Here is the Pacific Division team by team break down of off season moves and what we are saying about their watchability:
Vegas Golden Knights
Watchability Score: 7.7
Key Additions:
- Mark Stone (Full Season)
Key Subtractions:
- Colin Miller
- Erik Haula
What we are saying:
Andy: Vegas gets a full season of Mark Stone this year and they will be one of the NHL’s top contenders again. They have all the pieces to make a run, and are always must-see hockey.
Darren: They’re just so good and so exciting. How can you not watch them?
John: The Golden Knights are pretty stacked and will now have a full year of Mark Stone. They could end up dominating the Pacific
San Jose Sharks
Watchability Score: 6.3
Key Additions:
- (none)
Key Subtractions:
- Joe Pavelski
What we are saying:
Andy: The Sharks have been a team to watch for a long stretch of time and this year is no different. They lose Joe Pavelski but are still loaded with Timo Meier, Tomas Hertl, and Erik Karlsson.
Darren: In this trio of prognosticators, the Sharks get plenty of attention, so I’m guessing they’ll be highly rated by my counterparts. Of course, they will be a Cup contender, and they have an awesome mix of young talent and veteran superstars, so I’m sure I’ll find myself landing my TV dial on their games pretty regularly.
John: Really eager to see how Seattle Area native Dylan Gambrell does this year. He is by no means a lock to stick on the Sharks all season but if the preseason is any indicator, they are giving him every chance to succeed.
Vancouver Canucks
Watchability Score: 5.3
Key Additions:
- Quinn Hughes
- Tyler Meyers
- Micheal Ferland
Key Subtractions:
- (none)
What we are saying:
Andy: The Canucks have holes for sure, but also have three exciting young players. Win or lose, Elias Petterson, Brock Boeser, and Quinn Hughes will be fun to watch. The bad news for Seattle is that this core may be at their best in 2021.
Darren: I really like Brock Boeser. I really like Elias Pettersson. I really like Quinn Hughes. I really dislike the Canucks. Still, they will be on TV in Seattle all the time, and they will be our closest rival when our team starts in couple of years, so we might as well get to know them.
John: Vancouver could be a sleeper here. They remind me of the non-playoff Islanders from a few years back. Some really fun players to watch but as a team, I don’t see them playing meaningful games in March.
Edmonton Oilers
Watchability Score: 5.3
Key Additions:
- James Neal
- Dave Tippett (head coach)
Key Subtractions:
- (none)
What we are saying:
Andy: Any team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl featured are a team worth watching.This version of the Oilers has a Northwest flavor as it looks like former Thunderbird Ethan Bear is going to make the team.
Darren: Even when the Oilers are at their worst, they’re still watchable because of the McDavid/Draisaitl factor. Now you throw a Dave Tippett into the mix? You better believe I’ll be watching.
John: Since adding Dave Tippett, I feel myself rooting for the Oilers. I don’t know how long this is going to last. McDavid should keep me entertained on the ice as long as Edmonton keeps the games competitive.
Calgary Flames
Watchability Score: 5.0
Key Additions:
- Cam Talbot
Key Subtractions:
- Mike Smith
What we are saying:
Andy: Calgary won the Pacific last year, which was somewhat of a surprise. They will be in the mix again this year and have exciting guys like Johnny Gaudreu, Matthew Tkachuk, and Mark Giordano who are fun and watchable players.
Darren: I have time for guys like Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, and I think the Flames will be very good again this year. Will watch.
John: I do think the Flames are a playoff team but I am not inspired to watch them. I am sure I will see them plenty on CBC but for now, they don’t excite me.
Arizona Coyotes
Watchability Score: 4.7
Key Additions:
- Phil Kessel
- Carl Soderberg
Key Subtractions:
- Alex Galchenyuk
What we are saying:
Andy: Is this the year the Coyotes get into the playoffs? Maybe? It helps that the Pacific Division has beatable teams in it and they’ve added Phil Kessel, which should help their anemic offense. It will be tough, but there’s something about Arizona that makes them root-for-able.
Darren: I actually think the Coyotes are way overdue for a break-out season. GM John Chayka keeps making shrewd moves, and with a new owner stabilizing things in the desert, I am hoping for Phil Kessel to hot dog his new team into the playoffs.
John: Arizona is bound to make the playoffs someday….right? I think I’ve been saying that for a while and well, I am tired of expecting them to break through. Prove me wrong Arizona!
Anaheim Ducks
Watchability Score: 4.0
Key Additions:
- Sam Steel (R)
- Troy Terry (R)
- Max Comtois (R)
Key Subtractions:
- Corey Perry
What we are saying:
Andy: Sam Steel and Troy Terry are two young players of promise but the Ducks aren’t good. Ryan Getzlaf recorded less than 50 points for the first time in a non-lockout year and it’s hard to see him improving on that total this season.
Darren: The Ducks are going young, which should make them more watchable than in the recent past, but I think they’re going to lose a lot. That makes them less watchable. With Corey Perry gone, the Perry-Getzlaf Era of Duckdom is officially over.
John: I don’t expect this team to be very good but I really like Anaheim’s next wave of talent. Sam Steel, Troy Terry, Max Comtois, and Max Jones are all on my radar as very watchable players
Los Angeles Kings
Watchability Score: 1.7
Key Additions:
- (none)
Key Subtractions:
- (none)
What we are saying:
Andy: It wasn’t too long ago that the Kings were winning Stanley Cups. They’re a shell of that team now and are rebuilding. Its going to be another long year in Hollywood so be prepared for more celebrity guests on the television broadcasts.
Darren: These are somewhat sad times for Kings fans, though a new coach behind the bench should give some glimmer of hope. Drew Doughty is still worth watching on occasion too.
John: I honestly don’t know why I would watch the Kings. I am certain there will be an up and coming prospect that could break out this year but or now, I don’t see myself “turning on a Kings game”.
Leave a Reply