I could see this being somewhat similar to the Duchene deal where they just bottom out after. But they do need scoring so maybe it's exactly what they need.
I think the pacific is really weak... that move makes Arizona the favorites by far in the pacific. I think the sharks and the kings are by far the worst teams in the pacific, and no light at the end for them.
Vegas I imagine will heat up after roster freeze and will battle Arizona for top seed.
I think vancouver will struggle with the young roster.
Oilers have top 2 pp/pk in the league, I think their pp is over 30% right now, I think that will drop eventually, and I think they have the 2nd rated pk which I think will go on a cold streak eventually too. I think they will battle for the 3rd spot. But i think they have been big time over achievers so far this season.
Flames are so hot and cold but they should be battling with the Oilers for that 3rd spot.
Ducks I think will be a dark horse after the roster freeze, the young guys at some point are going to start producing, our PP is going to get better … and were finally healthy on the back end. If Gibson can play how he ended the game vs the rangers... I can see us going on a pretty good win streak(as per normal, traditionally in the getzlaf era the ducks team has really shown up the 2nd half of the season).
I think Arizona and Vegas get the 1 and 2 seed, while Flames Oilers and Ducks battle for 3rd + wild card spots... and I think Vancouver/sanjose/kings will hold down the bottom. I expect the kings/Canucks and Sharks to be pretty big sellers at deadline... specially a team like the San jose that doesn't have a ton of help in their system... would be a good season to load up on picks/prospects at deadline and start fresh next season with a new core/coach.
