NHL Atlantic predictions 2022: Final standings, playoff projections, winning pick

The Atlantic Division was split in half last season, with four clear-cut playoff contenders and another four teams just trying to find wins. That's not the case this season. 

After a crazy offseason, there's a buzz in the Atlantic. The Red Wings and Senators each are immensely better thanks to trades and free agency, and the conversations of postseason play have already begun among the fan bases. However, all four playoff teams from last season look to be just as strong, which means things are shaping up for an intriguing race in the Atlantic. 

The Panthers won the division last season, in addition to the Presidents' Trophy, but there was quite a bit of personnel change down in Sunrise. The Maple Leafs overhauled at the goalie position, while the Lightning are gearing up for another run at a Stanley Cup. The Bruins aren't regarded as favorites to win the division, but playoffs are always on the mind in Boston. 

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The Sporting News breaks down the Atlantic Division and predicts who will be crowned the division champion. 

SN's Atlantic Division predictions

1. Toronto Maple Leafs

There are always high expectations set in Toronto, and this year is no different. After finishing with the fourth-best record in the league last season, the Maple Leafs yet again exited the playoffs in the first round. This year should finally be the season that a playoff series win comes for the Maple Leafs. Not only do I think Toronto wins the division, but the team also snags the Presidents' Cup and makes a deep postseason run. The key factor will be goaltending, as Toronto overhauled the position and brought in Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov to rotate.  

2. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning come into this season yet again regarded as one of the Cup favorites and rightfully so. The losses of Ryan McDonagh and Ondrej Palat are going to hurt the group, but the core in Tampa Bay is built with winners. It's hard to ever count out a group with Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Andrei Vasilevskiy and an excellent supporting cast. A fourth straight Stanley Cup Final appearance is certainly in the cards in Tampa. 

3. Florida Panthers

After winning the Presidents' Trophy last year, the Panthers proved that the 2020-21 season was no fluke. However, the team had a ton of roster turnover this offseason, highlighted by the Matthew Tkachuk trade. While Florida gained a quality winger in Tkachuk, it was at the cost of Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar. Florida's lack of depth on defense isn't being discussed enough, and there are real questions about whether the team is better than last year. But it's still a strong roster that has high potential.  

4. Boston Bruins

A lot of people seem to be overlooking the Bruins, who are bringing back the same roster, plus the return of David Krejci. They will have to overcome the start of the season without Charlie McAvoy, Brad Marchand and Matt Grzelcyk, but the rest of the roster is still strong enough to win games. As long as Boston can stay afloat at the beginning of the year, it should be in the running for the playoffs by the end. 

5. Ottawa Senators

Ottawa was one of the teams to make some big moves this summer, acquiring Alex DeBrincat and signing Claude Giroux to give the team one of the best top-six forward groups in the league. The Senators also traded for Cam Talbot to give their goaltending an upgrade. While a lot of people feel like Ottawa can make the playoffs, the blue line remains very weak and still is a concern. It's ultimately what holds the team back from the postseason. 

6. Detroit Red Wings

Like the Senators, the Red Wings made major moves this offseason, signing a number of free agents including Ben Chiarot, David Perron and Andrew Copp. They also traded for Ville Husso to give them a strong 1-2 duo in net with Alex Nedeljkovic. In addition to the new signings, Detroit is banking on young players Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond and Simon Edvinsson taking another step forward in progression. While the Red Wings be a tough out, a playoff berth just isn't in the cards for them this season. 

7. Buffalo Sabres

There's a lot to like about what's going on in Buffalo. They have a number of promising stars on the rise, such as Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens and Owen Power. The team continues to improve year after year under Don Granato and it will do so again. But the Sabres just aren't quite at the point of being playoff contenders. Stay patient, Sabres fans, your time will come. 

8. Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens really disappointed last season, finishing with the worst record in the league after making a Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. They're not going to be any better in 2022-23. Cole Caufield's development under Martin St. Louis will be an intriguing storyline to watch. But perhaps the most attention will be on Juraj Slafkovsky, who Montreal elected to take with the No. 1 pick instead of Shane Wright. 

Atlantic Division odds

The Maple Leafs enter the season as the favorite to win the Atlantic Division, according to Sports Interaction. 

SN's Eastern Conference playoff predictions

*Bolded teams indicate Atlantic Division teams

First round

Second round

Eastern Conference Final

Stanley Cup Final

Conn Smythe: Frederik Andersen, Hurricanes