NHL division previews: 2017-18 Atlantic Division preview

NHL division previews: 2017-18 Atlantic Division

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 08: Montreal Canadiens center Alex Galchenyuk (27) gets congratulated on his game winning goal in overtime during the NHL hockey game between the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings on April 8, 2017, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 19: Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo (1) is shown during the second preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Florida Panthers, held on September 19, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

6th in 2017-18 Atlantic Division – Florida Panthers

In what was arguably one of the least impressive off-season’s in the entire league, the Panthers did very little to move in the right direction. Last season was a bit of a gong show for them, as they expected to make the playoffs. This year shouldn’t be as bad, as the playoffs are a pipe dream for them at this point.

The first interesting decision on their part was to let aging veteran Jaromir Jagr, who is still statistically and analytically one of the best forwards they had, walk away. They did little during the remainder of the summer to replace Jagr, bringing in players like Evgeny Dadonov, and others who are very likely going to be AHL depth, at best.

While there are a few players in Jonathan Huberdeau, Jonathan Marchessault, Vincent Trochek and Aleksander Barkov that can offer some offense, it’s likely not going to be enough to lean on completely.

The defense looks solid, but not much else. A top pairing of Keith Yandle and Aaron Ekblad is a good one, and players like Michael Matheson, Alex Petrovic and Mark Pysyk should offer some decent depth in the bottom two pairings.

As for the goaltending, that’s still solid as well. With an aging Roberto Luongo in net, you’re bound to get some stellar games, but not consistently anymore. Luongo will be good enough to win a game here or there, and not lose all that often. But with father time creeping in on him, he cannot play 60-plus games anymore.

The Panthers don’t look to be a playoff team currently, but their position in this division could be slightly different, primarily depending on the next two teams on this list. Keep your playoff hopes alive, Panther fans, but don’t be sad if they don’t make it this season.

Player to watch in 2017-18: Evgeny Dadonov. An interesting name that hasn’t played in the NHL since 2011-12. He showed brief glimpses of promise in his last North American venture, and his play in the KHL the last three seasons provides reason for excitement.