The HBSL is a hybrid between a salary cap game and a head-to-head fantasy game. Each week you create your 20 man roster based on the actual NHL salary cap and the actual salary cap hits. You then face-off with a fellow hockey fan. At the end of the regular season, we throw the best 128 teams into a 7-week playoff.
Always the most controversial division to predict, so why not start here today?
I know there are a ton predictions out there, so I will give you my picks, and why I feel they will land where they will land, but since you all come here for rumors, I will focus on previewing their year in rumors as well.
#8. Detroit Red Wings
The Wings are in a re-build and Yzerman is going to enjoy a little less immediate pressure than he felt in Tampa. He will be patient. No doubt there…
Wacky Prediction:
Dylan Larkin gets 90 points. He will at some point.
Worst Case:
They finish last in the NHL. Not really a bad thing for this team in need of their next superstar.
Best Case:
They finish 5th in this division as Larkin really comes into his own.
They may trade for:
Draft picks, draft picks, draft picks.
They could move at the deadline:
Jimmy Howard. No doubt… Also Green and Daley.
#7: Ottawa Senators
Led by a 19 year old in Tkachuk and a 22 year old in Chabot, the best thing the Sens have going into this season is they don’t have the baggage hanging over them like they had last year. For really the last two years they have always been playing under the shadows of players they were going to have to move. Karlsson, Stone, Duchene….they are all gone. This team starts the season not worrying about that kind of stuff. And they have their first round pick next year. They can just play hockey.
Wacky Prediction:
Without the pressure, but with young legs they come out and find themselves in a playoff spot at US Thanksgiving.
Worst Case:
Really isn’t one...I guess the worst case would be injuries keeping their young players from a year of development.
Best Case:
They finish 5th in the Division and scare the hell out of some teams.
They may trade for:
picks.
They could move at the deadline:
Craig Anderson for sure. Boedker, Hainsey
#6: Buffalo Sabres
I honestly feel the Sabres, Habs, and Panthers could finish in almost any order..All three teams will step up their levels. The Sabres need to figure out the Ristolainen situation in a way the can help their defense become more stable. Dahlin is an absolute superstar and will continue to progress. Eichel and Skinner are set to be a killer duo for years to come. They still need to get more depth up front and their goaltending will ultimately determine if they are battling for a playoff spot.
Wacky Prediction:
Dahlin is a Norris Finalist.
Worst Case:
They finish 7th. Which would be a disaster.
Best Case:
They finish 4th and in a playoff spot.
They may trade for:
Goalie if things aren’t going well, or a top 6 forward.
They could move at the deadline:
Ristolainen of course. If they are out of the playoffs they have a ton of UFA2B including Sobotka, Sheary, Girgenson, Bogosian, Scandella,
#5: Florida Panthers
It is hard to put the Panthers here considering all they have done this off season and the fact that they have solidified their goaltending with Bob. We will quickly learn what Bob can do away from that solid Columbus D.
Wacky Prediction:
We see the two Florida teams finish on top of this division... Worst Case:
They finish where I put them...5th
Best Case:
They finish top 3 ahead of Boston or Toronto.
They may trade for:
Experienced players for a playoff run.
They could move at the deadline:
Mike Hoffman. He could turn into the biggest catch this deadline.. They also could move Dadonov or Pysk.
#4: Montreal Canadiens
The Habs are making the playoffs. There I said it. They almost did last year without any backup goalie and with a horrendous power play. I am a Claude Julien fan. I believe he has the right magic potions to use with this team. I believe in Carey Price and I also feel this is the second fastest team in the NHL...when it comes to playing fast.
Whacky Prediction:
Montreal finishes ahead of Toronto accelerating their development.
Worst Case:
They finish in 6th...unable to keep up their pace...
Best Case:
They finish in the top 3.
They may trade for:
SCORING.
They could move at the deadline:
If all goes south they could move Kincaid to a team in need of a backup….like Toronto…
#3: Boston Bruins
The Bruins. Yup. Last year I predicted they would miss the playoffs...I way underrated the young players and the depth players on this team. They are now a Cup contender again. And they will be for years to come. McAvoy is one of my favorite players in the game. He reminds me of a young Chris Pronger… I love their balance of veterans and young players...
Wacky Prediction:
Halak wins the starting job in the playoffs...
Worst Case:
They miss the playoffs...and I was just a year early in predicting their demise…(5% chance)
Best Case:
They finish 2nd and defeat the Leafs again in 7 games in round one. (just cause a Bruins friend of mine told me this would be better than winning the Cup)
They may trade for:
Some size for the playoffs.
They could move at the deadline:
Unlikely they are sellers, but if for some reason they were...Torey Krug would bring back a huge return...Coyle, Wagner and Halak are all also in their contract years.
#2: Tampa Lightning
They were so good last year that it is hard to put them #2. But I also believe they won’t feel it is as important to avoid the Bruins in the first round as another team will...
Wacky Prediction:
They get hit hard with injuries and have to battle for their lives and coach Cooper is moved out...
Worst Case:
They finish 3rd.
Best Case:
Stanley Cup.
They may trade for:
nope
They could move at the deadline:
Can’t see them as sellers, but if they were...Maroon and Shattenkirk could be useful for a playoff team.
#1 Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Leafs are set up for this one season and have really all they need (as long as Andersen stays sound and healthy) to make a serious run. They have some great experience and leadership. They have great young players. They have several players, especially on Defense, who are playing for a new contract. AND they really don’t want to play Boston in the first round.
Whacky Prediction:
The Leafs move Nylander in season.
Worst Case:
They finish 4th and out of the playoffs.
Best Case:
They win the division, win the opening round. Tampa knocks off Boston. They knock off Tampa and find themselves in the Conference Final.
They may trade for:
They SHOULD/MUST trade for Craig Anderson or Jimmy Howard...
They could move at the deadline:
Can’t see them as sellers, but if they were...besides Morgan Rielly...The entire defense would be on the block.Muzzin, Ceci, Barrie…
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