Who will be the top Canadian team in 2017-18?

After a season in 2015-16 in which NONE of the NHL’s seven Canadian teams managed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the hockey rich nation stepped up its game in 2016-17 and boasted five contenders this past spring. It’s clear that, for the most part, the Canadian teams are on an upswing, and that fans can expect to reckon with at least a few contenders from The Great White North in the coming years. 

But, which team will rise to the top next season? While the Ottawa Senators made it to within a goal of earning a berth in the Stanley Cup Final, the Montreal Canadiens were actually the top ranked Canadian team during the 2016-17 regular season. With Carey Price in goal for the foreseeable future, you have to imagine that the Habs will continue to remain a threat, but can an upstart team like the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs or Calgary Flames surpass them as early as next season? And, what about the Winnipeg Jets? They’re clearly a team on the upswing and have a lot to prove in 2017-18. The lone Canadian franchise that doesn’t seem to get much love is the Vancouver Canucks. After years of mediocrity the team finally seems to be embracing a rebuild, so don’t expect them to push for a playoff spot anytime soon.

So, what do you think? Who will be the best Canadian team in 2017-18?