NHL season preview: Rankings from 1-32 and what to know about every team
Ryan S. Clark
andKristen Shilton
Sep 28, 2026, 08:00 AM ET
Opening night of the 2026-27 NHL season is Tuesday, which includes a tripleheader of games on ESPN: Florida Panthers-Carolina Hurricanes at 5 p.m. ET (including the Stanley Cup banner-raising), New York Rangers-Boston Bruins at 8 p.m. ET, and Chicago Blackhawks-Vegas Golden Knights at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Before the puck drops, this preview will serve you all the key intel you need on all 32 teams, including strengths, weaknesses, X factors, most likely award winners, fantasy tips and a bold prediction.
This season preview also features the first edition of ESPN's NHL Power Rankings, which provide the order in which these teams are presented. The weekly rankings are formulated through votes from ESPN hockey broadcasters, analysts and reporters.
Note: Thanks to PuckPedia for salary and contract data. Advanced stats are from Hockey Reference, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey. Kristen Shilton profiled the teams in the Eastern Conference, while Ryan S. Clark handled the Western Conference clubs. The fantasy outlook for each team was written by Victoria Matiash and Sean Allen, and bold predictions are from Greg Wyshynski. Stanley Cup odds are courtesy of DraftKings as of Sept. 26 and are subject to change. Projected points are via Stathletes.
1. Carolina Hurricanes
Last season: 53-22-7 (113 points), won the Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup odds: +650
Projected points: 112.2
Biggest strength: The Hurricanes are stacked with top forwards and enviable depth performers. It's the combination that made Carolina champions four months ago, and versatility will be a trademark for this group again. Star skaters like Andrei Svechnikov (coming off a rebound season), Sebastian Aho (a puck-moving playmaker), Nikolaj Ehlers, Taylor Hall, Jordan Staal, Jackson Blake -- there's no shortage of showstoppers for coach Rod Brind'Amour to use in formulating the Hurricanes' attack up front. And Carolina's back end (not to mention its perennially excellent penalty kill) is powered by the heart and soul of Jaccob Slavin ahead of a strong supporting cast (including his partner Jalen Chatfield and K'Andre Miller). Carolina's reputation is built on good defensive habits, strong special teams and enough firepower to give it a consistent edge over the competition. That steadiness will be essential in the Hurricanes' hunt for another title.
Biggest concern: Carolina didn't make many adjustments to the roster over the summer, with one notable exception: GM Eric Tulsky let starting goaltender Frederik Andersen walk in free agency, officially handing the crease over to Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov. After Bussi replaced Andersen late in Carolina's Cup run last spring, it's not entirely surprising the 28-year-old is getting a shot at being the No. 1 moving forward. But Bussi's short résumé -- he jumped into the NHL a year ago -- could be a liability, particularly considering Carolina no longer has a veteran in the wings to support him. And strong goaltending will be imperative for the Hurricanes early on when scoring itself might be at a higher premium, as Seth Jarvis will be notably unavailable to start the year as he recovers from offseason surgery. Carolina won't have the still-unsigned Alexander Nikishin patrolling the blue line to shield Bussi, either. The goaltender will have to show quickly that his magic touch still remains to keep Carolina on course.
This season hinges on ... how well Carolina handles the dreaded Stanley Cup hangover. It's a real thing. The Hurricanes wouldn't be the first champions to feel lethargic following a summer of celebration. There are renewed expectations and pressure to be dominant out of the gate with the opportunity to be repeat contenders -- a tall task even if Carolina were fully healthy and with the ink dried on every outstanding contract. The first few weeks of the year will be critical for the Hurricanes to reestablish their identity as a hungry team still looking to prove itself despite how well last spring ended.
Most likely award winner: Jaccob Slavin, Lady Byng Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Carolina's relentless system floats everyone's floor, with Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov and Nikolaj Ehlers as the weapons. A healthy Shayne Gostisbehere is the power-play bet, as he was 22nd in assists per minute in just 55 games, so the helpers spike if he stays on the ice. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Jordan Staal wins the Selke Trophy. -- Wyshynski
2. Colorado Avalanche
Last season: 55-16-11 (121 points), lost in conference finals
Stanley Cup odds: +700
Projected points: 115.7
Biggest strength: The Avs have two of the five best players in the world in Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. And while true, the Avalanche also possess what is expected to be one of the most complete teams in the NHL. The group returns 17 players from last year's roster, which won the Presidents' Trophy for the best regular-season record, and reached the conference finals; this summer, they added Stanley Cup winner Jaden Schwartz. The Avs have shown they can receive goals from every part of their lineup, have a defensive structure that involves contributions from every skater, and they have a goalie tandem that has become one of the best in the league.
Biggest concern: In terms of the regular season? It's seeing how young players such as Gavin Brindley, Zachary L'Heureux, Fedor Svechkov and T.J. Hughes find roles with the team. Brindley was on the roster last season, while Hughes joined the AHL club after finishing his season at Michigan, while the latter two were acquired in the offseason. All could potentially make a difference. Not only because they'd give the Avs even more depth, but they'd be doing it at a relatively cheap price for a team that has a little more than $400,000 in salary cap space. And if depth development isn't the biggest concern, it's finding a solution for a power play that was the sixth worst in the NHL last season.
This season hinges on ... correcting what went wrong in the playoffs. Losing in the conference finals to the Golden Knights created questions about how the Avs went from having the NHL's most dangerous attack to one that sputtered at the end. The Avs are one of the teams that won't be judged on what they do through 84 games, but rather the 16 games they must win in their pursuit of another title.
Most likely award winner: Cale Makar, Norris Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Martin Necas accumulated 100 points riding shotgun to Nathan MacKinnon in 2025-26. No reason to expect any different this round. Lower down the fantasy ranks, Gabriel Landeskog sports greater potential, now that the captain feels good and up to speed, especially competing on the top power play. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Avalanche win the Western Conference. -- Wyshynski
3. Dallas Stars
Last season: 50-20-12 (112 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +1400
Projected points: 101.7
Biggest strength: Once again, it appears the Stars have everything needed to present a serious case to win the Stanley Cup. They return 20 players from last year's team that had the No. 2 power play and was in the top 10 in goals per game while having nine players who finished with 10 or more goals. Their defensive structure was among the best in the NHL when it came to allowing the fewest high-danger chances per 60, scoring chances per 60 and shots per 60. Plus, their goaltending was also in the top 10 in team save percentage in 5-on-5 play.
Biggest concern: Can everyone stay healthy? Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene, Radek Faksa, Roope Hintz, Mikko Rantanen and Tyler Seguin all played fewer than 70 games last season. One way to look at those absences is it's six forwards who serve in numerous roles. Another way to view it is that the Stars were essentially without two lines and had to tap into their depth. Going through another season of that could be challenging for a team that has less than $400,000 in salary cap space to start the season.
This season hinges on ... identifying the disconnect that led to them getting knocked out in the first round after reaching three consecutive conference finals. Injuries played a role, and those challenges carried over into the playoffs. But so were the struggles the Stars faced when it came to scoring and defending. They were eliminated in the first round, averaging 2.50 goals per game while allowing 3.83 per contest, the latter of which was the second highest in the playoffs.
