2. Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are dealing with their own injuries to key players in Drew Doughty, who will miss a few months, and did lose Cam Talbot in free agency. So the question is why are they going to finish the highest in the Pacific Division since the 2015-16 season?
The Kings still have Anze Kopitar and have a group of young players that are ready to breakout in Quinton Byfield and Jordan Spence. The departure of the 1-3-1 will also be a positive development for a team that is trying to make a deep playoff run.
1. Edmonton Oilers
While the Kings find a way to move up slightly in the standings, the Edmonton Oilers also find a way to get over the hump and win the Pacific Division after four straight seasons finishing second. The Oilers had a great season and while they didn't end up winning the Stanley Cup, they should once again be one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
The Oilers still have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and they will get some help in former Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner and former Los Angeles Kings' forward Viktor Arvidsson. If both, or even one, are able to bounce back the Oilers could end up running away with the Pacific Division.