10 NHL Teams That Should Already Be Looking to Make Changes in 2014-15

While it's early in this NHL season, several clubs should consider making some changes to their respective rosters. As the schedule moves toward its second month, some teams have glaring roster weaknesses that must be addressed.

For some, it's their goaltending. A few are struggling with their defensive game while others are in need of offensive depth. A handful need help throughout their lineup. Left unchecked, these problems threaten to derail the progress of teams off to promising starts or bury those struggling to remain in playoff contention.

Here's a look at 10 NHL teams that should start planning to make changes this season. The severity of their respective issues and how they could address them factored into the compilation of this ranking.

10. Ottawa Senators

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Why they need changes: While the Senators are off to a good start, they're among the NHL's worst in shots against per game, while Hockey-Reference.com indicates their puck-possession numbers remain poor. They're also hovering near the bottom third in goals scored. Failure to address these numbers could hurt the Senators over the course of this season.

Possible solutions: ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun reports the Senators are among the clubs with interest in Buffalo Sabres right wing Chris Stewart. They could also shop around for a skilled stay-at-home rearguard to reduce those shots-against numbers.

Young blueliner Jared Cowen has been a healthy scratch in several games this season and could become a trade candidate. Another could be pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Marc Methot, though he's currently sidelined with a back injury.

9. New York Islanders

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Why they need changes: Despite adding goaltenders Jaroslav Halak and Chad Johnson, plus defensemen Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy, the New York Islanders are giving up too many goals. They're among the league's worst in goals against per game and killing penalties, which could jeopardize their promising start to this season.

Possible solutions: Newsday's Arthur Staple reports Boychuk acknowledged he and his teammates must do a better job helping out their goaltenders. He believes the Islanders are a good team and that there's no need to panic.

General manager Garth Snow could stand pat with his current goaltenders and blueliners in hopes they'll improve. It could be beneficial, however, to explore the trade market for a stay-at-home defender. Should the goaltending remain an issue, Snow may wish to consider contacting free agents Martin Brodeur or Tomas Vokoun.

8. Florida Panthers

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Why they need changes: Put simply, the Panthers can't score, perched among the league's worst in goals for and power-play percentage. Their lousy offensive production is overshadowing their solid defensive play. Left unchecked, it could jeopardize their playoff hopes this season.

Possible solutions: The Panthers could draw upon their blue-line depth for trade bait to land a scoring forward. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman claims the Detroit Red Wings have interest in Brian Campbell, though he has some "no-trade protection."

7. Dallas Stars

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Why they need changes: The Dallas Stars' defense corps is young and lacks a right-handed shot. Backup goaltender Anders Lindback is really struggling this season. SI.com's Allan Muir reports the netminders on their farm team (Jack Campbell and Jussi Rynnas) also aren't playing that well. These issues have contributed to their high goals-against average and shots-against numbers this season.

Possible solutions: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers would address their need for a top-four right-handed blueliner, but he will be an expensive acquisition. The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson speculates the asking price could involve promising winger Valeri Nichushkin.

Finding a backup goalie could be more affordable. Free-agent options include Martin Brodeur and Tomas Vokoun.

6. Colorado Avalanche

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Why they need changes: After finishing atop the Central Division last season, the Avalanche opened 2014-15 with only three wins in their first 12 games. Their poor defensive play is the prime culprit, ranking among the league's worst in shots against per game. Hockey-Reference.com indicates they're among the bottom-feeders in Fenwick-for percentage.

Possible solutions: The Avalanche must reduce the workload of starting goalie Semyon Varlamov, who recently returned from a groin injury. ESPN.com's Craig Custance (subscription required) believes Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green could be a good fit if the Capitals decide to trade him.

Shopping for an experienced shutdown blueliner is another option. Failing that, coach Patrick Roy could be forced to rework his club's defensive system.