Most likely award winner: Jason Robertson, Rocket Richard
Fantasy outlook: Slipping through the cracks in fantasy a bit, Miro Heiskanen remains a top-10 defenseman with such a solid group of dynamite skaters. If healthy, Jake Oettinger is going to play, and win, enough to merit rostering as a No. 1 goalie. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Stars hit the John Tortorella panic button in-season. -- Wyshynski
4. Florida Panthers
Last season: 40-38-4 (84 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +650
Projected points: 102.6
Biggest strength: Is Florida's lineup big enough for two Tkachuk brothers? The answer is, well, probably yes. Prepare for the Brady and Matthew Show to highlight the Panthers' offense now in complement to elite talents such as Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart. On paper, this Florida pack should be a potent top-six unit. Barkov's return after missing all of last season is a shot in the arm for Florida at even strength and on the power play -- he's an incomparable two-way threat after all -- and having Brady on his wing allows Barkov to expand further as a playmaker. Paul Maurice constantly finds ways to push the right buttons for his team, and Florida can hang its hat on what it does well, possessing the puck with a verifiably star-studded offensive front.
Biggest concern: Florida is going from Sergei Bobrovsky to Jacob Markstrom in the starter's net, and that feels like a possible red flag. Bobrovsky was admittedly poor last season -- producing his worst numbers in over a decade -- but he's a two-time Vezina winner who guided Florida to a pair of Stanley Cup championships in the last five years. Markstrom, on the other hand, is something of a wild card. He was at his best statistically five years ago in Calgary (earning a Vezina nomination in 2022) but never found a consistent game from there for the Flames or through two seasons in New Jersey. Is Florida the fresh start Markstrom needs to reemerge as an elite-caliber goaltender? And can Akira Schmid -- the Panthers' new backup -- provide Markstrom with the right partner to help Florida pick up where it left off two seasons ago as a playoff contender? It's fair to wonder.
This season hinges on ... health and depth. The devastating loss of Barkov to an ACL injury before last season began was a gut punch to Florida's operation. Ensuring Barkov is back at full strength -- and going full speed -- is what breathes life back into the Panthers' offense (they ranked 18th there without him, averaging 3.00 goals per game). Matthew Tkachuk's limited showing -- at just 31 games -- hurt as well. Their availability is a massive advantage for Florida -- but especially critical given the Panthers' depth concerns early on. Brad Marchand will be sidelined through October following surgery, and Jonah Gadjovich still isn't back from his own procedure in November 2025. The Panthers lost significant secondary threats in the offseason -- like Evan Rodrigues, A.J. Greer and Mackie Samoskevich -- without necessarily filling in all those holes.
Most likely award winner: Aleksander Barkov, Selke Trophy
Fantasy outlook: A down fantasy year sets up a roaring return, with both Brady and Matthew Tkachuk now up front and a healthy Aleksander Barkov back. Brad Marchand is the ageless draft pick -- fourth in the entire league in goals per minute at age 38, available at a discount because he played only 52 games. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Panthers win the Stanley Cup. -- Wyshynski
5. Vegas Golden Knights
Last season: 39-26-17 (95 points), lost in Stanley Cup Final
Stanley Cup odds: +850
Projected points: 106.9
Biggest strength: The Golden Knights return 16 players from the roster that advanced to the Stanley Cup Final, enough to suggest they are in an enviable place. They are among the quartet of teams that control the Western Conference going back to 2020, based on the core they've built and how they've added to that collective. Possessing that level of continuity could also be extremely beneficial as first-year head coach Ryan Craig takes over. Craig is a former Golden Knights assistant who was promoted after coaching the franchise's AHL team since 2023.
Biggest concern: There are a few to choose from, whether it's how a first-time NHL head coach navigates a Stanley Cup front-runner, to what they do to fill the void left by trading away last year's leading goal scorer, Pavel Dorofeyev. Yet the primary answer could be the goaltending. The Golden Knights encountered a few challenges in the regular season when it came to how they operated in net. Inconsistencies and injuries led to them using four different goalies, while their team save percentage was the NHL's second lowest in 5-on-5 play.
This season hinges on ... their goaltending. The Golden Knights' play in the defensive zone last season is what made the dynamics around their goalies even more puzzling. They allowed the fewest high-danger chances per 60, the second-fewest shots per 60 and the fourth-fewest scoring chances per 60. Identifying what led to the Golden Knights having one of the worst team save percentages last season -- and addressing that issue -- could play a role in Craig having one of the strongest seasons by a first-year coach in recent memory.
Most likely award winner: Jack Eichel, Hart Trophy
Fantasy outlook: What should fantasy managers make of Carter Hart's potential this year? After a whole year off due to his legal situation, the netminder was more than just reliable for a Golden Knights team that made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. But he played only 40 games total between the regular and postseason. There are other starting netminders, for other good squads, who carry less uncertainty. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Mitch Marner scores 100 points. -- Wyshynski
6. Minnesota Wild
Last season: 46-24-12 (104 points), lost in second round
Stanley Cup odds: +1300
Projected points: 97.4
Biggest strength: The discussion around the Wild has changed because of what they did last season. They've gone from being a team that heavily relied on its defensive identity to fight for a wild-card spot to one that finished with more than 100 points while presenting a case that they could challenge the power dynamic in the Western Conference. Having a star quartet featuring Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov was vital, and Minnesota finished the regular season averaging the 11th-most goals per game while allowing the fourth-fewest goals per game.
Biggest concern: There might have been an overreliance on the goalie tandem of Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt. Gustavsson and Wallstedt were so effective that they helped the Wild finish last season with the fifth-best team save percentage in 5-on-5 play. What makes that detail important is the context that the Wild allowed the sixth-most scoring chances per 60 and allowed the seventh-most shots per 60. Only the Ducks allowed more in either category among playoff teams.
This season hinges on ... figuring out the depth given how much their roster has changed. Losing Marcus Johansson, Vladimir Tarasenko and Mats Zuccarello in the offseason means the Wild are without three of the players who finished in their top eight in points last season. GM Bill Guerin did reinforce the roster by bringing in Blake Coleman, with the belief that Maxim Shabanov and Danila Yurov can become significant contributors. Coleman is a proven scorer -- he has authored four seasons of more than 20 goals. Shabanov, who had 18 points in 44 games with the Islanders, will seek to find more consistency in his second season, while Yurov had 12 goals and 27 points as a rookie.
Most likely award winner: Quinn Hughes, Norris Trophy
Fantasy outlook: The Wild are one of the few squads with two top-20 forwards. Any manager who secures Kirill Kaprizov as a No. 1 and/or Matt Boldy as a No. 2 should count themselves fortunate. While Brock Faber won't put up as many points as Quinn Hughes, the 24-year-old blueliner provides his own value by blocking shots. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Jesper Wallstedt is traded. -- Wyshynski
7. Montreal Canadiens
Last season: 48-24-10 (106 points), lost in conference finals
Stanley Cup odds: +2200
Projected points: 104.9
Biggest strength: The Canadiens' self-belief is a quality intangible that drove their unexpected run to an Eastern Conference final last year. And Montreal stuck to its guns by not doing much to reshape its roster -- putting full faith behind a vaunted core of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky (among others) to keep the good times going. The Canadiens ranked seventh in offense last year (averaging 3.40 goals per game) and they had a top-10 power play (at 23.1%) that elevated them from being potentially middle-of-the-pack to real players in the division (and, eventually, the conference at large). There is something to be said for consistency, and GM Kent Hughes' decision to run it back and let his team carry its momentum forward is an underrated asset that should benefit the Canadiens in the year ahead.
Biggest concern: There's another side to the offensive coin for Montreal. That is how the lack of alternations to the lineup could also sting -- particularly when it comes to scoring depth down the middle. Other than Hughes adding veteran Chris Kreider, this is essentially the same Canadiens team from a season ago. Good and bad. Because it remains true that after Suzuki -- the NHL's newly minted Selke Trophy winner -- there's a noticeable drop-off in talent at center. Oliver Kapanen and Jake Evans aren't touching Suzuki in terms of talent but they are primed to get more minutes than is optimal given Montreal's other options at the position. Michael Hage is in the pipeline but he's still cooking at the University of Michigan. It'll be internal candidates that Martin St. Louis has to choose from in ensuring Montreal can stack up to the competition at pivot.
