We took our last look at the Metropolitan Division in mid July after the dust had settle from the free agent frenzy. There was a trickle of additional moves through the latter part of the summer that shifted the landscape slightly. There are still a few roster decisions to be made with training camps underway, but let’s take a look at how the division is shaping up for puck drop on the regular season.
Metropolitan Division Projected Standings
The Metropolitan Division is by far the tightest in the projected standings as the regular season approaches. Let’s take a look at each team’s late summer moves in order of the projected standings.
1 – Carolina Hurricanes
Change in Projected Standings Points: +0
Change in Division Rank: +0
The Hurricanes signed RFAs Ethan Bear and Martin Necas to new deals after our last update, as well as added Paul Stastny on a 1 year deal. Age is creeping into Stastny’s projected impact but he’s still a capable middle six forward. The addition didn’t do much to improve the Canes’ team strength, but it does add some depth that should make them more resilient as injuries inevitably strike throughout the season.
2 – New Jersey Devils
Change in Projected Standings Points: +0
Change in Division Rank: +0
The Devils focus since our last snapshot was signing a handful of RFAs to new deals. Jesper Bratt was the most notable, both for his projected impact and the terms of his new deal. Bratt’s projected impact is a top line forward. With only a one year deal in place, the two sides will prepare for another negotiation next offseason.
3 – Washington Capitals
Change in Projected Standings Points: +2
Change in Division Rank: +2
The Capitals were quiet through the late part of the offseason. Alex Ovechkin has his sights set on the all-time goals record and, yes, he can still put the puck in the net.
4 – Philadelphia Flyers
Change in Projected Standings Points: +1
Change in Division Rank: +2
The Flyers made a few depth signings during the late summer. The bigger news was the loss of Sean Couturier for an extended period as training camp got underway. Couturier is a key piece for the Flyers and an extended absence would hurt their chances of meeting the projected results.
5 – Columbus Blue Jackets
Change in Projected Standings Points: -1
Change in Division Rank: -1
The Blue Jackets signed Patrik Laine to a 4 year extension just after our last snapshot. They paid a hefty price to do so and were forced to trade away salary as a result. Oliver Bjorkstrand was the casualty and headed to Seattle. The Blue Jackets will be hoping Johnny Gaudreau is the playmaker Laine needs to return to elite sniper status.
6 – Pittsburgh Penguins
Change in Projected Standings Points: -2
Change in Division Rank: -3
The Penguins signed RFA Kasperi Kapanen to a new deal, along with the previously unqualified Danton Heinen. They lose a couple of points in the late summer roster shuffling drop down the Metropolitan depth chart.
7 – New York Islanders
Change in Projected Standings Points: +0
Change in Division Rank: +0
When we finally learned what Lou Lamoriello had up his sleeve this offseason it was, well, underwhelming. Alex Romanov and Noah Dobson signed new deals as RFAs and the Islanders didn’t add any notable UFAs.
8 – New York Rangers
Change in Projected Standings Points: +0
Change in Division Rank: +0
The Rangers late summer was quiet. The only notable piece of business was a new deal for RFA Kaapo Kakko. The former 2nd overall pick hasn’t broken out at the NHL level yet, although he’s shown flashes and is only 21. The Kid Line was excellent in last year’s playoffs and if he can build on it, we may see him in the Rangers’ top six yet.
More
Want to peruse the player projections behind the team profiles or browse player cards for more of the new free agent signings? Sign up for an annual membership to get access to all 22/23 team and player projection cards. Plots will be updated to track progress through the season so you can follow along with the changing landscape.
Input data for models from Natural Stat Trick. Contract data from CapFriendly.
