1) Tampa Bay Lightning – Coming off what may aptly be described as a “playoffs to forget,” the Bolts will look to match the record setting regular season they had last year. The Lightning are set to return with a very similar roster to last season. Once again, Tampa Bay is stacked with a deep and talented lineup, as they’ll look to seek retribution for last spring. 

2) Toronto Maple Leafs – Keeping the theme of their previous one, the Leafs again have had a very hectic offseason. GM Kyle Dubas made two huge moves this offseason, acquiring a forward and defenseman from the Avalanche and another defenseman from the Senators.3) Boston Bruins – To the (sports) world’s surprise, the Bruins were the only Boston sports team last year to appear in a championship and not win. However, the reigning Eastern Conference Champs had a relatively quiet offseason, with forwards Noel Acciari and Marcus Johansson being the only notable losses. The 42-year-old Slovakian Captain Zdeno Chara received a one-year extension on his contract this past may through the end of the 2020 season, this would then presumably be Chara’s final season although no such announcement has been given. The Bruins will look to bounce back this season after their heartbreaking defeat last June in the Stanley Cup Finals.