The NHL is a constantly evolving landscape, and the 2025-26 season promises to be another exciting chapter. As teams gear up for the long grind, it's time to separate the contenders from the pretenders. Several teams have made significant moves in the offseason, altering their Stanley Cup aspirations.
The Reigning Champions and Top Contenders
Fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, the Florida Panthers remain a force to be reckoned with. With their core intact, including Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Aaron Ekblad all locked up long-term, the Panthers are aiming for a three-peat. Their Stanley Cup odds reflect their status as favorites.
The Carolina Hurricanes have been consistent threats in the Eastern Conference. This offseason, they've added winger Nikolaj Ehlers and defenseman K'Andre Miller to bolster their ranks. However, questions remain whether they've done enough to surpass teams like Florida. A consistent second-line center is still a need for the Hurricanes to move into the true contender category. Despite this, many still predict the Hurricanes to have a successful season and even top the Metropolitan Division.
The Colorado Avalanche are always in the mix with stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The return of a healthy Gabriel Landeskog could provide a significant boost. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, acquired mid-season, has solidified the Avalanche's netminding.
Vegas Golden Knights improved their Stanley Cup odds by acquiring Mitch Marner. The Golden Knights always seem to be in "win-now" mode, and this season is no different.
Teams on the Rise
The Dallas Stars are considered a team to beat in the Central Division. With a solid core and the addition of veteran leadership, they are poised for another deep playoff run.
The Edmonton Oilers, after two consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses to the Panthers, are eager to finally hoist the cup. Despite losing Corey Perry and trading Victor Arvidsson, the Oilers added Andrew Mangiapane to provide depth scoring.
Several analysts expect both the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens to improve. Montreal Canadiens expect Calder Trophy favorite Ivan Demidov to be a top-six forward. The Canadiens also traded Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues for Zachary Bolduc.
Potential Pretenders and Teams in Transition
The Los Angeles Kings are a team that many think will regress. One analyst notes concerns about the Kings' older and less mobile blue line.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are tough to predict after the departure of Mitch Marner. Although they acquired Dakota Joshua from Vancouver, some believe they may not be able to efficiently replace Marner's offense.
The Seattle Kraken are a team that one analyst predicts will finish last in the Western Conference.
The Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres playoff droughts are predicted to continue.
Teams to Watch
The Utah Mammoth, formerly the Utah Hockey Club, are looking to make a playoff push in their second season. The team has been aggressive in the offseason, adding Brandon Tanev and Nate Schmidt.
The Anaheim Ducks are expected to take major strides and could reach the 90-point range. With a new coach in Joe Quinnville and the addition of veteran players like Chris Kreider, the Ducks are poised to improve. Goalie Lukas Dostal could reach another gear after the Ducks traded John Gibson.
Ultimately, the 2025-26 NHL season is shaping up to be an unpredictable and exciting one. While some teams appear destined for greatness, others will need to defy expectations to prove they belong among the league's elite.
