Around the NHL: Oct. 12

The NHL has officially kicked off its 106th season, and some big names are making either their debut in the league or playing in their 15th season. Either way, get ready for lots of fireworks to start the year.

Atlantic Division

Division Favorites

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be one of the scariest teams in the league coming in and to no surprise either. The legend of Auston Matthews continues, as the 26-year-old superstar looks to lead his team to the Promise Land for the first time in 56 years.

Contending Teams

Nothing has come easy as a Boston Bruins fan this offseason, but the good news is, they still have some of the best talent in the entire NHL. With the retirement of Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron, it feels like the Bruins may take a step back. However, Boston still has lots of loaded talent with superstars David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy.

The Florida Panthers are looking to add to the deep playoff run they had one year ago. With the emergence of superstar Matthew Tkachuk last season, the Cardiac Cats are looking for another stellar season.

Metropolitan Division

Division Favorites

Raleigh, N.C. may not be home to many professional sports franchises, but the barn is always buzzing when the Carolina Hurricanes arrive back in town. Led by former player Rod Brind’Amour, the Canes are once again the favorites after winning the division by one point last season.

Contending Teams

After barely losing the division title last season, the New Jersey Devils have reloaded, and are ready for another deep playoff run. Led by Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, the Devils are poised to once again be contenders in the Metro.

Say what you want about the New York Rangers, but they may have the most talent out of any team in the entire league. Under new coach Peter Laviolette, the Rangers are looking to continue their winning ways, in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.

Entering his 18th season in the NHL, Sidney Crosby hopes to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins back to where they belong. The three-time Stanley Cup champ enters the year hungrier than ever in pursuit of the Cup. Don’t count the Penguins out when it comes down to the end of the year.

Central Division

Division Favorites

The Colorado Avalanche struggled for a bit last year, but still ended up winning the division. There is also optimism around the return of Gabriel Landeskog at some point this season. With all of that in mind, the Avs are looking to once again control the Central.

Contending Teams

This may be the year that the Stars align for Dallas. Led by veteran captain Jamie Benn and superstar Jason Robertson, Dallas is looking to get over the hump this year and win their first title since 1999.

“Kirill the Thrill” has been lighting it up ever since he entered the league, and the Minnesota Wild are hoping that this is the year they break through. Kaprizov has been elite for Minnesota, and the Wild are hoping his skillset can lead them to win the division.

Pacific Division

Division Favorites

The party in Vegas does not stop for the Golden Knights, and neither do their chances of winning another division title. Vegas is poised to once again put a division banner up as Mark Stone and company look to win back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Contending Teams

The Edmonton Oilers are still trying to get Connor McDavid his allusive Stanley Cup title. “McJesus” has been playing at a Hall of Fame level for the past several years, and once again he’ll look to carry his team on his back.

For an expansion team, the Seattle Kraken have exceeded the lofty expectations that were placed on them. Last year after bouncing Colorado in the first round, Jared McCann and his guys are looking to move even further ahead this season.

Giustino Racchini is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him email gar5448@psu.edu