The bigger, tougher conference of the two in the NHL, the Western Conference. Although spatially the conference covers more territory, the style of play in this conference is tighter than ever. This will be the final season that the Western Conference consists of 14 teams, with Las Vegas joining the league in the 2017-2018 season. As for this season, let's take a look at how Western Conference teams will size up against one another.

Pacific Division:

Anaheim Ducks

Ah yes, the team that fired its coach in 2001 then decided to hire him back this past offseason. (Not to mention that this was done by the same GM.) The acquisition of Jonathan Bernier could provide the net presences they have been lacking in past playoff runs. I predict a slow start, but the Ducks will pick up points later in the season as they typically do. Carlyle has a cup with the Ducks in 2007; Can he finally break the pattern of disappointing early exits and get this year's Anaheim team back to the cup finals?

Arizona Coyotes

The Coyotes' team is in a serious rebuild. I expect little goal production, unless the teams newer, younger faces such as Max Domi and Connor Murphy have breakout years in the scoring department. Not to mention, much-needed production and leadership from veterans such as Shane Doan. They will win games versus defensive teams, but not high scoring endeavors. As of 2016-2017, they are not strong enough to make a playoff run.

Calgary Flames

Perhaps the busiest team of the offseason, the Flames hired a new head coach and confirmed contracts (extensions and new) with nearly 10 players. After finally making the playoff after a five-year absence, the team was expected to have a breakout year. The opposite occurred, and the team once again found itself missing the postseason. With a renewed roster, I expect the Flames to battle their way into a wildcard playoff spot.

Edmonton Oilers

After a decade of disappointment, Oilers' fans should be pleased with this season's lineup. The young studs the team has been drafting for over five years may be ready to create production on a major level. With players like Conor McDavid and Jordan Eberle in their pocket and the additions of Milan Lucic and Jonas Gustavsson, this team has packed its punch. Could the Oilers be ready for their long-awaited playoff appearance?

Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles is always one of the Western Conference's top contenders. Quick skillful forwards, depth on defense and solid goaltending give the Kings the total package. Three is always room for improvement, though, and that's just what Los Angeles did with its offseason signings. Improvement of the bottom two lines will ensure that the King's once again will contend for a top spot in the conference.

San Jose Sharks

The conference champions of last season who put up a good fight for the cup. This Shark's team has the potential to repeat its success from last year. Few offseason changes were made to the roster. The biggest variable here is the productivity of veterans such as Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. A decent year out of veterans could push the Sharks over the edge and reward the city with its first ever Stanley Cup.

Vancouver Canucks

A Canucks team coming off their worst season in nearly a decade, this team is in a major rebuild. Led by the Sedin twins and aging Ryan Miller, the rest of the team is comprised of young bloods eager for a shot. There is no doubt the organization will be looking for a big year or else may clean out the coaching and management staffs. I do not see a big year in the cards unless some of their prospects step up and start scoring goals.

Central Division:

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks are always a serious contender for the cup, and the upcoming season is no exception. A well-rounded team with two veteran stars, the only weakness the Blackhawks possess is penalty kill. They excel in goals for and goals against, maintain low penalty minutes and finished with the second-best power play last year. With a similar structure and roster, the Blackhawks have what it takes to not only win the division but go all the way.

Colorado Avalanche

Finishing 5 points and one spot out of a playoff spot, the Avalanche were sure to have a big offseason. This was not the case, however, and although they possess lots of strength in their forwards and a solid goaltender, major defensive pieces are still missing. The Western Conference is more defensively influenced than the East, which leaves me placing the Avalanche out of contention once again this postseason.

Dallas Stars

Although Dallas finished first overall with 109 points in 2016, the Stars experienced a disappointing exit in the second round against St. Louis. The Stars bounced back and forth from two decent goalies, but have yet to distinguish a standout. The addition of Dan Hamhuis on defense and re-signing of Jamie Benn leave the impression of another top conference season.

Minnesota Wild

The Wild seem to currently be the hardest team to read. Last season brought about mediocrity of extreme proportions, except penalty kill where they were just plain ineffective. Under the new coaching eye of Bruce Boudeau, stricter plans could whip this team into shape. Minnesota will be a borderline wild-card team. In order to ensure a playoff position, this team will need to win one-goal and overtime tight-knit victories.

Nashville Predators

Aside from bringing in P.K. Subbing, the Predators were fairly dormant during the offseason. Offensively, Nashville is a powerhouse and Pekke Rinne is solid in net. Their penalty kill and power play are both mediocre. Without an improvement of special teams stats, the Predators will struggle to pull themselves atop perhaps the most powerful division in the NHL.

St. Louis Blues

A defensively minded team with top penalty kill and power play is a deadly combination. Unfortunately, many of the players in charge of special teams moved on at the season's end. With little cap space and big names circling, St. Louis was unable to fill holes in their roster. Unless their defense is spectacular, I expect them to struggle throughout this season and reevaluate next offseason.

Winnipeg Jets

The worst power play in the league (14.8%), twenty-fifth in penalty kill and penalty minutes, and twentieth in goals for plagued the Jets in 2016. Lucky for Winnipeg, they will be able to resolve most of these issues as their talented young bloods begin to step up. It is questionable at best that 2016 is the year this will happen. I might've said they have a shot at the playoff had Winnipeg been a team outside of the Central Conference

In conclusion, here are my Power Rankings for the 2016-2017 season:

Pacific:

1. San Jose Sharks

2. Los Angeles Kings

3. Anaheim Ducks

4. Calgary Flames

5. Edmonton Oilers

6. Arizona Coyotes

7. Vancouver Canucks

Central:

1. Chicago Blackhawks

2. Dallas Stars

3. Winnipeg Jets

4. Minnesota Wild

5. St. Louis Blues

6. Nashville Predators

7. Colorado Avalanche