1
|
Oilers
|
Two of the sport’s premier players are found in Edmonton, and Evan Bouchard’s contributions as a top-tier defenseman may be undervalued. This should secure their spot in the postseason without much struggle. But will it be enough to achieve ultimate success and claim the championship?
|
5
|
0-0-0
|
2
|
Avalanche
|
Could Brock Nelson finally resolve the Avalanche’s issue at the second-line center position? If so, the team should excel and make another strong bid for the title. Furthermore, the remarkably enduring Brent Burns could offer valuable depth on the defensive side.
|
1
|
1-0-0
|
3
|
Golden Knights
|
Unsurprisingly, acquiring Mitch Marner was the Golden Knights’ biggest move of the offseason. He’ll significantly boost their top lines, but the true strength of this Vegas team lies in its exceptionally deep defensive corps.
|
1
|
0-0-0
|
4
|
Panthers
|
Despite Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk being sidelined at the start, the Panthers still hold the top spot in the East. While these absences would devastate other teams, Florida’s overall strength prevents counting them out.
|
3
|
1-0-0
|
5
|
Lightning
|
The Florida rivalry should be as intense as ever. The Lightning are expected to contend for the title, but it remains to be seen if their aging veterans, especially on defense, can maintain their performance levels.
|
2
|
0-0-0
|
6
|
Stars
|
The Stars are a very complete team. They have excellent players across the board, but their defensive depth beyond Esa Lindell is questionable. This lack of depth could be their downfall in the playoffs.
|
2
|
0-0-0
|
7
|
Hurricanes
|
While Carolina boasts a strong defense, their offensive capabilities are in question for a deep playoff push. Nikolaj Ehlers should provide a boost, particularly if the Hurricanes utilize him more effectively than Winnipeg did.
|
2
|
0-0-0
|
8
|
Devils
|
Jack Hughes has been sidelined for 20 games in each of the past two seasons, in addition to missing the 2025 postseason. The Devils need him to stay healthy for a full season. If he can, the team has significant potential to become a serious contender.
|
3
|
0-0-0
|
9
|
Maple Leafs
|
Losing Mitch Marner is a significant setback, but the team still possesses enough talent to be a threat. Auston Matthews was hampered by injuries last season. Toronto hopes he can stay healthy and replicate his 70-goal chase from 2023-24.
|
1
|
1-0-0
|
10
|
Senators
|
While this ranking might be optimistic, the Senators have several appealing qualities. The addition of Jordan Spence strengthens their defense, and many key players are entering their peak years. Depth is a concern, but Ottawa is in a good position for another playoff run.
|
1
|
0-0-0
|
11
|
Jets
|
Reigning Hart Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck is capable of single-handedly leading this team to the playoffs. However, the strength of the rest of the roster compared to other Western Conference contenders remains to be seen.
|
2
|
0-0-0
|
12
|
Kings
|
The Kings’ potential depends on the development of young stars Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke. If they improve, the team’s ceiling rises considerably. But if they stagnate, while Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty decline, Los Angeles could face difficulties.
|
4
|
0-1-0
|
13
|
Mammoth
|
I am fully embracing the hype for the Mammoth and Logan Cooley. I anticipate Utah being the most exciting team in the league, and I’m eager to watch them play.
|
3
|
0-0-0
|
14
|
Wild
|
Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Marco Rossi, Brock Faber, Zeev Buium – their young core is captivating. However, the surrounding veteran players might limit the Wild’s potential, at least for this season.
|
—
|
0-0-0
|
15
|
Rangers
|
To what extent was the 2024-25 season an anomaly, and how much represents the Rangers’ actual level? The answer to that question, combined with the impact of new coach Mike Sullivan, will determine the team’s trajectory.
|
3
|
0-1-0
|
16
|
Capitals
|
The Capitals have solid depth, particularly on defense. However, they lack the necessary star power to truly contend for the Stanley Cup. This might change, but currently, they need one or two more offensive playmakers.
|
4
|
0-1-0
|
17
|
Canadiens
|
While the Canadiens were fortunate to make the playoffs with a minus-20 goal differential, their roster undeniably has potential. Taking a middle-ground approach seems reasonable for now.
|
2
|
0-1-0
|
18
|
Blues
|
Jim Montgomery will prioritize defensive play. But can the team generate enough offense, and can its key defensemen avoid performance decline, to compete for a playoff spot?
|
1
|
0-0-0
|
19
|
Canucks
|
Last season, the atmosphere in Vancouver was quite negative. New coach Adam Foote is tasked with changing that and guiding the Canucks back to the playoffs. It will be challenging, but having Quinn Hughes is a significant advantage.
|
—
|
0-0-0
|
20
|
Sabres
|
The Sabres haven’t reached the playoffs since “Captain America: The First Avenger” was released. To end this drought in 2026, Buffalo needs more contributions from young players like Zach Benson, Owen Power, and Jack Quinn.
|
2
|
0-0-0
|
21
|
Red Wings
|
Will the Yzerplan finally yield results this year? Patience is waning, and understandably so. This once-great franchise hasn’t seen the postseason in nearly a decade, and their return doesn’t seem imminent.
|
1
|
0-0-0
|
22
|
Blue Jackets
|
The Blue Jackets’ compelling performance last season was cut short of the playoffs. Replicating that success would put them back in contention. Otherwise, a finish near the bottom might be in store.
|
3
|
0-0-0
|
23
|
Ducks
|
After being misled in the past, a cautious approach is warranted in preseason rankings. The Ducks are definitely poised for a breakout season, however.
|
2
|
0-0-0
|
24
|
Bruins
|
If David Pastrnak scores 120 goals, the Bruins’ chances of making the playoffs improve. Otherwise, they may have to wait for the next season.
|
1
|
1-0-0
|
25
|
Predators
|
Last season was a low point for Nashville, and a rebound is expected. However, that still leaves considerable room for merely average performance.
|
1
|
0-0-0
|
26
|
Islanders
|
The Islanders are undergoing a transition, which began favorably with Matthew Schaefer joining the team as the top overall pick. However, playoff contention in 2026 is unlikely.
|
1
|
0-0-0
|
27
|
Flyers
|
Matvei Michkov is an exceptional player, and Rick Tocchet is a strong coach. Philadelphia needs to continue building its prospect pool, as their current roster lacks the strength to compete with the top teams in the East.
|
1
|
0-0-0
|
28
|
Flames
|
Rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf almost carried the Flames to the playoffs last year. Given the team’s limited impact players, repeating that feat this season seems unlikely. Expect the Flames to decline.
|
—
|
0-0-0
|
29
|
Kraken
|
The Kraken appear to lack direction. New coach Lane Lambert might improve the offense, but the defense is questionable. Based on his tenure with the Islanders, high scores should be expected in their games.
|
—
|
0-0-0
|
30
|
Penguins
|
Sidney Crosby makes the team worth watching, but his future in Pittsburgh is uncertain. That will be the NHL’s main storyline this season.
|
—
|
1-0-0
|
31
|
Sharks
|
The Sharks will improve, even if they aren’t good. The combination of Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Michael Misa has the potential to be formidable for a long time.
|
—
|
0-0-0
|
32
|
Blackhawks
|
The Blackhawks have been at the bottom for several seasons. Can they at least improve to a respectable level, perhaps in the mid-20s or even the low-20s?
|
—
|
0-1-0
|
