JD's NHL Power Rankings

(Photo by Jim Prisching/Getty Images)

Disclaimer: Warning, the following article is based on my predictions for the upcoming NHL season. The article was written as that of an impartial observer, and as a hockey fan first before any team allegiances. If you have any concerns or criticism please make it constructive, if not do not expect a comment in return. Thank you and enjoy.

First let’s quickly knock the bottom twenty spots out before we get to the good stuff.

30. New York Islanders

29. Colorado Avalanche

28. Atlanta Thrashers

27. Florida Panthers

26. Nashville Predators

25. Phoenix Coyotes

24. Buffalo Sabres

23. Toronto Maple Leafs

22. Minnesota Wild

21. Edmonton Oilers

20. Tampa Bay Lightning

19. Montreal Canadiens

18. Ottawa Senators

17. Los Angeles Kings

16. Dallas Stars

15. Columbus Blue Jackets

14. St. Louis Blues

13. New York Rangers

12. New Jersey Devils

11. Carolina Hurricanes

Now for the meat and potatoes of the article the top 10 best teams for the 2009/2010 season.

10. San Jose Sharks:

Additions: Scott Nichol

Departures: Jeremy Roenick, Mike Grier

Player to watch out for: Devin Setoguchi

Status Unknown: Jonathan Cheechoo, Patrick Marleau

Simply put Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau have something to prove. Both were stripped of their letters and are fighting for a spot on Team Canada. As long as both are with the club come game time they will turn up the burner and play better then before. This will bode well for talented young winger Devin Setoguchi who in his first full year recorded over 30 goals and nearly 70 points. I am expecting bigger things from the Sharks Offence.

The Sharks have a highly offensive defensive core quarterbacked by Dan Boyle. Four of their top seven defensemen recorded 30 points or more including 57 by Boyle. The “D” is strong and will likely let few goals in.

The one thing concerning me is the status of Marleau and Cheechoo; this could dog them this season which is why they are dropped a little further down on the list. Cheechoo clearly can not be happy with the club wanting him to leave so badly, and may see an even further drop in his already low totals. Patrick Marleau also has rumour surrounding him after losing the captaincy and may find himself on the outs next season.

9. Vancouver Canucks:

Additions: Mikael Samuelsson, Sergei Shirokov Aaron Rome, Andrew Raycroft, Mathieu Schneider, Brad Lukowich, Christian Erhoff

Departures: Mattias Ohlund

Player to watch out for: Cody Hodgson

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?