The Verdict: 6 NHL Teams Poised To Do Major Damage In 2014-15′ Season

Apr 27, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) skates pat Anaheim Ducks center Andrew Cogliano (7) during the second period in game six of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

With the NHL Draft long over and free agency slowing considerably teams begin looking ahead to what next season might hold. For some the 2014-15′ season looks so bright you’ll need sunglasses, while others are getting there but may not have enough to be serious contenders as soon as this upcoming year.

That being said, hockey is known for producing a couple of Cinderella stories. Many eventually fall victim to better, more experienced teams, though there’s a few who end up competing for or possibly winning Lord Stanley’s Cup.

In this slideshow, I’ll be giving the six teams who look poised to do major damage next season, taking into account their free agent signings thus far and recent draft picks if applicable. Another thing that will be looked at is whether these additions, coupled with longer-tenured veterans, adequately fill organizational needs, resulting in a roster stacked full of high-end talent capable of overcoming any obstacle to reach their ultimate goal.

Are they going to? I don’t have a crystal ball so placing bets on my (extremely) early predictions in Vegas might not be the wisest idea. Just sit back, relax and enjoy instead.