The NHL Season returns on October 10th with a tripleheader highlighted by the Vegas Golden Knights raising their first Stanley Cup championship banner before facing the Seattle Kraken.

Before that, I’ll break down each division and get you caught up on everything that happened in the offseason. I’ll also include any bets that I have on each team.

In addition to these weekly articles, an episode of Expected Bets For will also drop that offers some more insight into what each member of the podcast is thinking heading into the season.

Anaheim Ducks

• 2022-23 Regular Season Record/ Standings: 23-47-12 (58 Points – 8th)
• 2022-23 Puck Line (ATS): 39-43
• 2022-23 O/U: 42-38

• 2022-23 Betting Preview (via DraftKings):
  • Stanley Cup Odds: +25000
  • Conference Winners: +13000
  • Odds to win the Division: +20000
  • To Make the Playoffs: Yes (+1700), No (-4000)
  • Team Total Points: 67.5 (Over -115/ Under -115)

• Key Additions:
  • F – Andrew Agozzino (from San Jose)
  • D – Ilya Lyubushkin (from Buffalo)
  • D – Radko Gudas (three years, $12MM)
  • D – Robert Hagg (one year, $775K)
  • F – Alex Killorn (four years, $25MM)
  • G – Alex Stalock (one year, $800K)

• Key Departures:
  • D – Nathan Beaulieu (unsigned UFA)
  • D – Simon Benoit (unsigned UFA)
  • F – Max Comtois (unsigned UFA)
  • F – Derek Grant (Zurich, NLA)
  • D – Scott Harrington (unsigned UFA)
  • F – Justin Kirkland (Arizona, one year, $775K)*
  • F – Jayson Megna (Boston, one year, $775K)*
  • D – John Moore (unsigned UFA)
  • D – Chase Priskie (Washington, one year, $775K)*
  • D – Kevin Shattenkirk (Boston, one year, $1.05MM)
  • F – Josiah Slavin (Toronto, AHL)
  • G – Anthony Stolarz (Florida, one year, $1.1MM)
  • D – Andrej Sustr (trade with San Jose)

• Projected Line-Up:

• Team Preview:

Anaheim will have a new head coach this season in Greg Cronin who will replace Dallas Eakins. Cronin enters his first NHL head coaching job after coaching Colorado of the American Hockey League the past five seasons. He was also an NHL assistant coach for 12 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders.

While the Anaheim Ducks finished last in the NHL in terms of points last season, they unfortunately did not win the lottery, sliding to second. Instead of taking Adam Fantilli who was penciled in to be the second overall pick behind Bedard, the Ducks went a different direction taking Leo Carlsson. He’s slated to be Anaheim’s third line Center behind Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish.

The Ducks made a few offseason acquisitions headlined by Alex Killorn who they signed to a four-year, $25 Million Dollar deal. While he is on the older side (33 years old), he is coming off his two best seasons offensively. It’ll be interesting to see what this veteran brings to this young core and how his numbers will change from Tampa to Anaheim. In addition to Killorn, they also brought in Radko Gudas who was great for Florida during their Stanley Cup run last season. He was on their third line pairing but given the strength of Anaheim’s defensive unit, he’ll be given a much larger role. Alex Stallock was also signed this offseason and will be in contention for John Gibson’s backup with Duck’s prospect Lukas Dostal.

Despite the Ducks making some improvements this offseason and new head coach Greg Cronin’s optimism, they are still a non-factor in terms of competing even for the Division. However, this team should improve from last year and take a step in the right direction.

• Pick(s):
  • Anaheim Ducks over 67.5 Points (-115) – DraftKings

Calgary Flames

• 2022-23 Regular Season Record/ Standings: 38-27-17 (93 Points – 5th)
• 2022-23 Puck Line (ATS): 34-48
• 2022-23 O/U: 40-41

• 2022-23 Betting Preview (via DraftKings):
  • Stanley Cup Odds: +3000
  • Conference Winners: +1500
  • Odds to win the Division: +800
  • To Make the Playoffs: Yes (-180), No (+145)
  • Team Total Points: 95.5 (Over -115/ Under -115)

