Lets start with the Stanley Cup Champions, the Chicago Blackhawks,

The Blackhawks didn’t make it through the summer entirely unscathed. Bolland and Stalberg were good depth players, Frolik an excellent penalty killer, and Emery a prized backup goalie. But compared to the exit of numerous talented players following their last Stanley Cup win, this off-season was a lot easier to stomach for fans in Chicago.

The vital pieces are still there with superstars Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Kane leading the way, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, and Brent Seabrook playing large roles, and Crawford and Bickell perhaps rounding into complete players.

They say it’s even harder to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions than to win in the first place, but Chicago remains as talented as any team in the league and will open the year amongst the favourites to win the Cup next spring.

much more on Chicago plus links to every NHL team preview...