As the 2023-24 season approaches, the Western Conference looks to be highly competitive. The Vegas Golden Knights are aiming to defend their Stanley Cup title, but they face strong contenders in their quest.
The Central Division will feature an intriguing battle, with the Colorado Avalanche looking to rebound from a disappointing playoff performance last year, while the Dallas Stars are poised for another deep postseason run.
Over in the Pacific Division, the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings will try to dethrone the Golden Knights, setting the stage for exciting matchups throughout the season.
There are also up-and-coming teams and those undergoing rebuilding efforts in the West, adding even more intrigue to the conference.
Before the puck drops on the new NHL season, let’s take a closer look at the Western Conference.
Central Division
Stars’ Pursuit of the Stanley Cup
The Dallas Stars have been building a strong team, and they are in a great position for the upcoming season. They have talented players like Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Joe Pavelski leading the lineup, supported by Matt Duchene, Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Wyatt Johnston, and Mason Marchment. Defensively, Miro Heiskanen has become a top-notch blue-liner, with promising young talents in Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist. In goal, Jake Oettinger provides solid support.
If everything comes together, the Stars have the potential to compete against the best teams in the West.
Avalanche’s Road to Redemption
The Colorado Avalanche faced early playoff elimination last season, but they are not to be underestimated. Despite multiple key injuries, including Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog missing significant time, the Avalanche still performed well. They have strengthened their roster during the offseason by adding Ryan Johansen, Ross Colton, and others. With better luck on the injury front, the Avalanche can reclaim their dominant form from the 2022 postseason.
Competition for Third Place in the Central
In the Central Division, the Minnesota Wild are the favorites to secure the third spot after their strong performance last season. However, the Winnipeg Jets, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues will also vie for that playoff position. The Jets and Predators have undergone changes in the offseason, while the Blues hope for improved offensive performance. The race for third place will be intense.
Watch Out for Connor Bedard in Chicago
The Chicago Blackhawks may not have a successful season in 2023-24, but all eyes will be on rookie sensation Connor Bedard. With his impressive junior career and standout performance in the preseason, Bedard is expected to make a significant impact for the Blackhawks.
Pacific Division
Top Contenders for Pacific Division Title
In the Pacific Division, the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings are set to battle for the top spot. The Golden Knights aim to defend their title with a familiar roster, while the Oilers have key players returning and added defensive strength. The Kings, after being eliminated by the Oilers in the first round, have bolstered their forward group with the acquisition of Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Flames Hopes for a Resurgence
The Calgary Flames experienced disappointing results last season, but they have the potential to bounce back. Though they struggled to convert scoring chances, the Flames’ shooting percentage and save percentage should improve this year. With a new coach and better performances from players like Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, and Jacob Markstrom, the Flames could find their way back to the playoffs.
Can the Kraken Sustain Success?
The Seattle Kraken had an impressive debut season, reaching the playoffs by relying on their depth and solid defense. However, replicating last season’s success may be challenging, as their high shooting percentage is unlikely to be sustained. Goaltender Philipp Grubauer also needs to step up his game. The Pacific Division competition will make it difficult for the Kraken to repeat their performance.
Canucks’ Playoff Aspirations
The Vancouver Canucks have been striving to make the playoffs again after a few seasons outside of the postseason. With talented young players like Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes, along with strong goaltending from Thatcher Demko, the Canucks have reasons for optimism. However, inconsistency from key players and limitations on the defense could hinder their playoff aspirations.
