What NHL squad will suffer buyer's remorse? What player deserves a raise, and whose raise was an overpay? THN polled 34 web staffers for their predictions.

Polling 34 people on NHL predictions ahead of the 2023-24 season can bring quite a variety of responses.

In Part 1 and Part 2 of this three-part series on poll results from The Hockey News web staffers, many of the answers had clear front-runners. This time, we look at broader questions regarding changes in sceneries, aberrations, overpaid and underpaid players and more. The beauty of having site editors everywhere means many of these questions bring split opinions, including some questions that were so spread out that we're sticking to a top-five list for them.

Let's get started with one of those closer questions, which had 19 different answers:

What Player Will Benefit the Most from a Change in Scenery?

Ryan Johansen had 28 points in 55 games in 2022-23 before a season-ending ankle injury. He was on pace for 40 points in 79 games, which would've been 23 points fewer than his 2021-22 total of 63. The Nashville Predators traded him to the Colorado Avalanche over the off-season. If he can get time on the second line, there's an expectation for him to bounce back once again.

Alex Newhook, meanwhile, was traded from the Avs to the Montreal Canadiens, who continue to rebuild. He might still be a third-line center, but there's room for him to grow with the club. 

Most of the players listed were those who had already joined a new team. But some voters chose players who would benefit the most if they left their current team, such as Connor Hellebuyck, who received a tally.

Reaction:

- Will Ryan Johansen Have a Breakout Season In His First with the Avalanche? (The Hockey News Colorado)

- Erik Karlsson and Kyle Dubas Bring Conflicting Poll Results for the Pittsburgh Penguins (The Hockey News Pittsburgh)

- Alex DeBrincat Divides Opinion in THN Prediction Poll (The Hockey News Detroit)

What Team Will Suffer the Most from Buyer's Remorse?

The Pittsburgh Penguins have many writers split on whether bringing in Erik Karlsson among new GM Kyle Dubas' additions was a good idea. Pittsburgh also brought in Reilly Smith, Ryan Graves, Lars Eller, Noel Acciari and more. These moves could turn out wonderfully and open up Pittsburgh's Stanley Cup contention window for a little while longer, or it could keep the Penguins in the mushy middle.

Ottawa received some votes after signing Joonas Korpisalo to a long-term contract and Vladimir Tarasenko, while Detroit got the third-most votes for adding J.T. Compher, Justin Holl and more. And it's worth noting the one vote for Columbus had Mike Babcock listed as the reason why, and this poll happened before he resigned on Sept. 17.

Reaction:

- Erik Karlsson and Kyle Dubas Bring Conflicting Poll Results for the Pittsburgh Penguins (The Hockey News Pittsburgh)

- Alex DeBrincat Divides Opinion in THN Prediction Poll (The Hockey News Detroit)

What Star Player Will Be Traded?

All signs point to Connor Hellebuyck on his way out of Winnipeg with 12 votes. We shall see if GM Kevin Cheveldayoff decides to continue what he started when he sold Pierre-Luc Dubois. If the season goes south, Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele could be gone as well. Winnipeg's all-time leader in wins is also in the final year of his contract, so it is easier to handle if it comes down to trading him.

Reaction:

- Hellebuyck, Schiefele Likely Gone by Season's End, According to THN Staff Poll (The Hockey News Winnipeg)

What Rookie Are You the Most Excited to See Other Than Connor Bedard?

With a whopping 23 votes, Adam Fantilli takes the cake for the most exciting prospect besides Connor Bedard, and it's for good reason. 

Columbus faces many questions on how well it will bounce back from a 31st-place finish, and seeing Fantilli lead the rookie invasion is exciting to witness for Blue Jackets fans. Already getting ice time with Patrik Laine in the pre-season is a nice way to set up early chemistry. 

In second comes Logan Cooley in Arizona, and we shall see if he can join guys like Dylan Guenther and Barrett Hayton to help revitalize the team from their struggling times.

Reaction:

- Adam Fantilli Voted Most Exciting Rookie to Watch in 2023-24, Not Named Connor Bedard (The Hockey News Columbus)

- Logan Cooley Headlines Coyotes in Hockey News Pre-Season Poll (The Hockey News Arizona)

Who Will Challenge Connor McDavid for the Art Ross Trophy?

Challenging the guy who just won the award three times in a row and five times in total so far seems impossible, but 12 voters think teammate Leon Draisaitl has what it takes. Draisaitl won the award in 2019 when he put up 110 points, and Edmonton's offense shows no signs of slowing down. 

However, Nathan MacKinnon is a close runner-up who finally broke for 111 points last season after coming close numerous times and can hopefully keep pace with their dangerous offense in Colorado.

What Off-Season Move is the Most Effective?

Top 5:

1. Erik Karlsson traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, six votes

T-2. Toronto Maple Leafs hire GM Brad Treliving, four votes

T-2. Pittsburgh Penguins hire Kyle Dubas as GM and president of hockey operations, four votes

T-4. Alex DeBrincat traded to Detroit Red Wings, two votes

T-4. Patrice Bergeron retires from the Boston Bruins and NHL, two votes

There was a large variety of responses, which also included Ryan O'Reilly, Tyler Toffoli, Matt Duchene, J.T. Compher, Ross Colton and Ryan Reaves joining new clubs. Some coaches earned a vote as well, such as Peter Laviolette joining the New York Rangers, former Windsor Spitfires coach Marc Savard joining the Calgary Flames as an assistant, and Ryan Huska replacing Darryl Sutter as Calgary's new coach.

