'Most excited I've been': NHL's Atlantic Division heavyweights now have company

Auston Matthews saw it as only a matter of time.

The NHL's Atlantic Division has largely included two distinct classes — to varying degrees — over the last number of years.

A top half led by the two-time Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning, followed by the Boston Bruins, who were finalists in 2019, the 2022 Presidents' Trophy-winning Florida Panthers, and Matthews' talent-rich, but chronically underachieving Toronto Maple Leafs.

And the rest — teams at various stages of what have been, in some cases, long and painful rebuilds.

The Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings haven't been competitive for quite some time.

That could finally change in 2022-23.

"The division obviously got better," Matthews said at the recent NHL/NHLPA player media tour. "Some of the teams that maybe weren't as strong in the standings before have added a lot of guys.

"They're drafting higher, got some really good picks."

Ottawa grabbed the biggest summer headlines by adding sniper Alex DeBrincat, veteran forward Claude Giroux and goaltender Cam Talbot to complement a maturing core that includes Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot, Tim Stutzle, Josh Norris and Drake Batherson.

The Senators haven't been close to the playoffs since making it to double overtime in Game 7 of the 2017 Eastern Conference final, but appear poised to finally step up in class alongside the Atlantic's big hitters.

"Toughest division," said Tkachuk, Ottawa's captain. "As a team, organization we want that challenge and prove the doubters wrong. It's gonna be a fun, exciting year.

"It's the most excited I've been."

The Buffalo Sabres, meanwhile, have missed the playoffs an NHL-record 11 consecutive seasons. After making strides in 2021-22, they're eager to take