As the 2025–26 NHL season approaches, the league landscape looks as competitive as ever. From top contenders chasing the Stanley Cup to emerging teams hoping to break through, every point will matter. Here’s a look at how the teams stack up heading into the season, based on performance, roster strength, and projected potential.
1. Florida Panthers
Last season: 52-21-9 (113 points), lost in Stanley Cup Final
Stanley Cup odds: +800
Projected points: 109.3
The Panthers remain one of the league’s most balanced teams, powered by Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk. With deep forward lines and solid defense, Florida looks primed for another Cup run. Their biggest test will be maintaining consistency after back-to-back long playoff campaigns.
2. Dallas Stars
Last season: 53-20-9 (115 points), lost in Western Conference Final
Stanley Cup odds: +900
Projected points: 110.8
Dallas continues to impress with depth and youth. Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Miro Heiskanen headline a strong core that keeps the Stars near the top of the West. With goaltender Jake Oettinger in form, they remain serious Cup contenders.
3. Edmonton Oilers
Last season: 50-23-9 (109 points), lost in second round
Stanley Cup odds: +750
Projected points: 108.5
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lead one of the league’s most dangerous offenses. Defense and goaltending still pose questions, but Edmonton’s firepower makes them a perennial favorite. The focus is on finally translating regular-season dominance into a championship.
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4. Carolina Hurricanes
Last season: 49-24-9 (107 points), lost in second round
Stanley Cup odds: +1000
Projected points: 107.4
Carolina’s structured play and deep defense make them one of the hardest teams to beat. Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov continue to drive the offense, while the Hurricanes’ defensive unit remains elite. A Cup run depends on converting scoring chances when it matters most.
5. New York Rangers
Last season: 55-23-4 (114 points), lost in Eastern Conference Final
Stanley Cup odds: +1200
Projected points: 106.8
The Rangers’ mix of young skill and veteran presence gives them balance. Igor Shesterkin remains among the league’s top goaltenders, while Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad power the attack. Depth scoring will determine how far New York goes this year.
6. Toronto Maple Leafs
Last season: 49-26-7 (105 points), lost in second round
Stanley Cup odds: +1300
Projected points: 104.1
The Leafs continue to rely on their elite core of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. With a revamped defensive setup, Toronto hopes to finally make a deep postseason run. Health and goaltending consistency remain key.
7. Vegas Golden Knights
Last season: 47-28-7 (101 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +1500
Projected points: 103.2
Vegas remains strong, with Jack Eichel and Mark Stone leading the way. Their system thrives on depth and adaptability, though injuries have tested their lineup. A healthy roster keeps the Golden Knights in Cup contention.
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8. Colorado Avalanche
Last season: 48-26-8 (104 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +1100
Projected points: 105.6
Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar headline a powerhouse roster still among the NHL’s best. The Avalanche will look to bounce back after an early playoff exit, with improved goaltending and secondary scoring as the focus.
9. Tampa Bay Lightning
Last season: 46-27-9 (101 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +1600
Projected points: 103.0
Tampa Bay’s championship core remains intact, led by Nikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman. Their experience keeps them dangerous, though the challenge is balancing aging stars with younger talent. Expect another playoff appearance.
10. Boston Bruins
Last season: 48-25-9 (105 points), lost in second round
Stanley Cup odds: +1400
Projected points: 102.8
Post-Bergeron, the Bruins still compete through structure and goaltending. David Pastrnak continues to lead the offense, while Jeremy Swayman anchors the net. Their depth will determine how long Boston stays among the elite.
11. New Jersey Devils
Last season: 42-33-7 (91 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +1400
Projected points: 100.7
The Devils’ fortunes depend on Jack Hughes’ health. Alongside Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt, New Jersey has elite top-end talent but must tighten defensively. If Hughes stays healthy, the Devils are a dangerous playoff team.
12. Los Angeles Kings
Last season: 48-25-9 (105 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +2500
Projected points: 102.4
Regular-season consistency is a Kings trademark, but playoff success remains elusive. Veterans like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty keep them steady, while Quinton Byfield could be their breakout player. The target: finally win a postseason series.
13. Minnesota Wild
Last season: 45-30-7 (97 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +4000
Projected points: 94.8
Youth drives Minnesota’s hopes, with Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek leading the offense. Their defense pipeline looks strong, featuring rookie Zeev Buium. If scoring improves, the Wild could surprise again in the Central Division.
14. Ottawa Senators
Last season: 45-30-7 (97 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +3500
Projected points: 92.7
Ottawa’s defense-first identity under coach Travis Green paid off. With Jake Sanderson emerging as a top defender and Linus Ullmark steady in goal, the Senators’ next step is offensive growth. Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle will be key to another playoff push.
