NHL Power Rankings Week One: Capitals, Lightning, Predators, And Ducks Are Favorites

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #20 – Florida Panthers

Coming in at #20 in our NHL Power Rankings are the Florida Panthers. They’re a young team that keeps on getting better.

STRENGTHS: The Panthers have quietly assembled an impressive core of young players. 2014-15 Calder Trophy winner Aaron Ekblad is going to continue to get better. Jonathan Huberdeau is a young star. Nick Bjugstad and Aleksander Barkov are two of the best young centers in the league. Brandon Pirri has the potential to be an excellent scorer when he’s healthy.

WEAKNESSES: They are going to have trouble scoring this season. They lack anything resembling an elite goal scorer. Roberto Luongo is on the wrong side of 30. The 36-year-old goaltender is still a very good goalie. However, he has begun to noticeably decline.

OUTLOOK: For the first time in a while, things are looking up in Florida. They’re definitely on the right path to contention.

Next: #19