So things are starting to settle down and teams are really shaping up for next year. There are some big-name RFAs left but it doesn't look like those teams will be put in much cap trouble because of it.
From the looks of it, the East is much improved. Not at the West's level yet, but pretty much every team got better. Here's how I see the regular season standings breaking down:
East
Playoff Locks
1. Capitals
2. Bruins
3. Penguins
4. Flyers
Very Likely to Make Playoffs
5. Sabres
6. Lightning
Likely to Make Playoffs
7. Rangers
Playoff Bubble Teams
8. Devils
9. Canadiens
10. Maple Leafs
11. Hurricanes
Not Likely to Make Playoffs
12. Senators
13. Islanders
14. Jets
15. Panthers
West
Playoff Locks
1. Canucks
2. Red Wings
3. Kings
4. Sharks
Very Likely to Make Playoffs
5. Ducks
6. Blackhawks
Likely to Make Playoffs
7. Predators
Playoff Bubble Teams
8. Blues
9. Coyotes
10. Wild
11. Flames
12. Blue Jackets
13. Avalanche
14. Stars
Not Likely to Make Playoffs
15. Oilers
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