Washington Capitals

 

Short Term Outlook: The Caps are one of the favourites to come out of the East this year. This team is very strong, led by Christian Dvorak's monster campaign and Jack Campbell's solid play so far.

 

Long Term Outlook: This team isn't necessarily built to win now. As Larry says - trust the process. So far, the process is working. I trust Larry to continue making improvements going forward.

 

Core 4 of the future: Jack Campbell, Trevor Zegras, Devon Toews, Pavel Buchnevich. C

 

Notable futures: Nils Lundkvist, Trevor Zegras, Raphael Lavoie, Henrik Borgstrom. Picks are in tact aside from this year.

 

Chances of winning a cup over the next three years: I won't go as far to say that there's a good chance Larry makes a cup appearance over the next few years, but I wouldn't be shocked by anything, either.

 

 

Carolina Hurricanes

 

Short Term Outlook: This is a top 4 Eastern team this year. Next year shouldn't be any worse, with no notable losses to UFA. The team will actually likely be deeper next year, with the emergence of Mangiapane, Stephenson, amongst others.

 

Long Term Outlook: It's always tough to say with the Canes. They're all in every year, but have always managed to keep enough contract control over their guys to keep competing year after year.

 

Core 4 of the future: Andrew Mangiapane, Vitek Vanacek, Andrew Copp, Mikhail Sergachev. C-

 

Notable futures: Never any of note for the Canes.

 

Chances of winning a cup over the next three years: Might make an appearance, but going to say no.

 

 

New York Islanders

 

Short Term Outlook: Per the usual, the Isles are a powerhouse. They’ll likely be one again next year, too.

 

Long Term Outlook: Eventually, without more activity, the well will run dry in NY. But they’ll be very competitive for the foreseeable future.

 

Core 4 of the future: Aleksander Barkov, Kyle Connor, Andrei Vasilevski, Charlie McAvoy. A

 

Notable futures: All picks (somehow) in tact. Helge Grans headlines the prospect pool.

 

Chances of winning a cup over the next three years: As good of a chance as any team in the league. Will definitely make an appearance or two.

 

 

Columbus Blue Jackets

 

Short Term Outlook: Jesse has a pretty good roster, but really needs a goalie. That’ll pretty much decide his relevance over the next couple years.

 

Long Term Outlook: This team appears to be in line to compete for many years. There’s a great mix of veteran and young talent. The only way the Jackets won’t be competitive is if Jesse decides to retool.

 

Core 4 of the future: Brayden Point, Vincent Trocheck, Darnell Nurse, Brock Boeser. B+

 

Notable futures: Not much in the way of prospects but all picks are available.

 

Chances of winning a cup over the next three years: I don’t see much chance, but that could change by acquiring a goalie. No way to tell how good this team is until that happens.

 

 

Philadelphia Flyers

 

Short Term Outlook: Not ideal. This hasn’t been the year Anthony was hoping to have.

 

Long Term Outlook: Tough to say how good this team will/won’t become. A lot will depend on how the prospects develop over the next few years. I like their chances of being competitive, though.

 

Core 4 of the future: Spencer Knight, Ilya Sorokin, Moritz Seider, Gabriel Landeskog. B

 

Notable futures: Moritz Seider, Spencer Knight, Ville Heinola, Liam Foudy, Morgan Frost. Plenty of depth in the prospect pool.

 

Chances of winning a cup over the next three years: I would say slim, but if Anthony holds both goalies and they become really good (in BRHL), they might lead him to more success than some might think possible.

 

New Jersey Devils

 

Short Term Outlook: As is the theme when we get to the bottom of divisions – this has not been a good year for NJ.

 

Long Term Outlook: I think the Devils are in good hands with Ken. But it’s going to take some time for him to build this team into a real contender.

 

Core 4 of the future: Oliver Bjorkstrand, Tim Stutzle, Colton Parayko, whoever he drafts. F

 

Notable futures: There are some average prospects in the system, but nothing worth noting really.

 

Chances of winning a cup over the next three years: No chance at all.

 

 

New York Rangers

 

Short Term Outlook: Not good at all. Doesn’t like it’s going to change any time soon.

 

Long Term Outlook: There’s a lot of work to be done with this team. Nowhere near being a contender.

 

Core 4 of the future: Auston Matthews, Rasmus Sandin, Marco Rossi, Connor Zary. C-

 

Notable futures: Connor Zary, Marco Rossi, Hendrix Lapierre, Martin Kaut headline a pretty deep prospect pool. Picks are entirely in tact as well.

 

Chances of winning a cup over the next three years: Almost no chance.

 

 

Pittsburgh Penguins

 

Short Term Outlook: As bad as any team’s. This squad is not built to win any time soon.

 

Long Term Outlook: It’s going to be a project for Toby to turn this team around within the next few years. They will get there one day, but it won’t be soon.

 

Core 4 of the future: Quinton Byfield, Dawson Mercer, Alexander Holtz, Tyson Foerster. D+

 

Notable futures: All picks in tact, including some extra 2nds. Hirvonen, Tracey, Merkley headline the rest of the Pens prospect pool.

 

Chances of winning a cup over the next three years: Absolutely zero.