Ranking the NHL Western Conference
Here's a look at the NHL competition facing the Blackhawks in the West, with our preseason rankings:
Western Conference
1. Detroit Red Wings
What's new: Signed Mike Modano; Jiri Hudler returns from Russia.
What's gone: Defensemen Brett Lebda and Andreas Lilja.
What's up: Red Wings now are the deepest team in the West.
2. San Jose Sharks
What's new: Stanley Cup hero Antti Niemi in goal.
What's gone: Evgeni Nabokov left for Russia; Rob Blake retired.
What's up: Is this finally the Sharks' year to make the Finals? Don't bet on it.
3. Vancouver Canucks
What's new: Addressed a glaring need by adding two mobile defensemen in Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard.
What's gone: Pavol Demitra, Steve Bernier, Kyle Wellwood and Willie Mitchell.
What's up: All of Canada is picking them to win the Cup, but are they mentally tough enough?
4. Blackhawks
What's new: Marty Turco, Fernando Pisani, John Scott and a handful of prospects.
What's gone: Half the team. Dustin Byfuglien, Kris Versteeg and Andrew Ladd should be missed the most.
What's up: Hawks must prove they can overcome the precious depth they lost.
5. Los Angeles Kings
What's new: Signing concussed d-man Willie Mitchell was a gamble.
What's gone: Alexander Frolov, Raitis Ivanans and Sean O'Donnell.
What's up: This is a team to watch, led by stud defenseman Drew Doughty.
6. Phoenix Coyotes
What's new: Scorer Ray Whitney.
What's gone: Matthew Lombardi and d-man Zbynek Michalek will be missed.
What's up: What's not to like about this hard-working team, starting with Ilya Bryzgalov in goal?
7. St. Louis Blues
What's new: Playoff hero Jaroslav Halak in goal.
What's gone: Keith Tkachuk retired, Paul Kariya is taking a year off (concussion) and goalie Chris Mason was let go.
What's up: Halak changes everything in terms of expectations for the young Blues and coach Davis Payne.
8. Nashville Predators
What's new: Matthew Lombardo and Sergei Kostitsyn.
What's gone: Jason Arnott, Dan Hamhuis and Dan Ellis.
What's up: Never underestimate this team as long as Barry Trotz is standing behind the bench. Ask the Hawks.
9. Calgary Flames
What's new: For some reason, Ollie Jokinen and Alex Tanguay are back.
What's gone: Eric Nystrom and Chris Higgins.
What's up: Miss the playoffs again and GM Darryl Sutter and coach Brent Sutter could be gone.
10. Colorado Avalanche
What's new: Avs stood pat.
What's gone: Darcy Tucker, Marek Svatos and Stephane Yelle.
What's up: The play of goalie Craig Anderson will determine again if they make the playoffs.
11. Minnesota Wild
What's new: Matt Cullen, Eric Nystrom and John Madden.
What's gone: Tough guys Derek Boogaard and John Scott.
What's up: Wild could be a big surprise if they can keep the puck out of their own net.
12. Anaheim Ducks
What's new: D-man Toni Lydman.
What's gone: D-men Scott Niedermayer and James Wisniewski.
What's up: Too many holes on defense for Ducks to reach postseason.
13. Dallas Stars
What's new: Adam Burish and Andrew Raycroft.
What's gone: Mike Modano and Marty Turco left as free agents.
What's up: Shaky defense and questions in goal with Kari Lehtonen equals no playoffs again.
14. Edmonton Oilers
What's new: First overall pick Taylor Hall and speedy prospects Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi at forward.
What's gone: Ethan Moreau, Sheldon Souray, Fernando Pisani and Ryan Potulny.
What's up: Led by the explosive Hall, the Oilers are starting over with kids and should be fun to watch, but can Nikolai Khabibulin stay healthy?
15. Columbus Blue Jackets
What's new: Ethan Moreau and coach Scott Arniel.
What's gone: Jackets stood pat.
What's up: The playoffs are unlikely unless goalie Steve Mason returns to his rookie form.