• Key Additions:
  • F – Yegor Sharangovich (from New Jersey)

• Key Departures:
  • F – Trevor Lewis (Los Angeles, one year, $775K)
  • F – Milan Lucic (Boston, one year, $1MM)
  • D – Connor Mackey (NY Rangers, one year, $775K)
  • F – Brett Ritchie (UFA)
  • F – Nick Ritchie (UFA)
  • D – Troy Stecher (Arizona, one year, $1.1MM)
  • D – Michael Stone (retirement)
  • F – Tyler Toffoli (trade with New Jersey)

• Projected Line-Up:

• Team Preview:

After a disappointing season last year, the Flames have a renewed sense of optimism given their new general manager Craig Conroy, and head coach, Ryan Huska. Conroy was Treliving’s assistant GM and replaced him in May. One of his first moves made as a GM was to promote Huska, who was an assistant with the Flames for the past five seasons. Calgary also brought back Flames legend Jarome Iginla as a special adviser to the GM. They’ll have their work cut out for them as they have several key players becoming free agent’s next season.

The Flames traded Tyler Toffoli away to the Devils for Yegor Sharangovich who was a Restricted Free Agent this offseason. They resigned Sharangovich to a two-year $6.2 Million Dollar deal. He was solid for New Jersey in his first two seasons but struggled last year.

Calgary has a bunch of issues they need to address heading into the season starting with goaltending. Jacob Markstrom had his worst season as a full-time start last year after a strong campaign the season prior.

Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri both had disappointing seasons for the Flames last year. Huberdeau finished with 55 points (15 goals, 40 assists) in 79 games which was a huge drop off in terms of production from the 115 points he had in 80 games with the Panthers in 2021-22. Kadri had a down year finishing with 56 points (24 goals, 32 assists) in 82 games compared to the previous season with the Avalanche where he had 87 points (28 goals, 59 assists) in 71 games.

• Pick(s):
  • Calgary Flames over 94.5 Points (-106) – FanDuel

I’m going to be high on the Flames this season after a letdown year. Darryl Sutter clearly lost the locker room last year and after struggling to start the season, players didn’t seem to like his style of coaching and buying into his system. Now, Ryan Huska, who was an assistant with them for the past five years, clearly knows what makes this team tick. They have an extremely talented roster that is more than capable of competing for a playoff berth. If Markstrom can rebound after struggling between the pipes this team should be able to win two more games than last year, hitting their season total over.

Edmonton Oilers

• 2022-23 Regular Season Record/ Standings: 50-23-9 (109 Points – 2nd)
• 2022-23 Puck Line (ATS): 46-36
• 2022-23 O/U: 46-27

• 2022-23 Betting Preview (via DraftKings):
  • Stanley Cup Odds: +1000
  • Conference Winners: +500
  • Odds to win the Division: +195
  • To Make the Playoffs: Yes (-750), No (+500)
  • Team Total Points: 106.5 (Over -115/ Under -115)

• Key Additions:
  • F – Connor Brown (one year, $775k with bonuses)
  • F – Lane Pederson (two years, $1.55MM)

• Key Departures:
  • F – Nick Bjugstad (Arizona, two years $4.2MM)

• Projected Line-Up:

• Team Preview:

Despite going all in, the Oilers have been eliminated by the Stanley Cup Champions in back-to-back seasons (21-22 – Colorado, 22-23 – Vegas). Connor McDavid led the NHL in scoring last season with 153 points (64 goals, 89 assists) and captured his third Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player. Leon Draistail finished right behind him in scoring with 128 points (52 goals, 76 assists). He has now scored more than 50 goals in three of his last five seasons.

The biggest move the Oilers made this offseason was signing Connor Brown to a one-year, $4 million contract. He only played four games last year after suffering a torn ACL but has some chemistry with McDavid as they were teammates in the OHL on the Erie Otters. Edmonton also reigned restricted free agents Evena Bouchard and Ryan McLeod to muti-year contracts.

Edmonton’s offensive led the NHL in goals per game last year and adding Brown should so much-needed depth for this unit. Defensively, their blueline has been better in the past few seasons but can still improve. Having Mattias Ekholm for a full season should also help in that department. Their main concern is goaltending as Jack Campbell struggled in this first season with the team. He would eventually lose the starting job to Stuart Skinner who was exceptional as a rookie.

