What to expect from Canada’s NHL teams

From Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers to Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs, here is a look at Canada’s seven NHL teams for the coming season: getting better and is among the league’s best. OUTLOOK: Should make the playoffs. Beyond their youth, the Maple Leafs will be relying heavily on Frederik Andersen to be a consistent presence between the pipes. still trying to work on his all-around game, but his offensive punch is Teemue Selanneesque. OUTLOOK: Playoff bubble team. It’s hard to win without consistent goaltending, and the Jets are betting on Mason to solve those woes behind a talented group which includes Calder trophy runner-up Laine, Mark Scheifele and 21-year-old Nikolaj Ehlers. The Jets also hope hidden talents like Kyle Connor and Jack Roslovic make the leap alongside Bryan Little, Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien. ADDED: D Travis Hamonic, G Mike Smith, G Eddie Lack LOST: D Deryk Engelland, G Brian Elliott, G Chad Johnson PLAYER TO WATCH: Smith. The Flames have some incredible talent up front, but their season rides on the goaltending of Smith, who came over in a trade from Arizona. OUTLOOK: Should make the playoffs. Smith is the latest hopeful in goal, with the 35-year-old arriving by trade one year after Calgary landed Elliott to do the same. He should bring stability behind a defence that added Hamonic to top stalwarts Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton and T.J. Brodie. The offence is hoping Johnny Gaudreau bounces back with a big year and that the superb trio of Matthew Tkachuk, Mikael Backlund and Michael Frolik delivers again.