1
|
Panthers
|
The organizational architect, Bill Zito, continues to demonstrate exceptional skill. Key players such as Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad remain integral parts of the Panthers. This sustained success could be attributed to skillful management or the allure of consistent victories coupled with the pleasant climate year-round. Whatever the reason, Florida appears poised to achieve a historic three-peat, reminiscent of the Islanders’ dominance in the early 1980s.
|
8
|
47-31-4
|
2
|
Golden Knights
|
It should come as no surprise that the Golden Knights secured the most sought-after player in the offseason market. Mitch Marner will now don a Vegas jersey, joining forces with Jack Eichel to create a formidable pairing. Reinforcing their defensive lineup further would solidify this team’s status as a true powerhouse.
|
—
|
50-22-10
|
3
|
Avalanche
|
While the Avalanche’s summer acquisitions weren’t particularly extravagant, they effectively addressed crucial team needs. Colorado successfully re-signed Brock Nelson and strengthened its defense with the addition of Brent Burns on an economical one-year contract. As a result, the Avalanche are once again expected to be strong contenders for the Cup in 2025.
|
3
|
49-29-4
|
4
|
Stars
|
The Stars are facing significant challenges with their salary cap, but as of now, they appear well-positioned to compete with the Avalanche for dominance in the Central Division. Jason Robertson remains a key player on the roster, and Dallas must prioritize retaining him, as trading him would be a major setback for the team.
|
3
|
50-26-6
|
5
|
Hurricanes
|
I’m definitely among those impressed by Carolina’s recent strategic moves. The Hurricanes secured Logan Stankoven with a very favorable contract, acquired K’Andre Miller from the Rangers, and added talented winger Nikolaj Ehlers. Carolina is diligently working to narrow the gap between themselves and Florida in the Eastern Conference.
|
6
|
47-30-5
|
6
|
Oilers
|
Allocating nearly $4 million to Trent Frederic for bottom-six minutes seems like a questionable decision. The team also attempted to bolster its scoring depth by signing Andrew Mangiapane. However, the most pressing concern remains the goaltending situation, and it remains to be seen if the Oilers will find a solution before the season starts in October.
|
6
|
48-29-5
|
7
|
Lightning
|
The Lightning have maintained a low profile this summer, but it remains to be seen how long that will last. Even if Tampa maintains its current roster, it’s still a formidable team. If the Lightning can improve and rejuvenate their defense, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2025-26 season.
|
2
|
47-27-8
|
8
|
Maple Leafs
|
Despite the absence of Mitch Marner, the Leafs still possess a wealth of talent. Three of the Core Four players remain, and Matthew Knies is expected to continue his upward trajectory. Additionally, the acquisition of Matias Maccelli is a notable, under-the-radar move of the offseason. However, Toronto has lost a consistent 100-point scorer, which has undoubtedly weakened the team.
|
7
|
52-26-4
|
9
|
Senators
|
Ottawa hasn’t made any significant, attention-grabbing moves, but their two subtle acquisitions are proving to be astute. Young defenseman Jordan Spence, who was underutilized in Los Angeles, is a valuable addition, and Lars Eller is an excellent choice for a fourth-line center. The Senators are on the rise and aiming to challenge the top teams in the Atlantic Division.
|
1
|
45-30-7
|
10
|
Mammoth
|
Expect continued support for the Mammoth as the season approaches. The team has promising talent, especially after acquiring JJ Peterka. While losing Michael Kesselring is a setback, Peterka has the potential to score 40 goals in the league, significantly boosting Utah’s offensive capabilities.
|
6
|
38-31-13
|
11
|
Devils
|
Currently, the Devils appear set to maintain their existing roster. This may not be a negative approach, as the team has several strengths, particularly with Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt leading the charge. The key question is whether New Jersey can rely on Hughes for a full 82-game season.
|
3
|
42-33-7
|
12
|
Capitals
|
The Capitals have seen minimal changes, which isn’t necessarily a problem. The team is largely keeping the same roster that achieved 51 wins and 111 points last season. While some regression is anticipated, Washington is still expected to be a strong contender in the Metro Division.
|
2
|
51-22-9
|
13
|
Jets
|
The Jets seemed to have undervalued Nikolaj Ehlers, and now he’s departed. Additionally, Winnipeg’s roster has aged with the signings of Jonathan Toews and Gus Nyquist, whose prime years are behind them. Consequently, the Jets may experience a significant decline after their Presidents’ Trophy-winning season.
|
10
|
56-22-4
|
14
|
Wild
|
Questions remain about the Wild’s scoring capabilities, and while the addition of Vladimir Tarasenko could help, he’s a player whose performance is waning. Minnesota is likely to continue making moves, with Marco Rossi potentially on the trading block. If the Wild can trade Rossi and acquire a top-tier center, it will be a successful summer. Otherwise, the team may face another early playoff exit.
|
3
|
45-30-7
|
15
|
Canadiens
|
The Canadiens are an intriguing team heading into 2025-26, having made the playoffs despite a minus-20 goal differential, suggesting an element of luck. However, Montreal has an exciting roster, with Lane Hutson coming off a Calder Trophy win and the team recently completing a significant trade for Noah Dobson.
|
—
|
40-31-11
|
16
|
Kings
|
Missing out on Mitch Marner. Trading Jordan Spence. Signing Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin to lucrative contracts. It’s difficult to view the Kings as anything other than one of the offseason’s biggest disappointments thus far. While Los Angeles is still likely a playoff team, they may face a fifth consecutive defeat against the Oilers.
