1. Leadership: Shmurph has done a great job of taking over a lot of the burden managing the team, and a GM with fresh, new energy investing time into a team can bring a huge amount of change to the ice. On the flip side, Sarmo's coaching skills bring one of the most knowledgeable veteran minds to the ice for the team. It feels like there's a lot of focus being put on improving this season, with the energy and knowledge to back up the enthusiasm.

2. Starpower: Terrence Nova is one of the very top players in the league at the moment. Noro Wozy and Bobby Watson are both huge additions in trades over the offseason. Isak Odegard is finally reaching peak playing prowess. On the back end, goalie Sebastian Primeau is finally looking like he's ready to have a breakout season. While some players are slowing down and approaching retirement, the team core feels stronger than it has in seasons.

3. Preseason Stats: Preseason may not mean anything in the long run, but in its first showing on the ice, the team is looking far better than last season. Tied for first in the league in goals for and fourth in goals against, the Chiefs are second only to the Blizzard in goal differentials coming out of pre-season, and our powerplay is looking much improved as well.