2009 Division Projections: Northwest Division Pecking Order

1st- CALGARY FLAMES

They have one of the Top Five best defensive corps in the league. However, Kipprusoft is aging, and where is the offense gonna' come this upcoming season from players besides Jokinen and Iginla. Also, let's hope they dont run into injury problems like last year were they played only 17 guys into the post season! Other then those things, the Flames dont look bad at all.

2nd-VANCOUVER CANUCKS

The Canucks resigned the Sedins, and they got luongo for one more year. Plus, Kesler and Burrows emerged as top six forwards last season. Mostly, though, it's pretty much the same team from last year that won the division...minus Ohlund, which is actually a big loss. Other then that still a good team.

3rd-EDMONTON OILERS

Hemsky will likely be leading the offence again (unless they can reel in Heatley), and Sourey will lead the defense...the guy scored 20 goals! They also now have the Bulin wall in net, and he can he be nearly as good as last year on a less talented team. Finally, I have a feeling that some young guns are going to come through this year!

4th-MINNESOTA WILD

They lost Gaborik to the Rangers and replaced him with Martin Havlat, who's pretty much a less productive version of Gaborik. Hopefully, Minnesota will opt for a more up-tempo style of offense this season. Without Lemaires' system protecting Backstrom every night, we're probably going to see just how good Backstrom really is. However, this is still a goal starved team, and they need more offense via trade or free agency.

5th-COLORADO AVALANCHE

Clearly rebuilding.  In a couple more years the Avs will be dominating the division like the good old days. Until then it looks like the Avs will be drafting high for four or five years.