Western Conference Contenders, Pretenders, and Basement Teams

On today's episode of Locked on NHL, Seth Toupal and JD Young analyze the Western Conference's contenders, bubble teams, and basement teams after free agency and the draft. We start with why the Nashville Predators have joined the Western Conference elite with their massive offseason and if the Vancouver Canucks can prove that last year was not a fluke. Next, we look at teams who will probably contend for the playoffs but are a tier below the contenders and if the Seattle Kraken and Utah Hockey Club can enter the fray this season. Finally, which teams are expected to have a long season, and why do the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues feel directionless compared to the rest of the basement teams?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay Motors - For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.Gametime - Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuel - FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)