A lot of things would have to go wrong for this team to finish last. I think they will be fighting for the 7 or 8 seed.
The two biggest questions are the performance of the defensemen and how much offense will the team receive from the freshmen.
Iskhakov, Howarth, Kondelik, Evans, and Turnbull are going to have to be important contributors on offense. From what I have read about Iskhakov, he has the skill set of a first rounder but the problem lies in the fact he is only 5’7”, 165 lbs and just turned 18. Kondelik is only 18, also. Howarth has to be expected to provide scoring from the outset.
Can Payusov replicate and/or improve upon his breakout season? He will need to for the team’s sake.
After Karashik, Gendron, and Nyberg, a lot remains to be seen from the defensemen.
How well Iskhakov, Kondelik, Howarth, Huska, and Vomacka play will have a big say on whether this team makes the playoffs.