2023 NHL preseason predictions by division
Following an exciting 2022 season, hockey fans have eagerly awaited the first puck drop of 2023. As the National Hockey League’s (NHL) preseason kicks off, it’s only right to share some predictions for the top teams by division. These predictions will be based on teams’ previous season stats and performances and also factor in off-season moves.
Metropolitan Division: New Jersey Devils
The Devils are a young, star-studded team led on the offensive side by centers Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Tyler Toffoli who recently came over from the Detroit Red Wings. New Jersey is equally loaded on defense with rookie defensemen Šimon Nemec and Luke Hughes, alongside veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton and his linemate Jonas Siegenthaler, who is one of the best-valued defensemen in the NHL.
The New Jersey Devils will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come as a majority of their core are signed to long-term deals. They also continue to add new, talented players to their roster, making them a top-power team in the league. The Devils will be a fun team to watch, especially after their playoff run last season.
Atlantic Division: Toronto Maple Leafs
Holding the record for the longest championship drought in the history of the NHL, going 52 consecutive seasons without hoisting a Stanley Cup, are the Toronto Maple Leafs. Their luck, however, might be changing this upcoming season.
The Leafs added left-wingers Tyler Bertuzzi to their top line and Max Domi to their second. Straight from the University of Minnesota, rookie forward Matthew Knies makes the Leafs a threat to score no matter who he’s on the ice with, creating opportunities for Toronto during the regular season.
Ultimately, their success will come down to their postseason performance, which was a letdown to fans last season when they lost in the Conference Semifinals.
Central Division: Dallas Stars
After making it to the Western Conference Finals last season, the Dallas Stars are out for blood. With a vicious defensive roster consisting of Jake Oettinger in net and defenseman Miro Heiskane paired with an equally stacked offense compliments of left winger Jason Robertson and center Roope Hintz, the Stars are a serious Cup threat again this season.
Aside from adding center Matt Duchene to their third line, Dallas didn’t make many moves because they simply didn’t need to. They have the ability to become a team that could make a deep playoff run and will probably make it just as far as they did last season, if not farther.
Pacific Division: Los Angeles Kings
After succumbing to an early blowout in the first round of playoffs last season, the Los Angeles Kings were busy in the off-season. They made significant changes to their roster, including adding star center Pierre-Luc Dubois to their second line. Dubois will skate alongside a mix of old and young competitors like veteran goalie Cam Talbot and defense-minded forwards Anže Kopitar and Phillip Danault.
Although the Pacific Division is not as competitive as others in the league, the Kings will still be the leading force in the group.
The 2023 NHL season will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 10, when the Nashville Predators take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. From there, anything can happen, but look to these teams to be ahead of the pack in their respective divisions this year.