10-8, 76 points (fourth place), missed playoffs.
New: LW Todd Fedoruk, D Scott Niedermayer, D Jason Marshall, RW Teemu Selanne, LW Ryan Getzlaf, RW Corey Perry.
Out: LW Stanislav Chistov, G Martin Gerber, LW Jason Krog, C Vaclav Prospal, D Martin Skoula.
Strengths: G Jean-Sebastian Giguere wasn't nearly as good as he was in the 2002-03 playoffs, but he remains dangerous. ... C Sergei Fedorov, a former Red Wing, should thrive in a system that's more offensive-oriented under Carlyle.
Weaknesses: Two teams scored fewer goals than Anaheim in 2003-04.
X-factor: Will Fedorov return to the type of level he was at with the Wings, or will he have another so-so 65 point season?
Projected finish: With new GM Brian Burke, the Ducks are on the way up, but there are too many teams ahead them.
Los Angeles Kings
Coach: Andy Murray. 2003-04: 28-29-16-9, 81 points (third place), missed playoffs.
New: G Mathieu Garon, C Craig Conroy, C Pavol Demitra, C Jeremy Roenick, RW Valeri Bure.
Out: G Roman Cechmanek, RW Ziggy Palffy, C Martin Straka, RW Anson Carter.
Strengths: The new offensive rules should benefit players such as Roenick, Conroy, Demitra and Bure. ... The defense isn't glamorous, but it's more than respectable, led by Aaron Miller and Mattias Norstrom, and youngster Lubomir Visnovsky.
Weaknesses: Roenick is a given, but Demitra, Conroy and Bure faded, especially in the playoffs. ...The Kings are taking a big gamble in net with Mathieu Garon.
X-factor: Roenick and Los Angeles almost are a perfect union. His personality will sell hockey in a market that has soured on the sport.
Projected finish: Coach Andy Murray seems to be able to keep this team competitive. If Garon is the real deal, the Kings will stay close again.
Phoenix Coyotes
Coach: Wayne Gretzky. 2003-04: 22-36-18-6, 68 points (fifth place), missed playoffs.
New: LW Jason Chimera, D Sean O'Donnell, C Mike Ricci, RW Brett Hull, C Petr Nedved, C Boyd Devereaux, G Curtis Joseph.
Out: G Brent Johnson, C Daymond Langkow.
Strengths: You have to believe that having Gretzky as coach is going to help. ... There's plenty of depth up front with Hull, Nedved, C Mike Comrie, RW Shane Doan and LW Ladislav Nagy.
Weaknesses: Joseph, a former Red Wing, has been terrible in the exhibition season. With G Brian Boucher (groin) hurt, Joseph must stabilize the position in a hurry. ... How much does Hull have left at age 40?
X-factor: Gretzky will give this team and community some confidence. But he needs to show a commitment to the job.
Projected finish: The Coyotes will be better, but even with Gretzky, it will be difficult for them to make the playoffs.
Evgeni Nabokov and San Jose will be tough in the Pacific Division.
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