Winnipeg loaded with young talent

A team from the West has not won the Stanley Cup the previous three seasons, the conference’s longest drought in the 13year salary cap era.

Before the Washington Capitals won it last year after Pittsburgh claimed consecutive championships, the West was usually the best, winning seven of 10 titles. Four teams, profiled below, seem to have the best shot to prevent it from being a fouryear run without a Stanley Cup.

And perhaps a few more have an outside chance.

Winnipeg

The Jets, who trailed only Nashville in points last season, have an elite team after years of patiently drafting and developing players. Winnipeg has so much young talent, including 20yearold wing Patrik Laine, the time to win is now because it is going to be challenging next season to keep the team together and under the cap.

“Bring it on,” Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said. “There’s excitement. That’s what this all about.”

Nashville

The Predators have one of the world’s best goaltender, reigning Vezina Trophy winner Pekka Rinne. He may have the surrounding cast of hungry, experienced talented players to win the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in its 20 years after leading the league in points.

“Obviously things didn’t end up the way we wanted, but winning the regular season doesn’t give you much,” Rinne said.

Vegas

The Golden Knights signed threetime Stanley Cup champion MarcAndre Fleury to a threeyear, $21 million extension over the summer. They can lean on his experience of helping Pittsburgh go from losing the Stanley Cup in 2008 to winning it the next year. Adding the leadership of Pacioretty and Stastny after losing James Neal was a smart move.

San Jose

The Sharks’ shot to win it all for the first time in their 27season history increased the moment they acquired Karlsson, one of the elite players in the NHL.

“That trade makes this team look a little bit more dangerous,” captain Joe Pavelski said, entering his 13th year with the franchise. “And, a little bit more real.”