|
12
|
48-25-9
|
17
|
Blues
|
St. Louis has improved its center depth with the additions of Pius Suter and Nick Bjugstad, and the team still possesses other strengths. However, the Blues appear to lack the necessary high-end scoring talent to compete with the top teams in their division. Jim Montgomery’s defensive expertise may be the key to guiding this team back to the postseason.
|
4
|
44-30-8
|
18
|
Rangers
|
The Rangers essentially traded K’Andre Miller for Vladislav Gavrikov. They parted ways with a seasoned player on a costly contract in Chris Kreider. Mike Sullivan is stepping in as the new coach. Overall, it’s been a mixed bag for New York, a team that seems destined to hover around the playoff bubble next season.
|
4
|
39-36-7
|
19
|
Canucks
|
Pius Suter’s departure, Evander Kane’s arrival, and Brock Boeser’s return are all developments that elicit varying degrees of surprise, making it challenging to assess the Canucks. Will they resemble the 2023-24 team that nearly reached the conference finals, or will they repeat last year’s performance, missing the playoffs by six points? The latter scenario seems more probable.
|
1
|
38-30-14
|
20
|
Red Wings
|
The Red Wings acquired John Gibson, the top goaltender available on the trade market, and added defensive forward Mason Appleton to their roster. Will these additions be enough to end Detroit’s extended playoff drought? I remain skeptical, suggesting that Steve Yzerman may need to make a significant trade (e.g., for Jason Robertson) in the coming months.
|
1
|
39-35-8
|
21
|
Ducks
|
Despite bringing in veteran players like Mikael Granlund and Chris Kreider, any substantial improvements will need to come from within. Anaheim needs players such as Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Pavel Mintyukov to progress under the guidance of new coach Joel Quenneville.
|
4
|
35-37-10
|
22
|
Sabres
|
I have mixed feelings about the Buffalo Sabres. On one hand, they have entertaining forwards and an impressive young core of defensemen. However, it’s still the Sabres, and they have significant weaknesses further down the lineup that are unlikely to be addressed. The team consistently underperforms, so I’ll refrain from predicting a playoff appearance until I witness it firsthand.
|
1
|
36-39-7
|
23
|
Bruins
|
Ranking the Bruins at No. 23 feels somewhat generous. Aside from David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy, there are few players to be enthusiastic about. Perhaps Hampus Lindholm or Jeremy Swayman. Boston may be in for a challenging 2025-26 season.
|
6
|
33-39-10
|
24
|
Predators
|
The Predators have made minor adjustments to their defense, but overall, it’s been a relatively uneventful offseason. Natural progression alone should lead to improvement for Nashville next season, but it’s unlikely to be enough to secure a playoff spot. The team’s front office may be better off focusing on the 2026 offseason.
|
7
|
30-44-8
|
25
|
Blue Jackets
|
This ranking might seem low for a team that narrowly missed the playoffs last season, but the Blue Jackets performed beyond expectations. Despite everything going right for Columbus, they still failed to make the playoffs. The acquisition of Charlie Coyle was puzzling, and the Ivan Provorov extension may have disappointed some fans.
|
6
|
40-33-9
|
26
|
Flyers
|
The Trevor Zegras trade was a strategic move by the Flyers, capitalizing on a highly talented young player whose value has declined. If Zegras thrives in Philadelphia, he has the potential to become a star. If not, he’s in the final year of his current contract, minimizing the risk. However, the Flyers likely need at least another year before they can realistically contend for a playoff spot.
|
—
|
33-39-10
|
27
|
Islanders
|
Change is finally occurring on Long Island. Lou Lamoriello is no longer with the team, and the roster has undergone significant changes. Most notably, star defenseman Noah Dobson is now a Canadien, and Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick, is expected to replace him. While this change in direction may result in a difficult year for the Islanders, the future appears promising.
|
3
|
35-35-12
|
28
|
Flames
|
The Flames narrowly missed the playoffs, but their position in the postseason power rankings has declined. Calgary benefited from favorable luck, and their roster remains unimpressive, particularly if Rasmus Andersson is traded in the coming weeks.
|
10
|
41-27-14
|
29
|
Kraken
|
Seattle has been active this summer, but the effectiveness of their moves is questionable. Lane Lambert is the new coach, but his track record with the Islanders was uninspiring. Mason Marchment is a solid player, but his impact may be limited. Ryan Lindgren struggled last year and will now play a significant role on the Kraken’s defense.
|
2
|
35-41-6
|
30
|
Penguins
|
The Penguins are one of the few teams that are clearly not focused on improving for next season, instead adopting a long-term strategy. Pittsburgh hasn’t made many significant additions, and GM Kyle Dubas is likely considering trades involving players like Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. The Penguins are expected to struggle, but that’s intentional.
|
2
|
34-36-12
|
31
|
Sharks
|
The Sharks are still expected to struggle, but perhaps not as much. They have a promising group of young forwards and have added some experienced players to their defense. San Jose won’t be close to playoff contention, but the team should be more competitive on most nights.
|
1
|
20-50-12
|
32
|
Blackhawks
|
Last year highlighted that the Blackhawks’ rebuild still has a considerable way to go. Even Connor Bedard struggled as Chicago faltered. Expect more young prospects to play prominent roles in 2025-26, and it will be interesting to observe which ones excel and remain with the NHL team for the majority of the year.
|
2
|
25-46-11
|