This season hinges on ... whether goaltender Jakub Dobes is the real deal. Montreal certainly thinks so. And Dobes looked like a bona fide No. 1 when he took over last season from veteran Sam Montembeault to backstop Montreal's magical late-season push. It was the sort of showing that earns a three-year contract extension (like it did for Dobes) and the opportunity to enter this season as the team's go-to guy in the net. How well Dobes can wear that title -- and its accompanying workload -- will be an ongoing story for Montreal in this unprecedented 84-game season. Montembeault has been good in the preseason -- and will be pushing Dobes out of the gate. There's undeniable pressure on the 25-year-old to be Montreal's breakout star -- the calm, cool demeanor he kept on full display last spring, though, suggests he's comfortable with courting some spotlight.
Most likely award winner: Cole Caufield, Rocket Richard
Fantasy outlook: A rising young team with one of the league's most dangerous power plays. Juraj Slafkovsky is the target. The former No. 1overall pick came on strong (eighth overall in fantasy points from Dec. 1 onward) and is going a full round or two behind Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Lane Hutson is a Norris Trophy finalist. -- Wyshynski
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
Last season: 50-26-6 (106 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +1000
Projected points: 113.1
Biggest strength: Tampa Bay is home to the NHL's reigning Hart Trophy winner -- that would be Nikita Kucherov -- and he headlines a top-end core of forwards that has kept the Lightning as contenders for most of the past decade. Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel, Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli -- the list goes on of skaters who can instantly turn the tide in Tampa Bay's favor. The Lightning ranked fourth in offense last season, and though they faced some questions about being too top-heavy, when the talents are that strong, how can you not lean into them? That will be the case again this season for the Lightning. While Andrei Vasilevskiy's netminding has also been the (actual) backbone for Tampa Bay staying in contention, he's getting some seriously significant help from the Lightning's ability to deploy some of the league's best scorers.
Biggest concern: Tampa Bay isn't getting any younger. That's a real potential problem. The Lightning have excellent players at every position now pushing into their 30s -- Kucherov is 33, Victor Hedman is 35, Vasilevskiy is 32 -- and that's just to name a few. Experience is an undeniable asset and the Lightning have that in droves. But the NHL is increasingly injected with youthful skaters bringing speed and skill at rates we've never seen before and Tampa Bay has to keep up. The team relies so heavily on its old guard that when those players aren't at their best -- or available -- it shows in a profound way. Hedman, for example, appeared in only 33 games last season and the Lightning weren't the same without him. Coach Jon Cooper asks a good deal of Vasilevskiy in net and the toll that takes only increases with his age. Tampa Bay has made four consecutive first-round playoff exits looking like a tired team. Can the Lightning get back on form without some fresh blood?
This season hinges on ... how well the Lightning tune out noise surrounding Kucherov's impending path toward free agency. Tampa Bay's success runs through him -- and that's hardly hyperbole. Does the fact that Kucherov has so far refused to sign an extension suggest he's waiting to see how the Lightning do this season and decide whether there's enough hope they'll remain contenders for years to come? It's already apparent the Lightning could be approaching a period of transition given their overall age and the lack of recent postseason success. Somehow it feels like how the team responds to the cloud hanging over Kucherov will either unite it further or possibly create some discomfort that leaks onto the ice.
Most likely award winner: Nikita Kucherov, Ted Lindsay Award
Fantasy outlook: Elite and safe at the top, with Nikita Kucherov the league's most productive forward minute-for-minute. Watch the power-play battle: John Carlson's arrival threatens Hedman's return to key minutes, and with Victor Hedman now 35 and coming off a ton of missed time, that's the quarterback job to monitor. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Nikita Kucherov signs a new deal for less than $20M AAV. -- Wyshynski
9. Edmonton Oilers
Last season: 41-30-11 (93 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +800
Projected points: 105.1
Biggest strength: Like the Avalanche, having two of the five best players on the planet -- in this case, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid -- will always be a strong starting point. Centering their core around a pair of Hart Trophy winners is a strategy that has allowed the Oilers to entrench themselves as one of the major Western Conference powers. Yet that comes with the understanding that while winning the West is an accomplishment, this current group is still seeking an elusive Stanley Cup.
Biggest concern: Goaltending is a familiar concern for the Oilers. They had the second-worst team save percentage in 5-on-5 play last season. It's a continuation of the Oilers possessing a collective bottom-10 team save percentage in 5-on-5 play that goes back to the 2023-24 season. Signing Frederik Andersen and trading for Devon Levi gives them two more options beyond Tristan Jarry, who encountered his share of struggles after arriving in a trade last season. Also keep in mind that Andersen has had injury issues in his career, whereas Levi is still seeking to show how his AHL success can translate to the NHL.
This season hinges on ... all the moves they made this offseason leading to a title. The decision to hire Mike Babcock came after he was cleared by the NHL, following an investigation into what led to him resigning from the Blue Jackets -- including his request to look at the personal photos from players' phones. There was also the decision to sign Alex Formenton, the third of five players acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case that has signed with an NHL team. There are aforementioned concerns with Andersen and Levi, and hope that Ryan Shea can provide stability on the blue line. Pressure is mounting for the current group, given that McDavid's contract is up after 2027-28.
Most likely award winner: Connor McDavid, Hart Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Zach Hyman forecasts to bounce back after two mediocre/injury-riddled seasons. The veteran winger likes playing for Mike Babcock and seems fully fit after missing 24 games this past campaign. Evan Bouchard could eventually eclipse all fantasy blueliners if he ends up hitting the 100-point mark, as some optimistically anticipate. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Mike Babcock makes no statistical difference for McDavid, Draisaitl. -- Wyshynski
10. Buffalo Sabres
Last season: 50-23-9 (109 points), lost in second round
Stanley Cup odds: +3000
Projected points: 86.2
Biggest strength: The Sabres have a laundry list of young players poised to make greater impacts with increased opportunity. Buffalo's core -- anchored by Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power and Tage Thompson -- is well intact. But there's a possibility below those top skaters to cultivate enviable depth that will keep the Sabres as Atlantic darlings. Josh Doan, Zach Benson, Ryan McLeod and Jack Quinn are coming off strong campaigns to build off of. Then there are skaters such as forward Noah Ostlund (who just signed an eight-year extension) and defenseman Louis Crevier (part of the return from Chicago in Buffalo's trade of Bowen Byram) who will be put in position to excel. Plus, Jiri Kulich and Konsta Helenius should add punch with their individual skill sets. Buffalo has the weapons it needs to be an impressive group up front -- even with the offseason loss of Alex Tuch. And the back end will have a chance to prove itself early after Byram's departure and with Mattias Samuelsson injured to start the year.
Biggest concern: Ah, Buffalo's goaltending. That's still the question mark. It's hard to argue with the Sabres' regular-season results a year ago relying on a tandem of Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Buffalo finished third in team SV% at .907 and fifth in goals saved above expected. But neither goaltender could cut it when the Sabres were floundering in their second-round playoff series against Montreal. Despite rumors linking an unhappy Connor Hellebuyck to Buffalo, the Sabres are -- for now -- running it back with Lyon and UPL. It should be clear early on, at least, whether that's a wise decision. Will Buffalo opt to rotate them again, too? Or hope for one to emerge as a workhorse? There's intrigue -- and anxiety -- about how the Sabres' crease will come together.