But Erik Karlsson was the popular choice once again. He was also voted as the player most likely to take a step back this season, but he's still capable of being a significant difference-maker. Perhaps hiring Dubas is what made that move possible, which is why he earned votes as well. There will be a close eye on him in Pittsburgh and on the Toronto Maple Leafs to see if they made the right choice not renewing Dubas' contract and going with Treliving instead.

Reaction:

- Erik Karlsson and Kyle Dubas Bring Conflicting Poll Results for the Pittsburgh Penguins (The Hockey News Pittsburgh)

Who is the NHL's Most Overpaid Player?

There can be different reasons for a player to be considered overpaid. Perhaps it's inconsistency, or it's underwhelming point production, or it's simply not finding ways to help carry the team to wins.

With just under 18 percent of the vote, Seth Jones has been voted the most overpaid player. After his time in Columbus ended with a trade to Chicago in hopes of a playoff push, it came with an immediate contract extension valued at eight years and $9.6 million annually.

Reaction:

- Sharks Vlasic Seen as Overpaid by THN Poll (The Hockey News San Jose)

Who is the NHL's Most Underpaid Player?

Top 5:

T-1. Jack Hughes, three votes

T-1. Leon Draisaitl, three votes

T-3. Joe Pavelski, two votes

T-3. Carter Verhaeghe, two votes

T-5. 23 players, one vote

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes is in Year 2 of an eight-year contract worth $8 million per year, and he's already earning recognition for outperforming that deal. A total of 60 players have a larger cap hit than Hughes, per PuckPedia, but he finished the 2022-23 season tied for 12th in the NHL in points.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers' Leon Draisaitl finished second in the NHL with a whopping 128 points behind Connor McDavid's 153. With two seasons remaining in an eight-year deal and an $8.5-million cap hit, all signs point toward a significant pay raise if he wants it.

The one requirement for this answer is that it couldn't be a player currently on an entry-level contract, so Matty Beniers and his 57 points on a $925,000 deal didn't qualify for votes.

What Player or Team's Bad Season Was an Indicator of Reality?

Top 5:

1. Washington Capitals, seven votes

T-2. Calgary Flames, three votes

T-2. Montreal Canadiens, three votes

T-4. San Jose Sharks, Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, Philadelphia Flyers, Patrick Kane, two votes each

Not only did the Washington Capitals miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014-15, but they fell 12 points short and finished 13th in the Eastern Conference. They have a new coach in Spencer Carbery and brought in Max Pacioretty among their new additions, but seven voters think those moves won't be enough to suggest last year was bad luck.

What Player or Team's Good Season Was an Aberration?

Top 5:

1. Seattle Kraken, five votes

2. Florida Panthers, four votes

T-3. Boston Bruins, three votes

T-3. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, three votes

T-3. Brandon Montour, three votes

The Seattle Kraken had one of the biggest single-season improvements in NHL history and then knocked off the defending Stanley Cup champions in the first round. Was it a fluke or a sign of long-term success? Five voters think it's the former.

Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers were one game away from not having a good season in the first place. But the Pittsburgh Penguins losing to the Chicago Blackhawks allowed Florida the opportunity to defeat the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs. Four voters don't think they'll get that far in the playoffs in 2023-24.

Reaction:

- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Had a Career Year in 2022-23, which THN Site Editors Saw as an Aberration (The Hockey News Edmonton)

- Was Seattle's Last Year an 'Aberration?' Some THN Pollers Believe It May Have Been (The Hockey News Seattle)

- Panthers’ Success from Last Season Viewed as Aberration (The Hockey News Florida)

What Older Player Will Show the Most Signs of Ageing?

Top 5:

T-1. Patrick Kane, four votes

T-1. Jamie Benn, four votes

3. Sidney Crosby, three votes

T-4. Erik Karlsson, Marc-Andre Fleury, Alexander Ovechkin, two votes

Sidney Crosby hasn't produced at below a point per game in his career. Three voters may think that's at risk this season as 'Sid the Kid' turned 36 in August. Patrick Kane, 34, is still waiting to sign a contract as he recovers from an off-season procedure. Jamie Benn turned 34 in July after an impressive bounce-back season in which he put up 78 points in 82 games. Perhaps that was an aberration as well.

Reaction:

- A Pair of Pittsburgh Penguins Veterans Were Voted as Most Likely to Show Signs of Aging by The Hockey News (The Hockey News Pittsburgh)

What Backup Goalie Could End Up as a No. 1?

Boston Bruins backup Jeremy Swayman was more of a 1B netminder, as he and Ullmark started 13 games apiece from Feb. 21 to the end of the regular season. If Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark falters, watch for Swayman to try to take the reigns.

Pyotr Kochetkov was the Carolina Hurricanes' third-string goalie last season behind Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta. All three netminders are back for 2023-24, but if either Raanta or Andersen gets injured and Kochetkov gets called up, he will once again try to give the Canes no choice but to keep him in the NHL.

Reaction:

- Pyotr Kochetkov With Best Odds to Make Jump to Starter per THN Poll (The Hockey News Carolina)