I think still a lot will happen until the season starts. Some important RFAs still unsigned, many teams with a lot of cap space…
As of now, this is a lot about organic growth for the Habs so let s see if the younger players take a step forward.
In terms of tiering rightnow I have the following :
Tank : SJS
Rebuild : CHI, ANA, MTL, CBJ, PHI
Bubble playoffs : OTT, SEA, CGY, BUF (should be better but well…), MIN, PIT, DET, STL, NYI, WSH, WPG, CAR (I think losing players and ageing core will hurt them but their system seems bullet proof
), LAK, UTA
Contenders : NJD, VGK, TBL, NSH, COL, DAL, NYR, BOS TOR FLA EDM VAN.
Without any material improvement this should be a bottom 6 team again