This season hinges on ... how well Buffalo can maintain its urgency. The Sabres ended their historic 14-year playoff drought last season to silence the doubters predicting they'd fall short of the postseason again. The Sabres can't afford now to rest on those laurels. There have been changes to the roster -- Tuch and Byram both notably departed via trades in June -- but that's not reason for the Sabres' mindset to shift from when they were scrappy so-called underdogs with something to prove. That's still true. Retaining some of that chip-on-our-shoulder energy as part of the club's overall identity will keep Buffalo from becoming -- as GM Jarmo Kekalainen put it -- complacent in its quest to repeat as a playoff contender.
Most likely award winner: Rasmus Dahlin, Norris Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Two true stars up top, and a deep, ascending forward group behind Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin. Jack Quinn, Josh Doan and Zach Benson all flashed, and Jiri Kulich has a chance to, and they all sit available at the end of drafts. Bet on the wave, with Doan the best of them. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Jarmo Kekalainen swings a deadline blockbuster. -- Wyshynski
11. Utah Mammoth
Last season: 43-33-6 (92 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +3000
Projected points: 103.7
Biggest strength: Adding Anders Lee and Vincent Trocheck in the offseason represents two things about the Mammoth. The first is they learned quite a bit from losing that first-round series against the Golden Knights in which they relinquished a 2-1 lead. Utah's first postseason appearance came with the understanding that lessons were going to be learned for a team that was yet to have a collective playoff campaign together. So, it went out and added a pair of veterans with experience. But beyond that veteran experience, adding Lee and Trocheck makes the Mammoth one of the deeper groups in the conference.
Biggest concern: How will their younger players handle the demands of being on a playoff team with ambition? Daniil But and Dmitri Simashev, who were both first-round picks in 2023, appear as if they will have larger roles. Goaltender Sebastian Cossa was acquired in a trade from the Red Wings, with the idea that the 2021 first-round pick can help ease the burden on Karel Vejmelka. Vejmelka logged the most minutes of any NHL goaltender last season, playing in 64 of his team's 82 regular-season games.
This season hinges on ... how they use the knowledge gained from last season. Advancing to the playoffs the year before doesn't guarantee a return trip. Especially in the Central Division, in which the Blues and Jets -- playoff teams in 2024-25 -- failed to make the postseason the following season. The Mammoth are expected to return to the playoffs, with the belief they could possibly reach the second round or beyond this time. But, they'll have to be careful in avoiding the potential pitfalls that have recently plagued others.
Most likely award winner: Dylan Guenther, Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Dylan Guenther is a legit 40-goal threat, ex-Islander Anders Lee is one to watch as a depth threat in a plum lineup spot, and Clayton Keller is expected to go about his usual business of scoring near 90 points. The busiest goalie in 2025-26, Karel Vejmelka, could lose a few more starts to Sebastian Cossa, who's ready to prove himself after four solid seasons in the minors, but not enough to sweat about. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Mammoth trade for Connor Hellebuyck. -- Wyshynski
12. Washington Capitals
Last season: 43-30-9 (95 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +1700
Projected points: 99.1
Biggest strength: The Capitals have depth for days thanks to GM Chris Patrick's aggressive pursuit of assets during the offseason. There's Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner now battling for top-nine roles and Vincent Desharnais adding a nice boost on the back end. There's also some decent size and punch for Washington from its acquisitions (the Capitals are projected to be the league's heaviest team purely from a height and weight standpoint), so the physical presence will come from more than just, oh, say, Tom Wilson. Speaking of Capitals stalwarts, though, Alex Ovechkin is back, and that's as solid a boost for Washington's seasonlong prospects as any new face could hope to bring. Where the team stumbled last season -- losing forward bodies early and failing to recover -- shouldn't be an issue now with a long list of skaters capable of contributing.
Biggest concern: Washington has reason to worry about the state of its blue line. John Carlson is gone. Patrick couldn't land Darren Raddysh (who was traded to Toronto). And Rasmus Sandin, one of the Capitals' regular top-four options, is out until at least January recovering from knee surgery. That leaves the Capitals with an especially weak right side and few choices on how to improve. Washington isn't holding any NHL-ready defenders in its prospect pool, and while Desharnais is some insurance, Justin Holl (also brought in during the offseason) probably isn't going to be carrying major minutes. The Capitals will have to put their weight behind guys such as Timothy Liljegren (signed to a fresh two-year deal) and 20-year-old rookie Cole Hutson to have an impact and keep the defense on the rails until Sandin (or other reinforcements) arrives.
This season hinges on ... how nicely Washington's stars play with each other. It's one thing to stack the lineup with goal scorers and playmakers. It's another to see how those skaters can share and play together. Every one of Tuch, Kyrou, Ovechkin, etc. will want his touches and his chance to shine. Coach Spencer Carbery's task will be making sure his lines aren't just well-made but can flow, with enough opportunity to go around. Health is also a significant factor in that -- it's inevitable every team will face some sort of injury hardship. But all things being equal, divvying up and defining roles will be a critical part of Washington making the most of its resources and becoming a playoff club again. That goes beyond even just chemistry. It's cultivating a team-first attitude so no one tries too hard at being the only go-to guy.
Most likely award winner: Cole Hutson, Calder Trophy
Fantasy outlook: New faces Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou reshape a lineup still leaning on Alex Ovechkin's shot volume. It's a huge forward upgrade -- and rookie Cole Hutson is a solid gamble, having generated power-play points at the best per-minute rate in the league in a small sample; the Protas brothers add homegrown upside. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Capitals make the Eastern Conference finals. -- Wyshynski
13. San Jose Sharks
Last season: 39-35-8 (86 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +3500
Projected points: 95.3
Biggest strength: GM Mike Grier strengthened the supporting cast around Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith and the young core after finishing four points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot. The Sharks brought in Mason Marchment to reinforce their top six and drafted Ivar Stenberg second overall, with the belief he can step right in and do the same. The alterations extended to the defense, adding Michael Kesselring and Darnell Nurse in trade, while signing Jacob Trouba in free agency.
Biggest concern: It could be the goaltending. The keyword there being "could." San Jose finished with the eighth-lowest team save percentage in 5-on-5 play during the 2025-26 season. That comes with the understanding that Yaroslav Askarov, who had 16 previous games of NHL experience, played 47 games as he was gaining a firmer grasp for what comes with being a full-time NHL goalie. What makes the concern about the goaltending easier to digest is that there were five playoff teams that had a worse team save percentage.
This season hinges on ... whether they can turn some of last season's more painful experiences into more productive ones this season. Opening last season with six straight defeats -- two of them in overtime -- put them in a difficult spot. As did the five consecutive losses entering and exiting the Olympic break. Then there was a second stretch of six straight losses in March. Avoiding those streaks -- or at least not letting them persist for an extended period of time -- could prove crucial in what's expected to be a competitive Western Conference playoff race.
Most likely award winner: Macklin Celebrini, Hart Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Slated to skate with Macklin Celebrini -- who shares company with MacKinnon, Kucherov, and McDavid is in this year's ultra-elite fantasy quartet -- Will Smith is expected to burst forth with 70 or 75 points in his third NHL go-around. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Sharks return to the playoffs. -- Wyshynski
14. Anaheim Ducks
Last season: 43-33-6 (92 points), lost in second round
Stanley Cup odds: +2800
Projected points: 98.4
Biggest strength: Only a handful of teams can claim to be as threatening as the Ducks in the offensive zone. They were a top five team in high-danger chances per 60, scoring chances per 60 and shots per 60. That's not to say everything about the Ducks in the offensive zone was smooth. A conversation can be had about efficiency, given that Anaheim was 13th in goals per game, with a 23rd-ranked power play.
