Assuming the season goes well from a pandemic point, which is a big IF, I feel the Flames are a top 2 team in the division. I’m also used to the Flames underachieving when expectations are high, so we will see.
Toronto has tons of good pieces and expectations are high, but everything could blow up there. Edmonton has some good pieces and could finally put together a good season, especially since it’s not 82 games.
Vancouver really trended upwards last year but has some significant turnover, so they could progress just as easily as they could regress. Winnipeg has some good pieces up front and a stellar goalie, but that hodgepodge defence isn’t very impressive.
Montreal has tons of depth but lacks high end players. There new back up may provide a great tandem in net and coaching could get a lot out of the two way players on that roster.
Ottawa should be better. Murray is a nice piece in net for the next few years. They have tons of young stars in the making and some interesting off season acquisitions. Everyone is slotting them last, but they could definitely surprise.
What I’m saying is: you might as well throw darts at a board. None of the Canadian teams are a consistent or dependable threat as a top team. Everyone has flaws and could just as likely overachieve as underachieve. Add in the 8-10 games against each team and hot and cold streaks could drastically swing the standings.