15. St. Louis Blues
Last season: 44-30-8 (96 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +5000
Projected points: 94.4
The Blues have quietly rebuilt into a playoff threat again. Young talents like Jimmy Snuggerud and Robert Thomas headline a balanced lineup. If their scoring depth clicks, St. Louis could exceed expectations in the Central.
16. Nashville Predators
Last season: 47-29-6 (100 points), lost in second round
Stanley Cup odds: +3000
Projected points: 95.0
Led by Juuse Saros in goal and a veteran boost from Steven Stamkos, Nashville combines experience with grit. A top-four finish in the West looks achievable if their new additions gel early.
17. New York Islanders
Last season: 43-32-7 (93 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +4500
Projected points: 93.6
The Islanders’ defensive system remains among the league’s toughest. Goalie Ilya Sorokin gives them a chance in every game, but offensive struggles continue to hold them back. Expect another battle for a wildcard spot.
18. Detroit Red Wings
Last season: 42-31-9 (93 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +4000
Projected points: 92.4
Detroit continues to progress under Steve Yzerman’s rebuild. Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat lead a developing roster that could edge into the postseason. A strong start will be essential in the tight Eastern race.
19. Calgary Flames
Last season: 39-35-8 (86 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +5000
Projected points: 90.2
Calgary’s transition phase continues after major offseason changes. With a young core and new coaching direction, the Flames could surprise but lack stability. Their season depends heavily on goaltending.
20. Columbus Blue Jackets
Last season: 36-40-6 (78 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +10000
Projected points: 80.6
The Blue Jackets are rebuilding around young talents Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger. Competitive stretches are likely, but a playoff run remains unlikely. Columbus is a long-term project rather than a short-term
21. Calgary Flames
The Flames are chasing stability after back-to-back narrow playoff misses. A young core anchored by Rasmus Andersson and Dustin Wolf fuels optimism, but scoring remains the biggest hurdle. They must turn strong shot numbers into goals to avoid another close call.
Bold prediction: Nazem Kadri will be traded.
22. Boston Bruins
Boston still plays with trademark grit, but a lack of scoring depth beyond David Pastrnak leaves doubts. Healthier blue-line stars like McAvoy and Lindholm could steady the defense, yet the Bruins’ offense remains suspect.
Bold prediction: The Bruins will trade Pavel Zacha.
23. Vancouver Canucks
A healthy Thatcher Demko gives Vancouver a fighting chance. The question is whether Elias Pettersson and the forwards can find consistent form under new coach Adam Foote. Identity and health will define their campaign.
Bold prediction: Elias Pettersson returns to 30-goal form.
24. New York Islanders
A rejuvenated blue line led by top pick Matthew Schaefer offers hope, but Ilya Sorokin again carries a heavy load in goal. The team’s weak scoring and special teams could stall progress.
Bold prediction: Coach Patrick Roy is out after this season.
25. Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim’s youth movement blends with key veterans like Chris Kreider. Lukas Dostal’s goaltending breakthrough will shape their playoff hopes, but the Ducks must defend better around him.
Bold prediction: Ducks fall just short of a playoff berth.
26. Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo boasts enviable depth with Josh Norris joining a strong forward group, yet execution and composure have held them back. Goaltending stability is key to ending a 14-year playoff drought.
Bold prediction: Rasmus Dahlin becomes a Norris Trophy finalist.
27. Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia’s defense-first identity gives structure, but weak goaltending and poor finishing continue to plague them. Trevor Zegras’ arrival should spark offense if he adjusts quickly at center.
Bold prediction: Flyers win the Gavin McKenna draft lottery.
28. Nashville Predators
After last season’s struggles, Nashville resets with lower expectations. Stability and fewer roster changes could bring consistency, though defensive gaps beyond Roman Josi remain.
Bold prediction: Andrew Brunette survives the full season behind the bench.
29. Seattle Kraken
Seattle’s young centers, including Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, give promise, but goal creation remains an issue. A new coach and better structure are essential for progress.
Bold prediction: Kraken become major sellers at the trade deadline.
30. Pittsburgh Penguins
Sidney Crosby keeps Pittsburgh competitive even as the franchise transitions toward a rebuild. Defensive weaknesses and uncertain goaltending suggest another tough year.
Bold prediction: Crosby reaches the 2026 playoffs — possibly with another team.
31. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are embracing youth development, led by Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Building around prospects and flipping veterans for picks remains the focus in Year 2 of their rebuild.
Bold prediction: Celebrini hits the 90-point mark.
32. Chicago Blackhawks
Connor Bedard leads a young, rebuilding Chicago still plagued by inconsistency. The team’s goal this year is measurable progress, not wins.
Bold prediction: Frank Nazar doubles last season’s point total.