Biggest concern: Only a handful of teams encountered the defensive issues the Ducks encountered last season -- with the notion that it could be that way again. The Ducks were in the top five in the league in allowing the most high-danger chances per 60 and scoring chances per 60. They also allowed the 11th-most shots per 60. The challenges extended to their goalies, with the Ducks also having one of the five lowest team save percentages in 5-on-5 play.
This season hinges on ... whether their new-look defense can make considerable improvements. The Ducks moved on from veterans John Carlson, Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba this summer, from a unit that clearly had its issues. Anaheim is now expecting that the experience attained by Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov can help guide a unit that will see Drew Helleson, Tyson Hinds and Ian Moore take on larger roles in 2026-27.
Most likely award winner: Leo Carlsson, Hart Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Cutter Gauthier, who's ready to flirt with the 50-goal mark, Leo Carlsson and Beckett Sennecke are the Ducks' top fantasy forwards, in order. After that there's a considerable drop-off, at least before the regular season gets underway. In net, Lukas Dostal is a risky play behind Anaheim's refurbished, and largely inexperienced, defense. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Ducks take a step back. -- Wyshynski
15. New Jersey Devils
Last season: 42-37-3 (87 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +3000
Projected points: 94
Biggest strength: The Devils will have a healthy Jack Hughes to start the season, and the longer he remains that way, the better their prospects of being a playoff team. Hughes is an all-world talent that can run New Jersey's offense. The fact the team is without him so often -- Hughes has made it into 62 games or more just once in his career -- underscores his value. But it's not just Hughes who can make the Devils potent up front. Nico Hischier's two-way skill set, Jesper Bratt's scoring touch and the addition of offseason signees such as Evan Rodrigues, Anthony Mantha and Luke Evangelista to the group suggest New Jersey's attack will be its best asset going into the new season. The longer Hughes stays firing increases those odds.
Biggest concern: New Jersey is no stranger to inconsistent goaltending. It was a thorn in the side for years before the team parted ways with Jacob Markstrom over the summer. However, turning the team's starting duties over to one of (or a combination of?) Jake Allen, David Rittich and Nico Daws doesn't feel exactly like a step forward in the netminding department. Allen is 36 and hasn't played more than 40 games in a season since 2022-23. Daws, 25, has 55 total NHL appearances. And the journeyman Rittich is a fine fill-in option, but by no means will the Devils be banking on him to lead the way. So, it's on Allen and Daws mostly to share the crease since there's no guarantee either one is ready to be a 50-plus game player. And whoever does get the nod every night has to help the Devils improve on their average defensive efforts last season (where they finished 18th with a 3.09 goals against average).
This season hinges on ... how the Devils develop a new identity. There has been serious turnover for New Jersey under new GM Sunny Mehta -- changes up front mean finding quick chemistry, and the switch in net adds pressure on the team's back end to step up. Mehta traded Simon Nemec to Calgary in the offseason and the focus shifts to how Luke Hughes can shoulder being the true cornerstone of New Jersey's blue line at present and into the future. Jonas Siegenthaler must be on track for a steady season and both Dougie Hamilton and Brett Pesce need to be veteran pillars of support on the ice and in mentoring potential incoming regulars like Declan Chisholm. Basically, New Jersey's ability to evolve in Mehta's image will either guide it back to the playoffs or be a potential roadblock in reaching that pinnacle after missing out last year.
Most likely award winner: Jack Hughes, Hart Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Health is the whole story here. A healthy Jack Hughes is a first-rounder, and the top forwards are dangerous when whole. Watch the new additions, as Anthony Mantha and Luke Evangelista are near-free late fliers who could spark real value if they stick in the top six. -- Allen
Bold prediction: This is Sheldon Keefe's last season. -- Wyshynski
16. Philadelphia Flyers
Last season: 43-27-12 (98 points), lost in second round
Stanley Cup odds: +5000
Projected points: 90.7
Biggest strength: The Flyers have an exciting young core of players to lean on -- even without the inclusion of Leo Carlsson (nice try on that, though). Trevor Zegras had a renaissance of sorts in his first year with Philadelphia and earned a four-year extension that should give him all the confidence to build on a 67-point campaign (second best among Flyers). Matvei Michkov, Porter Martone and the potential of Jett Luchanko provides Philadelphia a good mix of young skill sets to power the offense alongside established veterans such as Owen Tippett, Travis Konecny and Christian Dvorak. There's a sense of balance to what the Flyers can do with their forward lines and that's a real luxury for coach Rick Tocchet. And let's not forget about the back end, where Jamie Drysdale (also with a fresh four-year deal) brings the energy in a group anchored by minute-muncher Travis Sanheim. Philadelphia has earned the right to name drop with so many quality skaters making them dangerous.
Biggest concern: Philadelphia was dead last on the power play last season (at a woeful 15.7%), leaving reasonable doubt about the special teams in 2026-27. Still, Philadelphia managed to overcome that issue to reach the postseason least year -- in part because they got some solid goaltending from veteran Dan Vladar down the stretch. But can Vladar be the number one goalie in Philly this year? Or will Tocchet have to hand things over to Joseph Woll, who GM Danny Briere acquired in a trade with Toronto over the summer? Woll had an up-and-down career with the Leafs and is coming off a 15-16-7 campaign with an .899 SV%. The combination of an aging Vladar and unknown (to Philadelphia) Woll makes the Flyers' goaltending situation precarious. There's something to prove early on in both areas for Philadelphia to be seen as a contender.
This season hinges on ... how the Flyers start, not just how they finish. Philadelphia sprinted into the postseason with a late-season surge last spring (and even reached the second round), but while urgency is appreciated, it should manifest in other ways for the Flyers. Because what's not a sustainable strategy is leaving your fortunes to luck (and hoping teams around you falter at the right time). The progression shown by the Flyers' noticeably strong core is critical to sounding an early alarm that Philadelphia is for real, and can (and will) use an entire regular season to grow into a club that can go deep into the playoffs. Tocchet's adaptability in decision making has to bring out the best in Philadelphia to allow for everyone to take strides all year long and be confident in the team's identity as a whole.
Most likely award winner: Porter Martone, Calder Trophy
Fantasy outlook: A rebuild with real pockets of value, led by volume-shooter Owen Tippett and the tantalizing ceilings of Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone. Martone, in particular, is an appealing target based on his powerhouse 10-game sample at the end of last season. Add Jamie Drysdale, if healthy, as he has a clear path to quarterback the top power play. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Flyers take a step back before a leap forward. -- Wyshynski
17. Boston Bruins
Last season: 45-27-10 (100 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +10000
Projected points: 91.2
Biggest strength: The Bruins are blessed with a pair of high-end goal-scoring talents in David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie. Along with Pavel Zacha, they will be the engine running Boston's offense again following a top-10 finish in that category last season (averaging 3.27 goals per game). Pastrnak's incomparable finesse coupled with a power forward such as Geekie creates a formidable duo for coach Marco Sturm to deploy in the Bruins' top six. While Boston's talent up front will be a driving force of its success, it'll be Jeremy Swayman's consistency in the crease -- coming off a terrific year where he led the NHL in quality starts with 38 -- that will allow Pastrnak and company's efforts in the offensive zone to truly pay off.
Biggest concern: How much help will Boston's stars get from its supporting cast? JJ Peterka is involved now following his trade from Utah, but it remains to be seen how he adds to the Bruins' mix. That group also no longer includes Viktor Arvidsson, who was fourth (after Geekie, Zacha and Pastrnak) in goals for Boston last season. The Bruins then will need more from skaters such as Casey Mittelstadt (who had 42 points in 71 games a year ago), Elias Lindholm (48 points in 69 games) and Fraser Minten (newly inked to a seven-year extension) to go from lurking in the shadows to blossoming as true difference-makers. Because as strong as Pastrnak, Geekie and Zacha can and will be, maintaining the offensive prowess will take a full-time effort from the rest of the team's lineup, too.
