The Daily: Who Are Trendy Picks For the Top 5 Teams in the NHL?

The Chicago Blackhawks are not going to be one of the them as they’re clearly in a rebuild. But who are the trendy top five picks in the NHL during the dog days of summer?

Colorado Hockey Now can enjoy that Sportsnet has its bet on the Colorado Avalanche, believing their ability to get some rest due to a first-round exit as well as having key players returning from injury puts them above the defending champion Vegas Golden Knights. New Jersey Hockey Now also took a look at the same story, noting that the Devils are slotted to take the Metropolitan Division, and the arsenal that New Jersey has assembled makes them the fifth best team in the league.

As for those in the middle? Vegas at two, with Edmonton, and Toronto following at three and four respectively. Curiously, Carolina didn’t make the cut which is interesting since they went further in the playoffs than the middle two.

We’ll check back at the American Thanksgiving to see if it holds up–the official marker for contenders and pretenders for the NHL playoffs.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• Philipp Kurashev and the Blackhawks have a two-year, $4.50M deal after an arbitrator’s ruling
• The Sunday Cinema and Blackhawks Blend looks at 2013 film Man of Steel 
• Puckdoku looks at Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em former Blackhawks who traveled well in the league, too
• Editor’s Choice: The Blackhawks will make Fall sports watching more fun for Chicago fans

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Mitchell Miller’s contract was officially terminated by the Boston Bruins back in February. It resulted in a NHLPA battle but also some other legal wrangling.

Buffalo: Devon Levi is considered the third best goalie prospect in college hockey. Another win for the Buffalo Sabres prospect pool

Detroit: How can the Detroit Red Wings reach 271 goals? Why 271? Of the top 15 scoring teams, they each registered 271 goals. How many though, made the playoffs?

Florida: Vladimir Tarasenko is still a free agent. Would the Florida Panthers maybe make a run at him?

Montreal: What is the Montreal Canadiens goaltending situation going forward?

Philadelphia: A report has Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny being a target for the Washington Capitals

Pittsburgh: If the Pittsburgh Penguins have a backup plan, what would it cost to dump salary elsewhere?

Washington: Looking for some help with the Washington Capitals in Puckdoku? Look no further