Don’t Expect Much To Change For Vegas And The Pacific Division

After the Mitch Marner sign-and-trade news broke, many analysts stated the obvious about the Golden Knights’ status in the Pacific Division. As they were last season, Vegas is expected to hold onto its top position in the division after its headlining offseason moves. However, if the Marner deal fell through, the Golden Knights would still likely be the favorite, or close to repeating as Pacific champions. Realistically, VGK’s roster previous to July 1st was better than all but one divisional team.

Pacific Division Records Since 2017-18

1. Vegas: 362-198-59 (783 Points)
2. Edmonton: 339-228-52 (730 Points)
3. Calgary: 316-228-74 (706 Points)
4. Los Angeles: 309-238-71 (689 Points)
5. Vancouver: 291-252-74 (656 Points)
6. Anaheim: 241-296-82 (564 Points)
7. San Jose: 234-303-81 (549 Points)
8. Seattle: 142-153-33 (317 Points)

The Pacific Division has had to go through Vegas for almost a decade now. The Golden Knights have five 1st Place finishes in that timeframe and two Western Conference titles. Only Calgary and Vancouver have shared the same honor in eight seasons. Next season, we are expecting the Golden Knights to compete once again for the top spot in the Pacific. Certainly, Edmonton and LA will be in the mix, and likely another team that could surprise others in the West. No matter who it is, Vegas will have the edge.

Anaheim Ducks: 2024-25 Record (35-37-10)

The Ducks decided to upgrade their head coach by hiring the controversial yet accomplished Joel Quenneville. The hiring of the three-time Stanley Cup-winning coach is a sign that Anaheim is ready to compete. They moved goalie John Gibson, jettisoned forward Trevor Zegras, signed Mikael Granlund, and still have a ton of cap space. One or two significant acquisitions could boost the Ducks from the bottom to the chewy middle. They’ll have to prove it first before elevating them into the Pacific Division winner category.

Calgary Flames: 2024-25 Record (41-27-14)

The Flames made a valiant effort down the stretch but missed out on the postseason because of an unfriendly tiebreaker. They believe in their young goaltender and their young talent. The question is, who wants to sign there? It’s one of the least desirable locations to play in, and they haven’t been able to hold on to their homegrown talent. Overall, Calgary is in the same situation as they were in 2024-25. Possibly, it would be worse if the club were forced to move defenseman Rasmus Andersson to Vegas in a multi-team trade. The Flames will be difficult to play against and will fight for a wild-card position, unless there’s a major shift in player movement.

San Jose: 2024-25 Record (20-50-12)

The Sharks are an intriguing team heading into October. They’ve drafted high-end talent but have yet to have any success. Will it come in 2025-26? Unlikely. Rationally, the Sharks are more than a couple of years away from catching up to the Golden Knights.

Seattle: 2024-25 Record (35-41-6)

What should we expect from the Kraken next season? Should we expect anything from the Kraken next season? There’s nothing to build off from last season, and they’re under a new system. Keep in mind, Seattle is about to play for their third head coach in three seasons. Maybe, just maybe, Seattle is the shocker in the Pacific Division.

Vancouver: 2024-25 Record (38-30-14)

Each year the Canucks are thought to be a threat. Since their first-place finish in 2023-24, Vancouver has lost their way. The front office was forced to jettison an effective and emotional leader midseason, but were able to extend goal scorer Brock Boeser on Tuesday. It’s hard to believe in a team that failed to qualify for the postseason and then changed coaches. However, the talent is there, and the front office has been active. Their defense is directed by a Norris trophy winner, they are blessed with a dynamic, underachieving forward, and have two effective scoring pests. Even more so, the Canucks have great depth in the goaltending position. They could surprise and make a splash at the deadline, but until they form a deeper roster, they’ll be competing for the third spot in the Pacific or one of the two Wild Card positions.

With Edmonton and LA aiming for another playoff appearance, both should be considered threats to Vegas in the postseason, but not necessarily in the 82-game regular season. Neither Pacific powerhouse has finished higher than second place since Vegas’ inaugural season, and it could continue into the future. Home ice is valued, but as the Oilers have proven the previous two seasons that it’s not vital.

Don’t expect to see a complete revamp in the Pacific Division standings next year. Okay fine, if Connor McDavid somehow gets dealt, it’ll create a seismic change for the entire NHL. More regionally, it’ll open the door for another Pacific Division club to secure one of three guaranteed divisional playoff bids. Make that two spots. Marner and company already have their reservation.