This season hinges on ... how well Boston can cope without Charlie McAvoy -- and what sort of response their blue line musters overall. McAvoy is suspended for the first six games of the season for slashing Buffalo forward Zach Benson late in Game 6 of the Bruins' first-round playoff series against the Sabres last spring (Boston was eliminated that night and so McAvoy's ban carried over until now). The Bruins allowed the fifth-most shots per game last season (averaging 29.7), and it was Swayman's excellence that kept their defensive deficiencies from derailing the season. Without McAvoy, it will be a tall order for the Bruins to protect Swayman and not slip significantly. Yes, six games is a small portion of the season but knowing McAvoy will take time getting back up to speed when he does suit up, a leaky defense for the first few weeks of the year could spell impending doom for the Bruins.
Most likely award winner: Jeremy Swayman, Vezina Trophy
Fantasy outlook: David Pastrnak carries this offense almost alone, and he makes linemates: Morgan Geekie and Pavel Zacha last year, maybe JJ Peterka next. Zacha's the value nobody drafts -- a center going late in drafts despite finishing a top-80 fantasy forward. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Pavel Zacha regresses from 30-goal 2025-26. -- Wyshynski
18. Toronto Maple Leafs
Last season: 32-36-14 (78 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +3500
Projected points: 84.7
Biggest strength: The Leafs went through some changes this offseason, but that's what could take Toronto 2.0 back to the playoffs. First, there's Darren Raddysh coming on board -- a big-bodied defenseman to anchor the Leafs' defensively and star on their top power-play unit (which has been craving such an asset). Then, there's Gavin McKenna, the No. 1 overall pick from 2026 who doesn't just bring an impressive offensive skill set but could invigorate the rest of Toronto's offense (like the back-on-form Auston Matthews and defier-of-Father-Time John Tavares). Sergei Bobrovsky is already a favorite in the Leafs' dressing room and gives Toronto hope for a strong tandem with his former Florida Panthers' partner, Anthony Stolarz. All the offseason additions Toronto made is what stands to offer them an edge this season.
Biggest concern: Toronto is no stranger to high expectations. It's living up to them that's been a problem and could be again. Health and focus are a major factor for the Leafs now. Max Domi is out indefinitely with an undisclosed injury. Morgan Rielly -- over his viral infection, at least -- spent the summer dealing with trade rumors. And Matthews has been so plagued by injury he hasn't skated in every game of a season since his rookie year. Matthews -- who has been wishy-washy about his future with the club -- says he's feeling great coming off another injury issue, but does that manifest into him being more available this year? And Toronto has other players (such as Chris Tanev) who also have to find their game again after missing chunks of time in the previous season. There's some finger crossing now for the Leafs when it comes to not only maintaining good health but in finding the right depth to make up for where they're already losing bodies.
This season hinges on ... what the Leafs can get out of Bobrovsky. The longtime goaltender has all the charisma to give his new team confidence he's going to be an upgrade in goal. But Bobrovsky's production dipped last season to its lowest point in well over a decade and he's 38 years old, which has to raise some questions about durability over an extended 84-game slate. How Bobrovsky can answer his critics could easily determine whether Toronto is a playoff no-show again or not.
Most likely award winner: Gavin McKenna, Calder Trophy
Fantasy outlook: The season hinges on a healthy Auston Matthews, with William Nylander the steadier cornerstone alongside him. Rookie Gavin McKenna is the upside name to watch, Darryn Raddysh is a quiet bet to repeat his top-11 fantasy-D finish, and the crease is a timeshare between Anthony Stolarz and Sergei Bobrovsky that deserves a watch, not a draft-day reach. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Leafs miss the playoffs again. -- Wyshynski
19. Ottawa Senators
Last season: 44-27-11 (99 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +3500
Projected points: 104.5
Biggest strength: The Senators are a versatile group. They have high-end talent -- particularly at center -- that's complemented by some intriguing secondary pieces. Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson are established skaters ready and willing to take on heavy responsibilities, while William Eklund is bringing his talents to Canada's capital following an offseason trade, and Dylan Cozens is a second-line driver who just had an excellent 28-goal season. On the back end there's Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot to discuss, and how they were especially excellent at making Ottawa the league's best even-strength club defensively a season ago. The Senators might have lost signature star Brady Tkachuk in a trade with Florida, but there's enough limelight to go around now as the Senators maximize their potential as a postseason contender.
Biggest concern: Ottawa might have felt backed into a corner by Tkachuk's trade request, but it made it happen. Now the worry is how the Senators account for his absence on multiple fronts. There's something of a leadership void when a team loses its captain without a singular heir-apparent to take over as the prevailing voice on and off the ice. Tkachuk's contributions -- 59 points in 60 games last year -- won't be easy to replace. Still, a club usually doesn't get better from subtracting its best player, and it's fair to wonder how the Senators are going to respond in the post-Tkachuk era and what impact it has on the team reaching the playoffs.
This season hinges on ... how Linus Ullmark picks up from his spring. It was remarkable to realize how good Ottawa was at limiting chances in 2025-26 considering it ranked 13th overall in defense. But that's what happens when your goaltender (Ullmark) puts up the worst stats of his career (with an .881 SV%). That's where Ullmark was at before taking a leave of absence in December and addressing some personal health issues. It was an outlier stretch for Ullmark based on his historical figures, and he was sensational in Ottawa's brief postseason run (that ended in a four-game sweep entirely not his fault). So, which Ullmark shows up early for the Senators this season? If it's that guy from late in the season -- echoing the version of Ullmark that earned a Vezina Trophy in 2023 -- then the Senators are in for smoother sailing. If Ullmark struggles again, the team could be in trouble, because Samuel Ersson is the man behind Ullmark and his track record isn't instilling the same sort of confidence that Ullmark's can.
Most likely award winner: Jake Sanderson, Norris Trophy
Fantasy outlook: A young core arriving all at once, now without Brady Tkachuk. It's a wealth of talent with Tim Stutzle driving the bus. Linus Ullmark is worth a look to bounce back to his Vezina Trophy-winning form. After a lost regular season, he was not to blame for the Sens being swept in the first round (.932 save percentage). -- Allen
Bold prediction: Senators miss the playoffs. -- Wyshynski
20. Pittsburgh Penguins
Last season: 41-25-16 (98 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +8000
Projected points: 102
Biggest strength: The Penguins are freshly familiar with overachieving. That breeds confidence -- even Sidney Crosby thinks so. And Crosby being the beginning, middle and end of most good things that transpire in Pittsburgh means he knows a thing or two about what's going to make his team tick. The Penguins started last year on an 8-2-2 run and ended it postseason-bound. That was thanks to the same cast of characters who can help them do it again this year -- Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell to name a few (Anthony Mantha, unfortunately, is no longer in the mix after leaving in free agency). Pittsburgh is welcoming in Andrei Kuzmenko and Nicholas Robertson though to complement the attack and propel them toward achieving consecutive top-three offensive finishes (after they averaged 3.54 goals per game a season ago). The Penguins have proof of what they're capable of even if in the face of outside detractors. That internal knowledge can be a superpower.