5. Philadelphia Flyers

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Why they need changes: The Philadelphia Flyers are struggling with an injury-depleted defense corps. Kimmo Timonen is out indefinitely with blood clots, while Braydon Coburn and Andrew MacDonald are sidelined with lower-body injuries. The lack of experienced blue-line depth is reflected in their high shots against per game and goals-against numbers.

Possible solutions: General manager Ron Hextall recently recalled promising D-man Shayne Gostisbehere but returned him to the minors after signing free agent Carlo Colaiacovo. This is more of a short-term patch than a long-term solution.

A bold move would be pursuing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers. CapGeek.com indicates the Flyers have limited cap space, so pursuing Myers ($5.5 million annual cap hit) means shedding significant salary to take on his contract. Hextall has some good young forwards like Brayden Schenn, Michael Raffl or Matt Read to offer as part of a package deal for Myers.

4. Edmonton Oilers

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Why they need changes: The Edmonton Oilers are among the worst teams in the Western Conference. Beyond Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, there's little experienced skill at the center position. They're also among the league leaders in most goals against thus season.

Possible solutions: The Edmonton Journal's Jason Gregor suggests pursuing Minnesota Wild center Kyle Brodziak. He's been a healthy scratch several times this season and could possibly be had for a draft pick.

Attracting a top-two defenseman could prove more difficult. Such a player could cost either an established young winger like Jordan Eberle, a promising one like Nail Yakupov or the Oilers' 2015 first-round pick as part of a package offer. 

3. Arizona Coyotes

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Why they need changes: The Arizona Coyotes are among this season's worst teams. The Arizona Republic's Sarah McLellan reports general manager Don Maloney acknowledged his club isn't competing well enough, while coach Dave Tippett notes their defense isn't where it needs to be. They're among the league's worst in goals against per game.

Possible solutions: McLellan doesn't expect a trade can help the Coyotes, claiming the market is “almost gridlocked with cumbersome contracts.” Maloney also can't make any significant moves until new majority owner Andrew Barroway joins the ownership group, which is still weeks away.

Despite this problem, Maloney could keep an eye on the trade market in order to be ready to make a deal once the ownership situation is resolved. SI.com's Allan Muir speculates the Coyotes could consider adding a "stay-at-home defenseman to make [goalie Mike Smith's] life a little easier."

2. Buffalo Sabres

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Why they need changes: The rebuilding Buffalo Sabres are mired near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, lacking skilled depth throughout their roster. They're one of the lowest-scoring teams and among the leaders in most goals against and shots against per game.

Possible solutions: The Detroit Red Wings are pursuing defenseman Tyler Myers, but the Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson claims the Sabres want a top prospect (Anthony Mantha or Dylan Larkin) as part of the return. CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty reports the Boston Bruins had interest in right wing Chris Stewart but balked at the asking price of two top prospects, two prime draft picks or a combination of both.

If Sabres general manager Tim Murray wants to improve his club in the short term, he'll have to lower his asking price for Myers and Stewart. Most teams are unwilling to part with top draft picks or prospects but could be willing to move established players.

1. Carolina Hurricanes

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Why they need changes: They failed to win a game throughout October. They are among the NHL's worst teams in goals for and goals against this season.

A contributing factor was injuries to Jeff Skinner and the Staal brothers. Captain Eric Staal isn't using that as an excuse, telling the Raleigh News and Observer's Chip Alexander the Hurricanes' performance has been “embarrassing.” Forward Alexander Semin has become a healthy scratch of late.

Possible solutions: Staal is frequently mentioned in recent trade rumors. ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun reports Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis denied having trade talks with anyone involving his captain. If Francis intends to seek immediate help, addressing the popgun offense should be the priority.

One option could be contacting the Buffalo Sabres, who could field offers for pending unrestricted free agents Drew Stafford and Chris Stewart. Another could be inquiring into the asking price for Edmonton Oilers right wing Nail Yakupov. All have been mentioned in recent trade rumors this month, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie and TVA Sports' Renaud Lavoie.

All stats courtesy of NHL.com unless otherwise noted.