2016-17 NHL Predictions: Preview and Picks for Pacific Division

In 2015-16, the NHL's Pacific Division was dominated by the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and the eventual Western Conference champion San Jose Sharks. Entering 2016-17, the California-based franchises will attempt to fend off the rebuilding Arizona Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks.

Despite their depth in talent, the Sharks could find it challenging to make a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final. The Ducks hope the return of Randy Carlyle as head coach can bring them back their championship magic, while the Kings could find their chances of winning a third Cup title are fading. 

The Coyotes, Flames and Oilers hope to see significant improvement from their promising young players. Meanwhile, the Canucks will try to transition from veteran stars to their own crop of youngsters. 

In this slideshow, we'll preview the NHL's Pacific Division and predict where the seven teams could finish in the standings. The best rivalries, scoring lines, defense pairings and goaltenders are also examined. Feel free to express your views on this topic in the comments section below. 

The Favorite: San Jose Sharks

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After missing the playoffs in 2014-15, the San Jose Sharks finished third in the Pacific Division in 2015-16. They became the Western Conference champions for the first time in franchise history, eliminating the Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues. In the Stanley Cup Final, they fell in six games to the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Led by Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture and the ageless Joe Thornton, the Sharks have a potent offensive attack. They also have a formidable core of defensemen in Brent Burns, Paul Martin, Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Justin Braun. Martin Jones provides them with steady, reliable goaltending, while young players such as Tomas Hertl and Joonas Donskoi have potential to blossom into stars.

Offseason newcomers Mikkel Boedker and David Schlemko could bolster the Sharks' speed, but it remains to be seen if their addition can suitably address that issue. Management must avoid contract talks with potential free agents Thornton and Burns becoming a distraction. Hertl and Donskoi must continue to improve, and they could use an experienced backup for Jones. 

Having finally had a taste of playing in the Stanley Cup Final, the Sharks will be hungry for more. With a renewed sense of confidence entering this season, they should be the team to beat in the Pacific Division.

The Challenger: Anaheim Ducks

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Following a poor start to 2015-16, the Anaheim Ducks stormed back to finish atop the Pacific Division with 103 points and fourth in the conference standings. However, they were eliminated from the opening round of the playoffs by the Nashville Predators. Soon afterward, head coach Bruce Boudreau was replaced by Randy Carlyle, who guided the Ducks to their only Stanley Cup title in 2007. 

The Ducks enjoy an embarrassment of riches in good young defensemen, led by Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen and Cam Fowler. They also have a promising goaltender in John Gibson and an experienced backup in offseason acquisition Jonathan Bernier. Their forward lines are anchored by long-time stars Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler. 

Offensive depth, however, could be a concern. Getzlaf, Perry and Kesler are now in their 30s, and their best seasons are behind them. They'll need more production from young forwards Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg. The Ducks also lack proven scoring depth at left wing. 

Despite their offensive concerns, the Ducks remain a dangerous team. Their goaltending and blue-line depth should keep them a serious challenger for the top spot in the Pacific Division. If general manager Bob Murray can address their scoring needs this season, they should remain a serious contender for the division crown. 

Note: The Ducks issued qualifying offers to Lindholm and Rackell in June; however, the two players have yet to come to terms with the team on new contracts and remain restricted free agents. 

The Bottom-Dweller: Vancouver Canucks

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After reaching the playoffs in 2015, the Vancouver Canucks fell flat in 2015-16. With a record of 31 wins, 38 losses and 13 overtime losses, they finished sixth in the Pacific Division with only 75 points. Despite this poor showing, general manager Jim Benning resisted a full-scale offseason rebuild.

Benning signed free-agent right wing Loui Eriksson, who will likely skate on the top line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Though veteran blueliner Dan Hamhuis departed via free agency, the acquisition of defenseman Erik Gudbranson brings a physical shutdown presence to the blue line. The Canucks also have several promising players in Bo Horvat, Sven Baertschi, Ben Hutton and Nikita Tryamkin. 

Goaltending, however, could be a problem. Ryan Miller is past his prime, and Jacob Markstrom has yet to prove himself as a full-time NHL starter. Beyond Gudbranson, Alexander Edler and Christopher Tanev, there's not much experienced blue-line depth. The Sedins are aging, and the Canucks lack skilled secondary scoring.

The Arizona Coyotes, Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers carry far more depth in young, hungry talent than the Canucks. Attempting to transition on the fly toward a young lineup, they could spend this season at the bottom of the Pacific Division. 

Best Rivalry: Los Angeles Kings-San Jose Sharks

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In recent years, the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks have had the best rivalry in the Pacific Division. Since 2011, the two clubs met four times in the postseason, with each winning two series apiece. 

Their opening-round battle during the 2016 playoffs only added to the ongoing rivalry between the two. The Kings had finished ahead of the third-place Sharks in second place. Hanging over that series was the Sharks' first-round meltdown against the Kings in 2014, blowing a 3-0 series lead to fall in seven games. This time, however, the Sharks humbled the Kings in five games. 

As this season begins, the Sharks are the reigning Western Conference champions. They've kept their Stanley Cup-contending roster largely intact, led by Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns and Logan Couture.  The Kings lost left wing Milan Lucic to free agency and recently changed captains, with Anze Kopitar taking over from a fading Dustin Brown. 

As this rivalry continues into 2016-17, the Sharks are a team on the rise while the depleted Kings will struggle to remain a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. The stage is set for what should be another entertaining chapter in the ongoing tug-of-war for dominance between these two clubs. 

Honorable mention

In recent years, the long-time rivalry between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers took on less meaning as the fortunes of both clubs tumbled. However, the young stars on these rebuilding clubs could stoke it back to life.

The Flames are led by top-line forwards Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, while the Oilers boast centers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. 

