8. Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are clearly looking to rebuild as they continued to trade away key players this offseason, which included goaltender Jacob Markstrom who is now with the New Jersey Devils. On paper, they look to be lacking the talent to compete with the rest of the division and it makes it only tougher with the recent news that Yegor Sharangovich will begin the year on injured reserve.
The Flames weren't even close to a playoff spot last year so the idea of rebuilding is a good one but it will be a few seasons before they are competing once again in the division.
7. Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are another team that is seemingly destined for the bottom of the division and if this prediction holds true will be the fourth straight season where they finish in the bottom two of the Pacific. Similar to the Kings, they are going to be relying on a group of young players to help them take the next step.
The difference though is that the Kings have established stars like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. It would not be surprising if the Ducks look to move some of their older veterans closer to the deadline like goalie John Gibson.