08-09 Northwest Division Predictions

Offense (if Sundin goes to Vancouver)
1. Vancouver
2. Calgary
3. Edmonton
4. Minnesota
5. Colorado

Offense (if Sundin refuses to be parted from his Swedish pony)
1. Calgary
2. Edmonton
3. Vancouver
4. Minnesota
5. Colorado

This division is actually quite strong on offense. The Oilers have a fabulous top six who would murder in most other divisions; it's just that Vancouver's top six could include Mats Sundin, Pavol Demitra, and the Sedins. And Steve Bernier.

And Calgary has that Jarome Iginla and that high-scoring defenseman.

Minnesota has a great goal-scorer in Marian Gaborik, and Colorado has some great centers in Paul Stastny and Joe Sakic. If Sakic has a Sakic season, then this ranking looks very different indeed. Again, there are so many variables it's ridiculous to try to predict these things. Nevertheless, let's continue the game:

Defense
1. Calgary
2. Colorado
3. Edmonton
4. Minnesota
5. Vancouver

Goaltending
1. Vancouver
2. Calgary
3. Minnesota
4. Edmonton
5. Colorado

I hate to rank the Av's so low, but again, if Joe Sakic stays healthy all bets are off.