This team should be poised for another playoff run as they mainly have all the pieces in place. It’ll be interesting to see if Campbell can live up to his contract and vie for the starting role or if Skinner is the main guy between the pipes.

• Pick(s):
  • None

Los Angeles Kings

• 2022-23 Regular Season Record/ Standings: 47-25-10 (104 Points – 3rd)
• 2022-23 Puck Line (ATS): 46-36
• 2022-23 O/U: 42-36

• 2022-23 Betting Preview (via DraftKings):
  • Stanley Cup Odds: +2200
  • Conference Winners: +1100
  • Odds to win the Division: +400
  • To Make the Playoffs: Yes (-400), No (+300)
  • Team Total Points: 100.5 (Over -115/ Under -115)

• Key Additions:
  • F – Pierre-Luc Dubois (from Winnipeg)
  • D – Andreas Englund (two years, $2M)
  • F – Trevor Lewis (one year, $775K)
  • G – David Rittich (one year, $875K)
  • G – Cam Talbot (one year, $1M)

• Key Departures:
  • F – Lias Andersson (Montreal, one-year, $775K)
  • F – Alex Iafallo (traded to Winnipeg)
  • G – Joonas Korpisalo (Ottawa, five years, $20M)
  • F – Rasmus Kupari (traded to Winnipeg)
  • F – Zack MacEwen (Ottawa, three years, $2.33M)
  • F – Gabriel Vilardi (traded to Winnipeg)

• Projected Line-Up:

• Team Preview:

Despite making the playoffs the past two seasons, they have not won a playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014. The Los Angeles Kings made a major splash this offseason by acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois in hopes of returning to the Stanley Cup. He has 63 points (27 goals, 36 assists) with the Winnipeg Jets last year and will likely be the second-line center. Anze Kopitar, who just signed a two-year contract extension, will remain as the Kings first line Center. Kopitar led the Kings in points last season with 74 (28 goals, 46 assists).

The Kings did lose several pieces from their roster including Alex Iafallo, Gabriel Vilardi, and Rasmus Kupari who were a part of the P L-D trade. Joonas Korpisalo, who was solid for them in the playoffs last season, also left to sign with Ottawa. They had a rotating cast in net last year and will be something that they need to improve on this upcoming year. Pheonix Copley and newly acquired Cam Talbot will be their two netminders this season.

While I’m not sure the acquisition of Pierre-Luc Dubois is the answer to all of their problems, Los Angeles should have another solid year. They have enough talent up front and defensively to return to the post-season their goaltending remains in question until proven otherwise.

• Pick(s):
  • None

San Jose Sharks

• 2022-23 Regular Season Record/ Standings: 22-44-16 (60 Points – 7th)
• 2022-23 Puck Line (ATS): 38-44
• 2022-23 O/U: 48-30

• 2022-23 Betting Preview (via DraftKings):
  • Stanley Cup Odds: +25000
  • Conference Winners: +13000
  • Odds to win the Division: +20000
  • To Make the Playoffs: Yes (+1700), No (-4000)
  • Team Total Points: 66.5 (Over -110/ Under -120)

• Key Additions:
  • G – Mackenzie Blackwood (two years, $4.7MM)
  • D – Kyle Burroughs (three years, $3.3MM)
  • F – Filip Zadina (one year, $1.1MM)
  • F – Givani Smith (two years, $1.6M)
  • F – Mikael Granlund (from Pittsburgh)
  • F – Mike Hoffman (from Montreal)
  • D – Jan Rutta (from Pittsburgh)
  • F – Anthony Duclair (from Florida)

• Key Departures:
  • D – Erik Karlsson (traded to Pittsburgh)
  • F – Andreas Johnsson (traded to Pittsburgh)
  • G – James Reimer (Detroit, one year, $1.5M)

• Projected Line-Up:

• Team Preview:

The Sharks are currently going through a rebuilding phase. One of the most notable offseason moves included the Sharks trading the reigning Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson to Pittsburgh. Karlsson had 101 points (25 goals, 76 assists) last season with San Jose. Despite putting up over 100 points by himself the Sharks finished with their lowest points percentage since 1995-96.

