The NHL season begins with the Colorado Avalanche carrying sky-high expectations and the pressure to deliver another Stanley Cup after recent playoff disappointments. Cale Makar's massive $163.2 million contract extension kicks in next season. The Florida Panthers, with the Tkachuk brothers and Aleksander Barkov recovered from a torn ACL, have a deep blue line that could reclaim their place atop the NHL hierarchy.

The Dallas Stars, after three straight Western Conference final appearances and a first-round exit last season, feel due for a Cup run with Jason Robertson locked in. The Vegas Golden Knights face Father Time and goaltending issues, but benefit from a weak Pacific Division. The Tampa Bay Lightning have squandered great regular seasons with four straight first-round exits, and Jon Cooper must solve that playoff flameout.

The Utah Mammoth (formerly Coyotes) see Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther on the cusp of superstardom. The Washington Capitals are loaded on wings with Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, needing center help for Alexander Ovechkin's second Cup. The Edmonton Oilers have Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard, but depth and goaltending remain huge questions with coach Mike Babcock.