Early NHL 23-24 Division Predictions – Pacific Division

For a long time, the Pacific Division was always considered one of the weakest divisions in hockey. In the last couple of years, they are now one of the scariest. Vegas won the Stanley Cup, the Oilers have the two best players in hockey, Seattle made an unexpected push in the playoffs last season, and LA getting stronger down the middle. Here are the 23-24 standings predictions for the Pacific Division.

8. San Jose Sharks

The Sharks have been struggling for the past few seasons. They were able to pick high in this year’s draft, selecting Will Smith from the US Development Program. A game-changing centre, who is highly skilled offensively. As the Sharks are heading into a rebuild phase, there is no rush for Will Smith to join the team. He is still looking to add size and power to his game. He will join Boston College as a freshman in the fall of 2023.

With the reigning Norris trophy winner Erik Karlsson being dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins is a huge blow to their back end. This will leave Mario Ferraro and Jan Rutta as their top pairing defencemen. (dailyfaceoff.com) The Sharks took a huge risk in acquiring Filip Zadina, a former #6 overall pick from the Red Wings. There is potential in the Czechian forward but haven’t seen it quite yet. They also signed Anthony Duclair, who can bring speed and scoring to their top 6. With the strength of the division, they will finish near the bottom.

7. Anaheim Ducks

A struggling franchise that has a bright future. The Ducks picked #2 in this year’s draft and got Leo Carlsson. Many thought Adam Fantilli would have gone second overall but the Ducks management see something special with Carlsson. A 6 foot 3, 200-pound centre, who can move the puck exceptionally well. He has signed his entry-level deal with the Ducks so let's see if he can crack the 2023 roster.

The Ducks went out and signed Alex Killorn, who has been in Tampa Bay his whole career. A versatile winger who can move up and down your lineup and fit wherever is needed. The experience he brings can help the franchise move in the right direction.

John Gibson’s name has been thrown around in trade rumours over the past couple of years. If Gibson is wanting out, will this be the year they move him? A very underrated goal with average numbers on a struggling team should give you a good return. They will be in good shape once their young stars develop, gain some pieces for their backend, and solidify their goaltending situation. As of now, they will be picking high at next year’s draft.

6. Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver has been in the spotlight for the last few years. Whether it was management screwing over Bruce Boudreau, JT Miller losing it on his teammates, or when they traded their captain Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders.

Despite having a career year, Elias Pettersson told Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) that he was in no rush to sign his extension. It sounded like he wasn’t sure if he wanted to spend the rest of his career with Vancouver. Canucks fans should be a little worried if nothing gets done halfway through the 2023-24 season. The Vancouver Canucks have some young talent in Kuzmenko and Podkolzin that can help them drive in the right direction. In a top-heavy division, the Canucks should find themselves in a very similar position as last season.

5. Calgary Flames

Even though the Flames lost both Gaudreau and Tkachuk, the roster still looked deep. Brad Treliving did an amazing job of replacing the two superstars who departed. Getting superstar left winger Jonathan Huberdeau, a solid #2/3 defenceman Mackenzie Weegar, and Stanley Cup winner Nazem Kadri. An off-year for the franchise left some questions after the season finished. What went wrong? Do the new guys need more time to fit in? Was Darryl Sutter not the right coach for the group? It will be an interesting season with a new coach behind the bench. If Huberdeau can get back to his regular form, Markstrom has a bounce-back year, and a new voice from the head coach, this team can fight again for the playoffs.

4. Seattle Kraken

Don’t think many people had the Seattle Kraken making it to the second round on their bingo card! Knocking out the Colorado Avalanche, defending champs, in the first round of the 2022-23 playoffs may be one of the biggest upsets we have seen in the past few seasons. Matty Beniers did not take long to get comfortable in the NHL as he took home the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year. Jared McCann had a phenomenal season, scoring 40 goals for the first time in his career.

In the off-season, Seattle went out and brought in a few pieces that can help strengthen their line-up. Brian Dumoulin, a reliable defenceman who has spent most of his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Has the experience of going back-to-back Stanley Cups. Pierre Édouard Bellemare is another player with Stanley Cup experience. Coming from Tampa Bay, who also went back-to-back Cups in 2020 and 2021. He is a player that can help shut down other teams' top lines. Kailer Yamamoto spent a lot of time playing with the NHL’s two best players: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He’s a small versatile player that can fit anywhere in the lineup.

With the additions and experience, the Seattle Kraken can find themselves back in the playoffs.

3. LA Kings

The LA Kings may have one of the best, if not, the best centre depth in the NHL. Having Kopitar sign a two-year extension with a bit of a pay cut shows that he wants to win one last time before he retires. Making a massive trade in the off-season to acquire Pierre Luc Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets has now solidified their second line. Phillip Danault can run the third line and help shut down other teams’ top lines. This year can be an opportunity for a few young studs, Quinton Byfield, Arthur Kaliyev, and Brandt Clarke to start taking the next step forward. Regardless of their progression, the LA Kings will be a tough team to play against and expect them to give anyone a hard time when it comes to the playoffs.

2. Vegas Golden Knights

Coming off a Stanley Cup celebration, the Vegas Golden Knights are back at business and getting ready for a run at a back-to-back title. The team will remain the same except for Reilly Smith, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Making this move allowed them to sign Ivan Barbashev to a five-year deal. He was a key piece to their championship win. Battled hard in the corners, laid out big hits, and scored big goals when he needed to.

With numerous injuries between the pipes, it was time for Adin Hill to step up. They went 11-4 during their playoff stretch and posted a 2.17 GAA. (NHL.com) Can he carry that momentum into next season? Logan Thompson should be ready to go for next season. This will allow Vegas to run a 1A 1B setup if both goalies come out of the gate hot. If the roster can remain healthy, this team has a chance of repeating as champions.

1. Edmonton Oilers

When you have the two best players on the planet, it’s hard to count these guys out. The Edmonton Oilers have been a dominant team over the last few years, just need to get over the hump and hoist Lord Stanley. Connor McDavid, who is the best player in the NHL, put up an impressive 153 points last season. He took home the Hart, Art Ross, Ted Lindsay, and the Rocket Richard Trophy. The Oilers brought in speedy forward Connor Brown. Brown and McDavid were teammates in Erie so it shouldn’t take long for him to feel comfortable in the Oilers lineup. If the Oilers can get some strong goaltending, expect these guys to go deep this year. Maybe it’s the year Connor McDavid can get his first ring.