Division is solid but not spectacular like the Atlantic. There's no "terrible" teams like a Detroit to point at. We're probably the worst team in the division this year due to our green defense and horrid centers. But I could see us finishing ahead of Jersey and Philly if the cards fall correctly.
Long term I like our odds. Pittsburgh and Washington are going to be awful when their superstars age, and the rosters have holes on them already. The Islanders are old. The Canes seem to be more interested in saving money than spending for a winner. The Flyers are just meh, both on the current roster and future outlook. It's us, NYR, and Jersey with the best futures.
I can see us competing for the top of the division in 2-3 years. The Atlantic will make things difficult to get a wild card spot. This year we'll be competitive but lose in a lot of games that we allow over 2 goals. and given our green defense its going to be a struggle there too. If we continue to go younger and younger with the guys coming in, the window to compete will keep getting pushed back a year. So the sooner the kids get here and get experience the better, but we also have to be patient. Once Johnson, Sillinger, Chinakhov, Marchenko, Tarasov, and others all get here and play together to build chemistry will be when we start making noise.
Short term? Islanders, Penguins, and Canes. Rangers are real close and will push too.
Longish term (3+ years)? Us, Jersey, and Rangers look good. Canes will be there too since their core is really young but will they pay them? Flyers are meh. Islanders, Caps, and Pens will be awful.