NHL’s Atlantic Rich with Talent and Troubles

It’s a relatively quiet time in the National Hockey League.

Late August.

Camps still a few weeks away.

Outside of a Laine trade here, a Blues-Oilers offer sheet tussle there, not a whole heck of a lot rocking on.

Hence, the dawning of the month-of-the-lists.

TSN’s been at it. So too, Sportsnet. Even Ottawa Life’s getting into the mix.

Last week we took a closer look at the league’s Eastern Conference and the largest questions surrounding each of the clubs heading into the 2024-25 season.

We’re going even a little more micro this week and focussing exclusively in on the Atlantic Division teams, examining the strengths and weaknesses of each of the eight organizations as well as their biggest ‘needs.’

With that, we march forward. (Alphabetically, of course).

BOSTON BRUINS

Strengths: A traditional competitor, year after year – the Bruins seemingly never engage in a full rebuild, simply just reload and adjust. That makes the B’s a tough out and a tough exclusion when you’re talking about Cup contenders. The additions of Elias Lindholm, Mark Kastelic and Nikita Zadorov are ideal for the organization’s gritty identity. Jeremy Swayman is a top-end netminder and will keep Boston in the mix . . . one more time.

Weaknesses: Uber-talented pest Brad Marchand isn’t getting any younger (age 36) and injuries waylaid the veteran in the post-season. He’s still the go-to talent on the roster. The loss of Linus Ullmark to Ottawa via trade means it’s Swayman guarding the cage. Boston’s hoping back-up Joonas Korpisalo can put that abysmal season with the Senators in the rearview mirror.

Biggest need: Health. The B’s have lost many a body in the past two years and don’t have as robust and deep a lineup as in years past.

BUFFALO SABRES

Strengths: Tinkering around the edges and adding a couple of experienced skaters is nice, but much like Ottawa, Buffalo’s gonna sink or swim with its fine (we believe) collection of young players. There’s no denying the Sabres have a defence to be envied – youth and talent-wise – with Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin and Bowen Byram. In goal, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was superb in the second half of 2024. Look for Tage Thompson (29 goals) to register a bounce-back year.

Weaknesses: The coaching elevator’s swung its doors open and closed far too often the past decade. Enter Lindy Ruff. One more time. Will it be 14 straight playoff-less campaigns?

Biggest need: Yeesh. That’s pretty easy – gain some consistency. The Sabres can look great one game, then poor the next two. Maybe ol’ Lindy can bring some calm.

DETROIT RED WINGS

Strengths: Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider remain unsigned (RFAs), yet we’re not too concerned Steve Yzerman can’t get it done in the next few weeks (or hours, for that matter). The two are the plums on the Wings’ tree and any hope for a return to the playoffs depends on stellar seasons. Detroit boasts a decent forward group (Alex DeBrincat, Pat Kane, captain Dylan Larkin).

Weaknesses: Behind the forwards lies trouble. Detroit’s defensive depth is suspect after Seider and up-and-comer Simon Edvinsson. The goaltending may be the worst in the division.

Biggest need: Obviously getting Seider and the 22-year-old sensation Raymond (31 goals) on board is priority No. 1. Quality depth isn’t there now.

FLORIDA PANTHERS

Strengths: One Cup win and two trips to the final in the last two years tells the story. Paul Maurice’s team is locked and loaded with guys who understand winning hockey. Fifty-seven goal man Sam Reinhart is back, as is Matthew Tkachuk who’s entering his prime and Aleksander Barkov’s along as well who’s just, well, Aleksander Barkov. There are not a lot of questions surrounding this team. The goal remains the property of Sergei Bobrovsky.

Weaknesses: See above. Although, losing made-to-be-a-Panther Brandon Montour and depth producer Oliver Ekman-Larsson will sting the blueline.

Biggest need: Another few weeks of rest.

MONTREAL CANADIENS

Strengths: The perception is that Marty St. Louis gets the most out of his players and that his players love to play for him. Given what comes out of the players’ mouths and their improved performance, we’d concur. The management is creating a potential Eastern powerhouse (down the road) including a youthful defence that’s stocked and stoked.

Weaknesses: For now? Inexperience. There is simply not a lot here to dislike (down the road, Part II).

Biggest need: A time machine. Let’s see how the Habs look in two-three years.

OTTAWA SENATORS

Strengths: As Frank Costanza would say: “Serenity now!” The (relatively) new ownership and management has settled the tornado that in previous seasons had Ottawa auditioning for Twisters. The club is no longer a storm-chaser. Roster-wise, Ottawa should see jumps from a healthy Tim Stutzle and oncoming Jake Sanderson. The goal is now in the hands of former Vezina-winner Linus Ullmark. Brady Tkachuk is likely tired of seeing his older brother trot around with the Cup. Motivation, people.

Weaknesses: The additions of Mike Amadio and 36-year-old David Perron were kind of ‘meh.’ Ditto for Nick Jensen. Did GM Steve Staios do enough during the summer months to put his team into playoff contention?

Biggest need: Further growth from guys like Ridley Greig, potential fourth-liner Zack Ostapchuk and Tyler Kleven . . . among others.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Strengths: Coaching. Leadership. Goaltending. Experience. Counting out the Lightning would be a mistake. Even as he gets his accolades, Nikita Kucherov remains a tad underrated.

Weaknesses: An aging roster. But as Eleanor Roosevelt said: “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” (OK. That’s a bit rich, even coming from me). Losing Steven Stamkos hurts on the ice and in the room.

Biggest need: An injection of energy. The Lightning are indeed an old warhorse, or at least an aging one. Big 20-year-old Conor Geekie (acquired in the Mikhael Sergachev trade with Utah) might be the tonic. There’s not a lot more. Tampa has the 29^th-ranked prospects list (EliteProspects.com).

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Strengths: Being God’s team.

Weaknesses: God has a sense of humour.

Biggest need: Oh boy. How about winning a couple of rounds to satiate the crazed fan base?

thegrossgame@yahoo.com