NHL Western Conference preview: Stars ready to go toe-to-toe with fellow Stanley Cup contenders

Dallas will join the list of Western Conference contenders in 2023-24

By Austin Nivison Oct 4, 2023 at 11:22 am ET• 8 min read

With less than a week until the 2023-24 season, it's time to take a look around the Western Conference. The Vegas Golden Knights are trying to repeat as Stanley Cup champs, but they will have plenty of competition with several other contenders waiting to unseat them.

The Central Division should be interesting with the Colorado Avalanche trying to bounce back from a disappointing playoff performance last year, and the Dallas Stars are equipped for another deep postseason run.

In the Pacific, it should be a slugfest at the top with the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings trying to knock off the Golden Knights. The matchups between those teams will be must-see TV all season.

Beyond the contenders, the West has some interesting up-and-coming teams, as well as some teams attempting to retool on the fly. If any of them take the next step, things could get even more interesting.