While San Jose does have some bad contracts on the books, clearing out Karlsson was a step in the right direction. It’ll also be interesting to see how they deal with the other veterans on the team including Logan Couture (34) and Marc-Edouard Vlasic (36) moving forward.

Looking at the Sharks roster, it has improved from last season. They’ll also get Alexander Barbanov back in the lineup who was sidelined since March of last year due to a lower-body injury. He was having his best NHL season to date before that with 47 points (15 goals, 32 assists) through 68 games.  In addition to Barbanov, Luke Kunun who was also on their top line tore his ACL back in December of last year but is expected to be back for the start of the new season.

The additions of Anthony Duclair, Mike Hoffman, and Mikael Granlund should also strengthen their offense. Filip Zadina who was the No. 6 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft will also get a second chance in San Jose. He was placed on waivers this summer by Detroit after only having 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in 30 games last season. Only time will tell if he can turn things around and be a contributor to this team. He’s only 23 years old which is a positive so maybe a chance of sneery will be good for him.

San Jose also has a decent prospect pool highlighted by William Eklund (No. 7, 2021 NHL Draft) and Will Smith No. 4. 2023 NHL Draft).

Their goaltending is questionable given the tandem of Kappo Kahkonen and newly acquired Mackenzie Blackwood. Last season Kappo Kahkonen was one of many goalies for San Jose who combined for a 3.79 GAA and .881 Save Percentage ranking 30th and 32nd, respectively. If Blackwood can stay healthy, which is an if given his numerous injury issues, he should be able to win the starting job. He’s also shown that he’s the clear number-one goaltender out of the duo when he is healthy.

• Pick(s):
  • San Jose Sharks over 65.5 Points (-113) – FanDuel

Seattle Kraken

• 2022-23 Regular Season Record/ Standings: 46-28-8 (100 Points – 4th)
• 2022-23 Puck Line (ATS): 48-34
• 2022-23 O/U: 36-40

• 2022-23 Betting Preview (via DraftKings):
  • Stanley Cup Odds: +3500
  • Conference Winners: +1700
  • Odds to win the Division: +900
  • To Make the Playoffs: Yes (-150), No (+120)
  • Team Total Points: 94.5 (Over -110/ Under -120)

• Key Additions:
  • F – Kailer Yamamoto (one year, $1.5MM)
  • F – Pierre-Édouard Bellemare (one year, 35+ contract, $775K)
  • D – Brian Dumoulin (two years, $3.15MM)

• Key Departures
  • D – Morgan Geekie (Boston, two years, $4M)
  • F – Ryan Donato (Chicago, two years, $4M)
  • F – Daniel Sprong (Detroit, one year, $2M)
  • F – Joonas Donskoi (Retired)
  • D – Carson Soucy (Vancouver, three years, $9.75M)
  • G – Martin Jones (Toronto, one year, $875k)

• Projected Line-Up:

• Team Preview:

After finishing 30th in the NHL last season, the Kraken made the playoffs for the first time in just their second year as a team. They upset the defending Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche in the first round and took the Dallas Stars to Game 7 in the second round.

However, their team will look a little bit different this season as they lost several key pieces in goalie Martin Jones, defenseman Carson Soucy, and forwards Ryan Donato, Morgan Geekie, and Daniel Sprong in free agency. However, they did add defensemen Brian Dumoulin and forwards Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Kailer Yamamoto.

After taking a massive step forward last year, Seattle will have much larger expectations this season. Now that they have gained some playoff experience as a team, we’ll see if they have what it takes to be a Stanley Cup contender.

One of the main questions heading into the season is the play of Philipp Grubauer. He struggled in their inaugural season with a 3.16 GAA and .889 save percentage. Last season, he finished with a 2.85 GAA and .895 save percentage in the regular season and a 2.99 GAA and .903 save percentage in the playoffs. If he can build off his performance in the playoffs, it might provide Seattle with that extra spark they need.

