The Atlantic Division may be the best division in hockey for the 2022-23 season. The Florida Panthers won the President’s Trophy last season with the top regular season record, and four Atlantic teams totaled at least 107 points.
Two of the clubs that didn’t make the playoffs, the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators, made a splash both in free agency and via trades to return to postseason contention.
With the preseason just a few short weeks away, it’s time to take a look at the top five teams to win the Atlantic Division in 2022-23.
Atlantic Division 2022-23 Possible Winners
Toronto Maple Leafs
With an offense headlined by star center Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs are once again looking to be a goal-scoring juggernaut.
However, as has been the case over the past several seasons, the defense and goaltending groups still leave a bit to be desired.
Toronto traded for goaltender Matt Murray from the Ottawa Senators, getting a third-round pick in 2023 and a seventh-round pick in 2024 in the deal as well.
Statistically, Murray has been one of the worst goaltenders over the past several seasons, though he also won two Stanley Cups while in net for the Pittsburgh Penguins early in his career.
Samsonov Deal with the Leafs
The Maple Leafs also signed former Washington Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov as a free agent. If the tandem of Murray and Samsonov can return to form, Toronto will be one of the best NHL teams next season.
However, Maple Leafs fans aren’t as concerned about the division title as they are with winning their first playoff series since 2004, the longest active drought in the league.
NHL Odds: +125
Florida Panthers
The Panthers pulled off one of the biggest trades in league history, sending forward Jonathan Huberdeau, defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, prospect forward Cole Schwindt, and a lottery-protected first-round pick in 2025 to the Calgary Flames for forward Matthew Tkachuk.
Both Tkachuk and Huberdeau exceeded 100 points last season; Tkachuk scored 42 goals and added 62 assists during the 2021-22 campaign while Huberdeau scored 30 goals with a league-best 85 assists.
Tkachuk’s physical presence is something Florida has lacked in recent years, and it was especially evident while being swept out of the playoffs against their in-state rivals, the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning.
Though the Panthers tied or held an advantage in hits in every game, Florida struggled to win puck battles and establish a net-front presence. These areas are where Tkachuk thrives.
Anton Lundell and Spencer Knight: Panthers Young Stars
Don’t be surprised if the Florida Panthers put up another productive season, especially if young stars like Anton Lundell and Spencer Knight take another step forward in their careers.
Knight, in particular, is ready for more NHL games between the pipes, though with Sergei Bobrovsky making $10 million this season, Knight will likely see a 50-50 split at best, barring injury.
NHL Pick: +125
Tampa Bay Lightning
After three straight trips to the Stanley Cup Finals with two wins in that span, the Lightning have established themselves as a perennial powerhouse.
However, they’ve also discovered they don’t need to win the division, as playoff performance is more important than the top spot in the NHL standings.
NHL Standings
With their “regular season for show, postseason for dough” mentality, the Bolts could once again have the highest finish in the postseason even if they don’t win the division crown.
However, that shouldn’t disqualify them from the conversation around the top five teams to win the Atlantic Division.
Forwards Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov are still among the most dynamic offensive weapons in the league, and Andrei Vasilevskiy is already one of the best ever to tend the net.
NHL Odds: +250
Boston Bruins
There’s a big jump in the odds between Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins, and for good reason. Boston is headed into the season with some big-name players on the injury report.
Defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk both needed off-season shoulder surgery, and winger Brad Marchand had hip surgery as well.
Bergeron, Krejci, and Pastnak: Bruins at Contract Season
The Bruins’ center depth is also precarious at best. Patrice Bergeron is coming off another Selke Trophy-winning campaign and statistically his best defensive season.
However, at age 37, there’s going to be a drop-off in his game at some point. The same goes for 36-year-old David Krejci, back in Boston after spending last season playing professionally in his native Czechia.
Star scorer David Pastnak is in a contract season, meaning he could carry Boston to the playoffs with another strong performance or potentially be moved at the deadline if the Bruins are too far out of contention.
NHL Odds: +1000
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings and Senators round out our list of the top five teams to win the Atlantic Division (which unintentionally becomes a Top Six list) after impressive offseasons, each in different ways.
Red Wings Position at the Odds
Despite having the longest NHL odds in this group, there is still plenty of excitement buzzing around both organizations.
When calculating NHL picks and parlays, a $100 bet on both Detroit and Ottawa making the playoffs would payout $1180.
Detroit loaded up in free agency, adding veteran winger David Perron to bring in playoff experience to the roster, as well as Andrew Copp for center depth and Ville Husso to lock down the net.
They also beefed up the blue line with defensemen:
- Ben Chiarot
- Olli Maatta
- Mark Pysyk
NHL Odds: +2500
Ottawa Senators
On the other hand, the Ottawa Senators made several big trades, bringing in high-flying winger Alex DeBrincat from the Chicago Blackhawks and goaltender Cam Talbot from the Minnesota Wild. They also signed free agent center Claude Giroux.
Both clubs have invested heavily in the draft over the past few years, and their windows of contention are starting to open up once again.
Proper Player Development: A Way to Conquer Next Year Postseason
With proper player development, don’t be surprised if either or both of the Detroit Red Wings and Senators end up in the postseason next year. A division title isn’t exactly likely, but you never know what might happen.
NHL Odds: +2500
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.