We’re going to dive deep into the hard numbers and RAW data to eliminate as much gray area as possible, and to bring you an educated projection of how the season could unfold based on several major factors.  I have broken down into great depth the strength of all 32 teams’ top 6 and top 9 forward groups, their top 4 defensemen depth, their starting goalie rates, and their “spending/buying power” (a breakdown of cap space, and to a lesser extent, cash in the bank, heading towards free agency).   So, grab a snack, your drink of choice, light some candles, tune out the wife, and get ready for your ego to be crushed or massaged depending on where your team lands. 

Continuing our journey, we land on the East Coast today with a look at the Metro Division projected order of finish, again, based on the top 6 and 9 forward depth, top 4 defenseman depth, starting goalie rating, and spending power of each franchise.  This one was fun, as the Metro is probably the league’s deepest division... by a hair (sorry Central fans).

1. New York Islanders.  Some things, like Sumit’s roster, changes from day to day.  Other things, like Joe having an outstanding team, rarely changes.  The Islanders are back yet again, and although they certainly aren’t overwhelming favourites to take the division, they currently feature arguably the 2nd best top 6 forward group in the brhl.  Add in a top 3 goaltender and they’ll be contenders not only for their division, but to be the beasts of the entire Eastern Conference.  Buying power does sit only around 25th though so don’t expect big additions this summer. 

2. Columbus Blue Jackets.  This spot could be occupied by close to half a dozen teams (including the Isles).  Jesse actually sports a slightly inferior group of both forwards and D-men to the 3rd place Flyers, but has the clear edge in goal and in buying power.  I have him 17th overall in the latter category which is one of the strongest positions of all playoff contending teams.  However, if he can’t cash in on that flexibility to shore up a couple weaknesses, Jessie could drop down multiple spots. 

3. Philadelphia Flyers.  There is a grand total of 2 brhl teams that fall inside each of the top 8 overall in their top 6 and 9 forward groups, top 4 D-man corps, and starting goalie ranking.  Anthony and his Flyers are one of those two teams.  The other will be disclosed in a later article.   Their spending/buying power is in tight spot at 30th overall, so to make major improvements, Tony will have to get creative.  I expect moves though out of both him and Larry as the two members of the league’s hottest rivalry seek to best each other in their quest to reach the top of the Metro ladder. 

4. Washington Capitals.   Larry sports a fairly decent top 9 up front, and that depth should serve him well in a division that will likely feature many close games.  The Caps land between 10th and 15th overall in all player and goalie rankings, and my simple brain tells me that is above average, but certainly not spectacular.  I really don’t see this team contending for the division, but should have the guns to battle for a playoff spot.   We all want to see a Flyers/Caps matchup come April, so hopefully Larry does everything he can to make our dreams a reality. 

5. Carolina Hurricanes.  Everyone’s favourite adopted brother, uncle, and cousin went on an impressive playoff run this spring, but he did sell off a tad.  Hopefully it is just a minor retooling and we get to see the storm surge once more.  The goaltending and forwards remain adequate, but the back end is in rough shape.   Everyone loves a “Rich Uncle” and that’s what “Uncle Rich” is these days with the 14th best spending power in the league.  Time will tell if he uses that to go for another playoff run, or goes into more of a rebuild mode.  

6. New York Rangers.  PJ engineered one of the biggest trades in league history last year shipping out Auston Matthews, but brought in some absolute studs to replace him.  Building long-term around Cale Makar already gives New York the 7th best top 4 on the backend, but there are holes in all other areas.  I don’t expect the 23rd best forward group to drastically improve this season as I believe PJ is in it for the long haul, despite having top 5 buying power heading towards the silly season.

7. New Jersey Devils.  Despite Ville Husso giving Ken slightly above average talent in between the pipes, Jersey ranks between 22nd and 26th overall in all of their skater ranks.  Basically Tim Stutzle is on an island right now.  If Ken moves his best D-man, Colton Parayko, who’s been on the trade block for months, he may give Toby a run for his money for the division’s basement.   

8. Pittsburgh Penguins.  It’s obviously by design, but Toby and his Pens sport a terrible roster when it comes to the rates of players under contract heading into 2022-23.  Basically 27th to 30th in all categories.   He’s likely going to spoil a few GM’s days during free agency as he is top 3 in spending/buying power right now.  But if he intends to target a high draft slot in the Shane Wright sweepstakes, he may choose to take it easy, and not throw too much coin around this summer.