Paul Bruno continues his tour through the division changes, this time focusing upon the Central Division, where the Blackhawks were able to land Brad Richards at a cheap rate.
The 38-year-old Patrik Elias is one of several greybeards the Devils will count on to drive their offensive attack this season, but that's precisely the problem.
The Bruins may have wilted in the playoffs last season against the Habs, but with the return of a strong core headlined by goalie Tuukka Rask, another run at the Cup remains plausible.
The newly-rebranded Arizona Coyotes need to determine if they can annually contend for the playoffs with their aging corps, or if it's time to embrace a youth movement.
With the addition of Aaron Ekblad to an already-young group, the future is seemingly promising in South Florida. But how soon can the Panthers emerge as an annual playoff contender in the Eastern Conference?
Dan Boyle has a new home in New York, the Flyers lost out on Scott Hartnell due to cap concerns, and the Capitals hired Barry Trotz and are embracing a new defensive approach. Paul Bruno breaks down each team's moves from the Metropolitan Division.
Phil Kessel represents one of the few Leafs' commodities worth investing heavily in, but many of his other teammates will see some unwarranted price inflation on draft day.
The Bruins' salary cap woes have stifled their progress in re-signing Torey Krug and Reilly Smith, and limited their offseason activity.
The addition of uber-prospect Jonathan Drouin and a full season of star center Steven Stamkos have the Lightning thinking a return to the Stanley Cup Finals may be within reach.
A chic preseason pick to take home the Stanley Cup last season, the Senators were instead one of the NHL's biggest disappointments. Expectations will be dialed back in 2014-15, but blueliner Erik Karlsson should nonetheless remain a fantasy stud.
Sean Monahan is one of the many reasons for Flames fans to be optimistic about the future, but a playoff berth this season may be too much to ask.
Pavel Datsyuk was one of the many key forwards that missed extensive time for the Red Wings last season. With several young players stepping up in his absence, the 36-year-old could begin to relinquish some offensive responsibilities in 2014-15.
With his 2006 run to the Stanley Cup now a distant memory, Cam Ward will have to fend off upstart Anton Khudobin for No. 1 netminding duties on a middling Carolina squad.
After the dismissal of long-time coach Barry Trotz following last season's 88-point effort, will Shea Weber and the Preds be able to regroup in Year 1 under new bench boss Peter Laviolette?
Matt Moulson will return to Buffalo after brief stops in Long Island and Minnesota last season, but he'll likely once again find himself as the top winger on one of the league's worst teams.
Taylor Hall once again checks in as the most appealing fantasy option for the youthful Oilers, but don't expect him to lead the club back to the playoffs in the rough-and-tumble Western Conference.
The Isles should be in good shape offensively with a healthy John Tavares back in action, but the team will need to make significant strides on defense in order for a return to the playoffs to materialize.
The Sharks have expressed a desire to find more ice time for promising youngsters such as Tomas Hertl, but that doesn't mean they'll become another Western Conference also-ran this season.