Biggest concern: Pittsburgh doesn't have close to a household name in net. The Penguins are banking on a tandem of Arturs Silovs and Sergei Murashov to replace the now departed Stuart Skinner and Tristan Jarry. That's ... a big ask. Silovs has one Calder Cup championship on his résumé but only 58 games of NHL experience (with an .886 SV%). Murashov is a 22-year-old standout from the KHL and AHL ranks that appeared in five games for Pittsburgh last year with an .897 SV%. What can the Penguins reasonably expect from the duo? At minimum, goaltending can't be a liability for Pittsburgh. However that has to happen -- with a No. 1 starter or goaltending by committee -- it's imperative for Pittsburgh not making an early exit from the playoff hunt.
This season hinges on ... how well the Penguins' core holds up. Crosby, Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson are rightly talked about for better or worse as deciding factors in how good this year is going to be for Pittsburgh. It's just hard to know how they'll hold up in an extended season and whether their collective output is enough to help sustain team success. It's natural to see decline in players well into their 30s and while Crosby and Malkin especially have worn the years well, it has been tougher for their defensive counterparts to do the same. Pittsburgh's reliance on them to perform hasn't trended downward all that quickly though, and reaching the playoffs again -- or at least remaining on track to do so well into the winter -- is wrapped up in how they can tackle another potentially grueling year.
Most likely award winner: Sidney Crosby, Hart Trophy
Fantasy outlook: The veterans still deliver. Sidney Crosby is a lock until we see otherwise, Erik Karlsson still earns value and Evgeni Malkin remains quietly elite by the minute. Egor Chinakhov is the sleeper pick with deceptive averages from 2025-26, as his half-season Penguins sample (1.88 FPPG) is obscured by his Blue Jackets tenure (0.67 FPPG). -- Allen
Bold prediction: Sergei Murashov takes over the crease. -- Wyshynski
21. Los Angeles Kings
Last season: 35-27-20 (90 points), lost in first round
Stanley Cup odds: +3000
Projected points: 95.4
Biggest strength: The Kings reached the playoffs last season thanks to their proven connection between their defensive structure and goalies. L.A.'s underlying metrics reveal that it was one of the strongest in the league in terms of allowing high-danger chances per 60, scoring chances per 60 and shots per 60. And the Kings' goalies finished in the top three of team save percentage in 5-on-5 play.
Biggest concern: It's the lack of goals, and whether the offseason decisions to address those issues are enough. The most jarring aspect about the Kings scoring the fourth-fewest goals in the NHL last season is that their underlying metrics suggest they should have been more prolific; the Kings were in the top 10 of high-danger chances per 60 and scoring chances per 60, while being around league average in shots per 60.
This season hinges on ... if everything they did this offseason leads to them finally having the postseason breakthrough they've sought for many years. Part of the reason they hired head coach Peter Laviolette was that his systems have proven to generate goals. The Kings also added Erik Haula and Mats Zuccarello, while bringing back Corey Perry to bolster their offensive group. Now, it's about seeing if their offensive system can match -- or come close to matching -- what they have built on defense.
Most likely award winner: Peter Laviolette, Jack Adams
Fantasy outlook: One of this season's more popular breakout candidates, Brandt Clarke is expected to take another step forward after amassing eight goals and 32 assists in his sophomore season. No one should be surprised if the 23-year-old collects 25 points on the power play. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Kings miss the playoffs. -- Wyshynski
22. New York Islanders
Last season: 43-34-5 (91 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +15000
Projected points: 87.6
Biggest strength: The Islanders' potential is rooted in the letter "S" -- as in, Ilya Sorokin and Matthew Schaefer. Sorokin was New York's undisputed MVP last season, posting a .906 SV% and 2.68 goals-against average in 55 appearances. He can mask (no pun intended) other issues (such as, ahem, scoring struggles) and give the Islanders a chance to win even when they aren't lighting up the scoresheet. Behind Sorokin is a solid defense anchored by reigning Calder Trophy winner Schaefer. The sophomore will drive New York from the back end with bursts of speed that still surprise opponents. And Schaefer's increasing power-play prowess stands to elevate that unit after it finished 30th last season (at just 16.5%). There's no limit to what Schaefer can offer, and that's the best thing for the Islanders.
Biggest concern: New York doesn't boast an arsenal of scoring threats. The Islanders were 25th in that category last season -- the problematic power play certainly didn't help -- and New York failed to add any needle-movers in the offseason to aid their offensive efforts this season. That leaves Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat to try to make the Islanders at least competitive up front. It will be harder than ever to do, considering Anders Lee departed in free agency to leave New York with only four players from last season who tallied over 40 points (yikes). On the plus side, Kyle Palmieri is returning from an injury that sidelined him most of last season. But even then, how can the Islanders expect marked improvement? It's a question they've had to answer before -- and never with much success.
This season hinges on ... how Pete DeBoer can leave his mark on the Islanders. New York went off a cliff late last season and cost itself a playoff spot and former coach Patrick Roy his job. DeBoer was brought in with just six games remaining to understand the issues and now he has got to turn things around. The new bench boss already identified areas of concern, including that "stagnant" power play, that must be addressed, but DeBoer also has to work on the team's culture to help guide New York toward better days. Expectations for the Islanders are admittedly low; there are too many holes in the group to suggest New York can rebound from how last season ended. Boosting those spirits with a strong start to the season goes a long way. Does DeBoer have the messaging required to make it happen? That's what New York should be depending on.
Most likely award winner: Pete DeBoer, Jack Adams Award
Fantasy outlook: Rookie Matthew Schaefer is the real deal, an every-week anchor from Day 1 in top-pairing, power-play minutes. He has a real shot at being the top fantasy defenseman already, if the Islanders' underwhelming power play can find its form under coach Peter DeBoer. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Isles become trade deadline sellers. -- Wyshynski
23. Columbus Blue Jackets
Last season: 40-30-12 (92 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +6000
Projected points: 97.4
Biggest strength: The Blue Jackets have a signature star in Zach Werenski. He's not just the NHL's reigning Norris Trophy winner, but Werenski is the backbone of Columbus' best asset, which is a solid defense that can mask some inconsistencies in generating offense. Werenski was not just the Blue Jackets' points leader in 2025-26 (with 81 in 75 games), but he also led the league in shots on goal by a defenseman, paced all blueliners in high-danger shots and proved that the way he uses speed and skill to be a 200-foot phenom sets the tone for his teammates. Columbus gets major output from its back end, with four defenders eclipsing the 30-point mark last season, and the potential is there to have those same contributions in the coming season. That's a win.
Biggest concern: It was a dramatic summer for Columbus that featured several of its high-profile players in the headlines. How the ongoing narratives affect players, and possibly their performance, could be a huge problem. Werenski's rumored unhappiness and trade request -- ahead of him reaching free agency in July 2027 -- was one talking point. Whether to move top forward Kirill Marchenko -- a soon-to-be RFA who doesn't appear committed to the organization -- was another. And GM Don Waddell has been clear that he will not move Marchenko, so that narrative could carry on for a while (Waddell, at least, got Adam Fantilli to sign a new six-year deal). Still, there are substantial internal and external issues to juggle, and Columbus is facing it now without former captain Boone Jenner, who departed for Washington in free agency. Who steps up to be the leader the Blue Jackets need in navigating a pivotal juncture for the organization?
This season hinges on ... how well Columbus responds to coach Rick Bowness. The veteran bench boss took his team to task at the end of last season, saying his group "didn't care" about losing and calling for a "change [to] this freaking culture." It's time now for Bowness to back up his words with action. Given the distractions the Blue Jackets are already facing regarding impending free agents, potential contract holdouts or even sizable trades, it's not ideal to have players on eggshells around the coach. Bowness can't lose the Blue Jackets' dressing room or else the team is in for another disappointing finish.