• Pick(s):
  • None

Vancouver Canucks

• 2022-23 Regular Season Record/ Standings: 38-37-7 (83 Points – 6th)
• 2022-23 Puck Line (ATS): 45-37
• 2022-23 O/U: 44-30

• 2022-23 Betting Preview (via DraftKings):
  • Stanley Cup Odds: +6000
  • Conference Winners: +2500
  • Odds to win the Division: +1400
  • To Make the Playoffs: Yes (+145), No (-180)
  • Team Total Points: 88.5 (Over -115/ Under -115)

• Key Additions:
  • D – Carson Soucy (three years, $3.25MM)
  • D – Ian Cole (one year, $3MM)
  • F – Teddy Blueger (one year, $1.9MM)
  • F – Pius Suter (two years, $1.6MM)

• Key Departures:
  • F – Vitali Kravtsov (KHL)
  • D – Oliver Ekman-Larsson (Florida, one year, $2.25M)
  • D – Ethan Bear (unsigned FA)
  • D – Travis Dermott (Toronto, two years, $3M)
  • D – Kyle Burroughs (San Jose, three years, $3.3M)
  • G – Collin Delia (Winnipeg, one year, $775k)

• Projected Line-Up:

• Team Preview:

Rick Tocchet will begin his first full season as the Vancouver Canucks head coach. After some contention, he replaced Bruce Boudreau as head coach on January 22nd. Under Tocchet, the Canucks were 20-12-4 which was ultimately not good enough as Vancouver missed the playoffs for the third straight season.

The Canucks added defensemen Carson Soucy and Ian Cole and forwards Teddy Blueger and Pius Suter in free agency. Both Soucy and Cole should help the Canucks on the Penalty Kill which has been a major issue for them as they have ranked last in that category the past two seasons.

Offensively, they ranked in the top half of goals per game (13th) and power play percentage (11th). However, defensively they’ve struggled but with Tocchet taking over the reins they have improved slightly. Vancouver bought out the final four seasons of Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s contract and signed two free agents in hopes of solving this issue.

The biggest question for them heading into this season relates to Thatcher Demko who suffered multiple injuries last year. They’ll need to stay healthy this season if they want to have success as their goaltender depth is weak with Spencer Martin and Artus Silovs.

• Pick(s):
  • Vancouver Canucks Under 88.5 Points (-111) – FanDuel

Vegas Golden Knights

• 2022-23 Regular Season Record/ Standings: 51-22-9 (111 Points – 1st)
• 2022-23 Puck Line (ATS): 43-39
• 2022-23 O/U: 35-41

• 2022-23 Betting Preview (via DraftKings):
  • Stanley Cup Odds: +1200
  • Conference Winners: +600
  • Odds to win the Division: +240
  • To Make the Playoffs: Yes (-600), No (+425)
  • Team Total Points: 103.5 (Over -115/ Under -115)

• Key Additions:
  • D – Mason Geertsen

• Key Departures:
  • F – Reilly Smith (traded to Pittsburgh)
  • F – Teddy Blueger (Vancouver, one year, $1.9M)
  • F – Phil Kessel (unsigned FA)
  • G – Jonathan Quick (Rangers, one year, $825k)
  • G – Laurent Brossoit (Winnipeg, one year, $1.75M)

• Projected Line-Up:

• Team Preview:

After missing the playoffs last year, the Vegas Golden Knights captured a Stanley Cup in just their fifth season as a franchise. Owner Bill Foley had set a goal of winning the Cup in six seasons before the team was announced and they were able to live up to that goal.

Their biggest loss up front was Reilly Smith who they traded to Pittsburgh, but they signed Ivan Barbashev to a new five-year deal on the same day. Barbashev was acquired from the Blues last February and was a massive contributor during their playoff run with 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists) in 22 games.

Adin Hill and Logan Thompson will be their two goalies this year which does raise some concern. Hill has never been a number one goalie in the NHL before and has never played more than 27 NHL games in a season. On the bright side, he was fantastic for them during the playoffs posting a 2.17 GAA and a .932 save percentage. Thomspon was great for the Golden Knights during his rookie campaign that was before he was injured.

• Pick(s):
  • None

Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative, is always encouraged.