Atlantic Division Link: https://www.north6ix.ca/post/nhl-x-factors-part-1-atlantic-division
Metropolitan Division Link: https://www.north6ix.ca/post/nhl-x-factors-part-2-metropolitan-division
Central Division Link: https://www.north6ix.ca/post/nhl-x-factors-part-3-central-division
Anaheim Ducks
Mason McTavish
With plenty of talent developing in Anaheim's prospect pool of young players, there is a belief that gradual improvement is inevitable. Queue the 2020 3rd overall selection, Mason McTavish. Having played in only 89 career games, the expectation to evolve into a leadership role and increase his offensive production is becoming a focus. Having been labeled a "boy amongst men" at the Junior level and often preached for playing the game the right way, it's only a matter of time before McTavish breaks out into star status for the Ducks. McTavish suited up for four different teams last year within the NHL, AHL, and OHL. Expect a level of comfort to set in this season knowing Anaheim should be his home for the remainder of his career.
Calgary Flames
Dillon Dubé
Calgary desperately needs to generate the high-powered offense they were accustomed to a few seasons ago and certainly has the skill to make it happen. Secondary and depth scoring will be the Flames make or break as their elite players simply weren't good enough last season. Additionally, their defense should contribute solid offensive numbers to support their forward group and continue to make an impact. Dillon Dubé demonstrates consistency and efficiency as a point producer scoring a career-high in points in each year he has played. With a 45-point campaign last season, Dubé will look to continue this trend and enter the next tier of offensive production. Doing so will raise the level of play from those around him and get the Flames back into contention for a playoff spot. With that being said, this is a crucial year for the Flames franchise and Dubé could be a significant reason for Calgary's success.
Edmonton Oilers
Dylan Holloway
A real wildcard on this list is the Oilers' Dylan Holloway. Drafted 14th overall in 2020, Holloway split time with the big club and Bakersfield last year suiting up for 51 games in Edmonton and 12 games with the AHL club. However, a shoulder injury prevented a playoff call-up with the Oilers that would have provided valuable experience. The University of Wisconsin grad posted 35 points in 23 games during his final college season leaving many to believe he has the talent to produce at the NHL level -- Not to mention he has a great opportunity to play with two of the best players in the world in McDavid and Draisaitl if he can make an impression early on. Currently skating on the third line, Holloway has a chance to gain some confidence offensively and prove he ultimately deserves a top-six role come season's end.
Los Angeles Kings
Adrian Kempe
Kempe took his game to another level in the playoffs, establishing himself as a bonafide upcoming star for Los Angeles. Following up a 67-point campaign with 8 points in 7 playoff games, Kempe was the leading scoring for the Kings in their first-round matchup against the Oilers. With the size and strength to dominate along the boards and the finishing ability to create space and finish scoring chances, Kempe is solidifying his role in the Kings lineup and making his name known league-wide as a player to focus on. With Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty well into the back nine of their careers, the Kings are looking for their next franchise player. Kempe could very well be that guy. Look for him to finish as a point-per-game player for the first time in his career.
San Jose Sharks
Tomas Hertl
The Sharks are undoubtedly in re-build mode after trading Timo Meier to the Devils and Erik Karlsson to the Penguins. With only a few prospects ready to join the big club, San Jose will rely on production from their top six to make a push for a wild card playoff position. With the modern-day NHL emphasizing offense first, the Sharks need Hertl to reach a new career-high in production, exceeding his previous mark of 74 points in the '18-'19 season. Although a playoff appearance seems unlikely for San Jose, there is always a chance that their top-end talent can carry them through some win streaks if they get hot. Hertl is going to need to take his game to the next level and be a leader on and off the ice if this team is going to compete.
Seattle Kraken
Matty Beniers
Entering their third season in franchise history, the Kraken have already created a case for contenders in the Pacific Division. A big reason for their early success is the first pick in franchise history, Matty Beniers. With an opportunity to make this his team and enter superstar status in the league, Beniers finds himself in a terrific place entering his technical third season; He split time in the '21 -'22 season with the University of Michigan and the NHL. Seattle has a great mix within their top-six forwards and may prove that their first-round victory over the Avalanche last year was no fluke. Beniers has already proven his potential to have an elite scoring ability posting 24 goals and 57 points in 80 games last year. Now with 14 games of playoff experience and 90 regular season games, look for the 2021 2nd overall pick to take a massive leap into elite status this season.
Vancouver Canucks
Thatcher Demko
Coming off arguably his worst season as an NHL goaltender, Demko will need to bounce back into form to keep the Canucks in playoff contention. Last season, Demko appeared in just 32 games posting a 3.16 GAA and a .901 SV%, both of which were down from his previous two seasons (2.85 GAA in '20-'21 and 2.71 GAA in '21-'22), and a .915 SV% in both seasons. With the Canucks recently trading for Casey DeSmith, it allows Demko to have the second of back-to-back games off, as well as the coach's decision for specific starting matchups. Expect Demko and the Canucks to bounce back from their dismal season last year and be competitive in the Pacific Division. The goaltending in Vancouver is capable of keeping this team relevant and in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Vegas Golden Knights
Chandler Stephenson
The defending Stanley Cup champions had minimal roster turnover this summer. Chandler Stephenson had an elite post-season with 20 points in 22 games and was a crucial part of the Golden Knights first cup in franchise history. With speed and offensive skill from the centre position, Stephenson is arguably one of the league's best second-line centres. The two-time Stanley Cup champion brings leadership and experience to a team with no shortage of either quality. With a new career-high of 65 points last season, there should be expectation to produce at a similar level, assuming he and the rest of the team remain healthy. Don't forget, captain Mark Stone missed 39 games last year leaving a hole in their top-six right-wing position. Stephenson is a sneaky good hockey player with plenty of experience entering his 8th full season in the NHL. Don't sleep on him and the Golden Knights to have another strong season and push for another cup run.
Stay tuned for the division previews and predictions for the upcoming season. Also, be on the lookout for NHL fantasy advice and notes from around the league.