This NHL offseason was notably dynamic, with the Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals, along with the non-playoff New Jersey Devils and Utah Hockey Club, being particularly proactive in their roster changes.

The struggling San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks also made additions to their teams, while the Carolina Hurricanes, who tallied 111 points last season, and the reigning champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, lost some important players.

This raises the question: How will these changes affect their standings during the upcoming season? Ideally, the teams that were aggressive in the offseason should show improvement, whereas the point totals for the Hurricanes and Golden Knights might see a decline.

However, injuries or external factors, such as the 4 Nations Face-Off, could disrupt these expectations.

YSL News Sports is back with its annual analysis, projecting the records of all 32 NHL teams (further details below) as the season kicks off on Friday.

Pacific Division

• The Oilers have modified their roster due to the salary cap, losing Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheets. However, the additions of Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner may enhance their lineup’s depth.

• The Canucks might see a decline based on the duration of goalie Thatcher Demko’s injury. Arturs Silovs will have to replicate his playoff performance.

• The Golden Knights have lost valuable depth with Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson moving on, but they retain a lot of talent, a solid defense, and will benefit from a full season of Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin.

• The Kings will start their season without injured defenseman Drew Doughty. If young players like Brandt Clarke rise to the occasion, the Kings could manage well.

• The Kraken brought in experienced Cup winners including Brandon Montour and Stephenson, and they have a new coach in Dan Bylsma. They will need Matty Beniers to have a strong comeback season.

• The Flames continue to retool after trading goalie Jacob Markstrom and forward Andrew Mangiapane, leading to an expected dip in their points total.

• After a tough previous season, the Sharks drafted Macklin Celebrini first overall. General Manager Mike Grier has signed veterans (Tyler Toffoli, Alex Wennberg) to guide Celebrini and Will Smith in their rookie seasons.

• The Ducks boast several promising young players, including rookie Cutter Gauthier. However, veteran goalie John Gibson is sidelined due to an appendectomy, increasing the likelihood that they will sell at the trade deadline once again.

Central Division

• The Stars topped the Central Division last season, though goalie Jake Oettinger’s performance was not at its peak. Expect him to regain form and lead them to another title.

• The Avalanche might welcome back captain Gabriel Landeskog after missing two seasons due to injuries. His return would undoubtedly bolster the team’s performance.

• The Predators made bold moves in the offseason, including the signing of Steven Stamkos and Marchessault, which should enhance their power play and elevate them beyond his previously held wild-card position.

• The Jets might face a decline from their 110 points last season, yet Vezina Trophy winning goalie Connor Hellebuyck should help them remain competitive for a playoff berth.

• The Blues made smart acquisitions in landing Holloway and Broberg through offer sheets, but Torey Krug’s season-ending surgery is a setback.

• Utah has relocated and changed ownership, with the former Coyotes revamping their defense by signing Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino, and Ian Cole, thus improving their competitiveness.

• The Wild faced limitations during the offseason concerning cap space. They have more flexibility for next year but it does not alleviate their current constraints.

• The Blackhawks acquired players like Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen to support Connor Bedard. If he can maintain his health, the rookie of the year candidate is expected to have a breakout season. Nevertheless, Chicago still has work to surpass the bottom tier.

Atlantic Division

• The Panthers have claimed the division title in two of the last three seasons and are the defending Stanley Cup champions. Despite offseason losses such as Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, they remain the top contenders.

• The Maple Leafs strengthened their defense with Chris Tanev and Ekman-Larsson, and under new head coach Craig Berube, accountability will be key. Their success also hinges on the health of goalie Joseph Woll.

• The Bruins‘ success will largely depend on when goalie Jeremy Swayman inks his contract. They did address some needs in the offseason by bringing in two-way center Elias Lindholm and tough defenseman Nikita Zadorov.

• The Lightning will feel the absence of Stamkos, both in the power play and in the locker room. However, newcomer Jake Guentzel is expected to add a significant offensive boost.

• Goaltender Linus Ullmark significantly strengthens the net for the Senators, putting them in contention for the playoffs this season.

• The Sabres brought back Lindy Ruff, the last coach to lead them to the playoffs. Will this decision break their 13-year drought? They showed promise during the preseason.

• The Red Wings experienced a setback in scoring over the summer but welcomed Vladimir Tarasenko. Will the addition of Cam Talbot improve their goaltending enough?

• The Canadiens will start the season without injured newcomer Patrik Laine for two to three months. This is a blow for an up-and-coming young team.

Metropolitan Division

• The Rangers made minimal changes during the offseason. As the reigning Presidents’ Trophy champions, goalie Igor Shesterkin is anticipated to have a strong year as he approaches free agency.

• The Devils are expected to return to the playoffs after enhancing their goaltending (Markstrom), defense (Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon), and scoring depth, although they are facing some defensive injuries already.

• The Hurricanes took a hit with multiple key departures over the offseason (Guentzel, Pesce, Brady Skjei, Teravainen, etc.), but coach Rod Brind’Amour should help keep them competitive for a playoff spot.

• Flyers coach John Tortorella emphasizes he won’t stifle Matvei Michkov’s creativity. If the rookie performs as he did in the preseason, Philadelphia’s chances for the playoffs could improve, assuming they steer clear of another late-season collapse.

• The Capitals made several signings, including Pierre-Luc Dubois, Mangiapane, Jakob Chychrun, Matt Roy, and Logan Thompson. They should recover from a -37 goal differential last season. This year will involve more than just watching Alex Ovechkin chase Wayne Gretzky’s scoring record.

• The Islanders are set to benefit from a full season under coach Patrick Roy. Newcomer Anthony Duclair is expected to bolster the offense, but will it be enough? Additionally, goalie Ilya Sorokin is recuperating from offseason surgery.

• Sidney Crosby extended his contract for two more years, but the Penguins will need to enhance their power play and bottom-six performance to secure a playoff berth.

• This season will be challenging for the Blue Jackets both emotionally and on the ice after the passing of Johnny Gaudreau. New coach Dean Evason faces the task of maintaining their competitiveness.