Best Line: Tomas Hertl-Joe Thornton-Joe Pavelski

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The San Jose Sharks led all Pacific Division teams last season in goals with 237, finishing second in the Western Conference in that category. The line of Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski and Tomas Hertl played a significant role in the Sharks' offensive dominance. 

Thornton led the Sharks in points (82), finishing fourth among the NHL's leading scorers. He was also fifth among the 2016 playoff scorers with 21 points in 24 games. If the 37-year-old center maintains that level of production, he should remain a crucial part of their offensive attack. 

Pavelski's 78 points were the second-highest of his career, finishing second to Thornton in team scoring. In the 2016 playoffs, the Sharks captain led all scorers with 14 goals and placed third in points (23). The 22-year-old Hertl netted a career-high 46 points last season, along with 11 points in 20 playoff games. 

Given this line's success through last season, it should once again be the best in the Pacific Division in 2016-17. If Hertl takes another step forward in his development, this trio could be even more dominant.

Honorable mention

The Calgary Flames' top two forwards in Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan will be complemented at left wing by either Michael Frolik or offseason acquisition Troy Brouwer.

If recently added left wing Milan Lucic meshes well with center Connor McDavid and Jordan Eberle, the Edmonton Oilers could have a lethal top line. 

Right wing Loui Eriksson should prove to be a skilled addition with Daniel and Henrik Sedin on the Vancouver Canucks' top line.

Young wingers Max Domi and Anthony Duclair could team up with veteran center Martin Hanzal as a fine first line for the Arizona Coyotes. 

Best Defense Pairing: Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin, Los Angeles Kings

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Defense has long been a strength of the Los Angeles Kings. Two key reasons are blueliners Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin, who've been paired off and on over the last three seasons. They should continue to play a crucial role on the Kings' defense corps.

Doughty, 26, is among the NHL's elite defensemen. In 2016, he was recognized for his superior play with the James Norris Memorial Trophy. He's an outstanding two-way blueliner, leading the Kings last season in ice time (averaging 28 minutes and one second) and finishing third in blocked shots (105). His 51 points last season were the second-highest of his career and led all Kings blueliners. 

Muzzin is often overshadowed by Doughty, but the 27-year-old has emerged over the last three seasons as a skilled rearguard. He was second in ice time (23:03) and blocked shots (135). His 40 points last season ranked behind only Doughty among Kings defensemen.

Doughty and Muzzin played with different defense partners through most of 2015-16. However, the Kings could reunite them again at some point this season. They will be crucial in keeping the Kings among the top teams in the Pacific Division. 

Honorable mention

The Calgary Flames possess a solid top pairing in Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie.

Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Justin Braun provide the San Jose Sharks with a fine mix of puck-moving ability and shutdown skills.

Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen are the standouts among the Ducks' young defense corps. 

Best Goaltender: Martin Jones, San Jose Sharks

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In his first season as an NHL starting goaltender, Martin Jones backstopped the San Jose Sharks to their first Western Conference title and their first berth in the Stanley Cup Final. It was a remarkable performance by the former Los Angeles Kings backup.

Jones, 26, put up solid numbers last season. He finished third among NHL starters last season with 37 wins and tied for second with six shutouts. His 2.27 goals-against average ranked third among Pacific Division starting goalies. 

In the 2016 playoffs, Jones took his game to a higher level. He outdueled Jonathan Quick of the Kings, Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators and Brian Elliott of the St. Louis, helping the Sharks reach the Stanley Cup Final. Jones led all postseason goalies with three shutouts, while his 2.16 GAA and .923 save percentage ranked among the playoff leaders. 

With Jones coming into his own as a starter, his best seasons are ahead of him. His confidence will only be buoyed by his stellar performance in the 2016 playoffs. If Jones carries that form over into this season, he could become the dominant goalie of the Pacific Division.

Honorable mention

Quick remains among the NHL's elite goaltenders. Another strong performance on his part this season could see him challenging his former understudy Jones as the division's top goalie. 

Projected 2016-17 Standings

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San Jose Sharks

They're powered by a lethal offense led by Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns. Their top four defensemen are among the league's best, and they've got a rising star between the pipes in Martin Jones. They face a daunting challenge returning to the Stanley Cup Final but have the depth in talent to top the Pacific Division.

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks possess a very deep young defense corps and a good young starting goalie in John Gibson. Veteran forwards Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler will once again carry the offensive load, but they need additional scoring punch if they're to finish atop the division. 

Los Angeles Kings

The ranks of the two-time Stanley Cup champions has depleted over the last two years. They still possess a solid core of veteran talent in forwards Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli, defensemen Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin, and goalie Jonathan Quick. Beyond those players, however, the talent depth significantly drops.

Calgary Flames

By adding veterans Brian Elliott and Chad Johnson, the Flames hope they've addressed last season's porous goaltending. New head coach Glen Gulutzan will be expected to improve their puck-possession game. Led by young scoring stars Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, the Flames could vault into a playoff berth if the Kings or Ducks stumble. 

Arizona Coyotes

The Coyotes bolstered their blue-line depth by adding veterans Alex Goligoski and Luke Schenn. They're stocked with rising young forwards in as Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, Dylan Strome and Christian Dvorak. However, they lack experienced skill up front and questions persist over the consistency of starting goalie Mike Smith.

Edmonton Oilers

Big things are expected this season from rising stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers also added power forward Milan Lucic and dealt Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Adam Larsson. A lack of proven depth on defense and on their checking lines are still significant concerns. 

Vancouver Canucks

The best days of top forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin, defenseman Alexander Edler, and goalie Ryan Miller are now behind them. The Canucks lack proven secondary scoring and experienced blue-line depth. It adds up to a potentially difficult transition season. 

Player and team stats via NHL.com.