The Verdict
The Avalanche enter 2020-21 as the favourites. According to everyone. For the first time in almost two decades, the Avs are back at the top. And it feels good.
Of course, despite teams that sat at the bottom last season — San Jose, Los Angeles, Anaheim — or teams with no course — Minnesota — the Avs have some competition from the stronger teams. With their core likely in the final year they stay, as Landeskog and Makar have contracts coming up, 2021 is the year for Colorado.
1. Colorado Avalanche (y) – There’s no bias with this. Honest.
2. Vegas Golden Knights (x) – Adding Pietrangelo, keeping Lehner makes playing Vegas tougher.
3. St. Louis Blues (x) – Losing pieces, Binnington might not be all he seems, but core remains strong.
4. Arizona Coyotes (x) – Kuemper exists.
5. Minnesota Wild – Kaprizov stays the only major change.
6. Anaheim Ducks – Duck hunt.
7. San Jose Sharks – Marleau might need a trade back to Pittsburgh.
8. Los Angeles Kings – Byfield might need some company.