Media by Associated Press – Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (42) checks Chicago Blackhawks center Sam Lafferty (24) into the boards during the third period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, in Denver. The Avalanche won 5-2. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The NHL 2022-2023 is finally kicking off after a long summer break. The Colorado Avalanche won the cup last season, but will they be able to repeat this upcoming NHL season?
That is a question no one truly knows the answer to, but I see them being, yet again, a cup-contending team for this season. The second team that I believe is going to have another very strong season this year is the Florida Panthers.
The Panthers were the best team in the NHL regular season last year, but they fell short in the second round of the NHL playoffs. The Panthers should be a very strong team this upcoming season. The third team that I believe could win the cup is the New York Rangers.
The Rangers had a very solid season last year, but they lost in the conference finals. The Rangers have, arguably, the best goalie in the NHL, and I see them being a solid contender this upcoming season.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche had a magical run last season and finally won the Stanley Cup after consecutive years of very disappointing playoff losses.
The Avalanche are absolutely loaded yet again, and I believe they have the most depth in the NHL. Up front, the team is led by superstar forward Nathan Mackinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Mackinnon just signed a massive contract in the off-season, and I see him having well over 100 points this season.
On the back end, Cale Makar is their guy, the young Norris-winning defenseman had an unbelievable season last year, and I see him carrying that success into this upcoming season.
In the net is goaltender Alexander Georgiev, who is a new net-finder for the Avalanche this season and was the backup on the New York Ranger last season. The Avalanche are the favorites to win the cup this year, as they are listed at +450.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers had a phenomenal NHL season last year, as they recorded the most points in the regular season, but they then lost in the second round of the playoffs last season. The Panthers have a very deep roster heading into this season, and I believe they will win their conference again.
The Panthers are led up front by forwards Alexander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk. Tkachuk was acquired by the Panthers this off-season from Calgary; he recorded over 100 points last season. On the back end, former number one overall draft pick Aaron Ekblad.
Ekblad is a very solid defenseman, and he will lead the back end next season. In the net, former Vezina Winner Sergie Bobrovksy. The Panthers come in at +1100 odds to win the cup this season.
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers had a fantastic season last year as they made it all the way to the NHL Eastern Conference Finals, but they fell short as they lost to the Lightning. The Rangers have a very similar roster to last year’s team, and I expect them to be a legitimate cup contender.
One of the biggest reasons why the Rangers will be so good this upcoming season is goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Shesterkin last year was the MVP of the Rangers, as he was a brick wall in the net and won the Vezina Trophy.
The Rangers are led up front by forward Artemi Panarin, who is a very skilled forward who can find the back of the net and on defense Adam Fox. The Rangers should be a cup-contending team as they are listed at +1600 to win the cup.
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