Most likely award winner: Zach Werenski, Norris Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Zach Werenski is a set-and-forget anchor, and Adam Fantilli is ready to pop in his age-22 season. Valeri Nichushkin is the bounce-back dart -- a proven scorer whose value cratered on availability, not ability -- and Jet Greaves owns a crease that's worth your attention if Columbus banks him wins. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Kirill Marchenko isn't traded. -- Wyshynski
24. St. Louis Blues
Last season: 37-33-12 (86 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +20000
Projected points: 93.8
Biggest strength: This offseason, the Blues attempted to address their scoring challenges from last season. The lack of goals was instrumental in the Blues finishing four points shy of the final Western Conference wild-card spot. How would they adapt after finishing bottom 10 in scoring? They sought to do just that by landing Connor McMichael in the trade that sent Jordan Kyrou to the Capitals, and adding Mason McTavish via trade from the Ducks. McMichael finished last season with 46 points -- the same number as Kyrou -- whereas McTavish, despite his consistency issues, had 17 goals and 41 points.
Biggest concern: Did they really fix the offensive issues? Go back to the start of last season. St. Louis had one of the strongest offseasons because it appeared the Blues were poised to receive contributions from every line. Only to then be one of the worst teams in the NHL in the offensive zone, a detail that was more amplified by being in the bottom 10 in high-danger scoring chances per 60 and scoring chances per 60.
This season hinges on ... how their young core responds to the challenge at hand. St. Louis is banking on Dalibor Dvorsky increasing his production after a 12-goal rookie season, Dylan Holloway scoring 30 goals, Mason McTavish tapping back into the promise that made him a legitimate top-six center in years past, Jake Neighbours having his third 20-goal season in the last four years and Jimmy Snuggerud continuing to build on his 21-goal and 51-point rookie campaign.
Most likely award winner: Jim Montgomery, Jack Adams Award
Fantasy outlook: On a top line and power play with Robert Thomas, Jimmy Snuggerud is estimated to shoot a lot and score near 45 goals in his second full campaign. Aside from the club's top center, Snuggerud boasts the most fantasy appeal up front. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Dylan Holloway scores 30 goals, 70 points. -- Wyshynski
25. New York Rangers
Last season: 34-39-9 (77 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +8000
Projected points: 93.6
Biggest strength: The Rangers reinvented their roster in the offseason, and it should lead to better results on the ice. The big-swing trade for Pavel Dorofeyev from Vegas gives New York a 25-year-old forward hitting his prime with high-end scoring ability. The Rangers desperately needed an impact player to replace some of what was provided by Artemi Panarin, who was traded to L.A. Having Dorofeyev should boost J.T. Miller and/or Mika Zibanejad to make New York's offense its greatest asset (aside, of course, from netminder Igor Shesterkin, who remains one of the NHL's top netminders). The depth additions of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Eeli Tolvanen up front, plus Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson on the blue line, will also serve New York in being well-rounded. There's an opportunity now for the Rangers to learn from past mistakes and embrace a new way forward.
Biggest concern: New York has got to prove its depth is strong enough down the middle and in net. The Rangers have been burned before by relying too heavily on Shesterkin's elite capabilities, and with a new backup in the fold (Joonas Korpisalo), there could be a tendency to put too heavy a load on Shesterkin early, and that could become a stumbling block by midseason. Perhaps more pressing, though, is that even with an infusion of exciting forwards, New York doesn't have an overflowing crop of centers. Beyond Miller and Zibanejad, there's Joe Veleno (another offseason addition), Noah Laba (fresh from a 24-point rookie season), and ... that's about it. However, the pivot position plays out only compounds the pressure on New York's wingers to put up substantial numbers. Again, it ties back to a potentially fresh sort of identity for the Rangers, but without a real roadmap yet of how it will unfold.
This season hinges on ... how well New York puts all the new pieces together. The Rangers' challenge in having options is figuring out who goes where and whether there's immediate chemistry. New York knows from recent experience that a slow start to the season -- especially one that includes a shockingly poor record at home -- can sink a campaign practically before it gets rolling. If coach Mike Sullivan struggles to find new lines that click, or defensive pairs who sync up, then the Rangers could be in a difficult spot again by November and face an uphill battle back to the playoffs. The talent, at least, is there for Sullivan and Co. It's a matter of expediting the feeling-out process to have the new and old guard settled in sooner rather than later.
Most likely award winner: Igor Shesterkin, Vezina Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Loaded with established talent at the key positions: Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox and an elite Igor Shesterkin in net. Alexis Lafreniere is the sleeper worth a late flyer, as he found another gear late once the offense reshuffled after Panarin was dealt, finishing in the top 50 in fantasy points after March 1 last season. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Gabe Perreault doubles his goal total. -- Wyshynski
26. Nashville Predators
Last season: 38-34-10 (86 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +20000
Projected points: 87.6
Biggest strength: The optimism presented by the members of their new-look supporting cast. Roles are always subject to change throughout the season, but the Predators landed a top-nine center in Mavrik Bourque. They also strengthened their middle- and bottom-six forward group with Ross Colton, Jack Drury, Nils Hoglander and Alexander Kerfoot. They could also get significant contributions from 2025 first-round pick Brady Martin, 2022 first-round pick Reid Schaefer and Vitali Pinchuk, who signed a one-year contract after averaging more than a point per game in the KHL last season.
Biggest concern: Any team that comes within a close margin of a playoff spot is forced to look at what caused it to fall short. Their losing streaks hindered the Predators throughout the season. The Predators had four losing streaks of more than three games before December. Two of them included skids of four or more games. They had three more extended losing streaks later in the season -- and then missed the playoffs by just four points. Keep in mind, six of those losses were decided in overtime.
This season hinges on ... attaining consistency and stability in a few areas; an example is offensive metrics. The Predators were tied for the 10th-best power play and ranked 11th in high-danger chances per 60. Although they were around league average in scoring chances per 60, they were 20th in goals per game. It was similar to their defensive structure. They were either at or slightly above league average in allowing the fewest high-danger and scoring chances per 60, yet were in the top four in most shots allowed per 60. And if that's not enough, Nashville was around the league average in team save percentage in 5-on-5 play but allowed the seventh-most goals per game.
Most likely award winner: Brady Martin, Calder Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Making a sparkling impression in preseason competition, Matthew Wood is worth monitoring. On the blue line, perhaps because of Nashville's underwhelming showing and recent injuries, Roman Josi isn't garnering the fantasy attention of previous seasons. If healthy, the 2020 Norris winner remains a fringe top-10 defender. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Matthew Wood breaks out. -- Wyshynski
27. Detroit Red Wings
Last season: 41-31-10 (92 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +15000
Projected points: 79.7
Biggest strength: The Red Wings should feel good about their marquee players -- namely, Moritz Seider, Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond. At 25, Seider is hitting his prime as a dominant threat at both ends of the ice. (Plus, he can handle huge minutes, such as last season's 25:40 per game.) DeBrincat eclipsed the 40-goal mark in 2025-26 and was a key to Detroit's excellent power play, which ranked 12th in the league, and he projects to be again. Raymond continues to expand his repertoire as a strong two-way forward who consistently punches in 20-plus goals per season. That's a young, strong, smart group capable of stacking up with some of the NHL's best performers.
Biggest concern: Detroit has holes deeper in the lineup and an apparent gap in leadership. Dylan Larkin's (still-unfulfilled) trade request stripped him of the Red Wings' captaincy, and Detroit replaced former GM Steve Yzerman with a temporary manager in Shawn Horcoff. That's an unsettling turnover with the potential to throw the team off course. There are other pain points to address, too. Defenseman Simon Edvinsson is an RFA without a new deal. Patrick Kane and David Perron aren't around to boost Detroit's depth and offer some veteran presence. And a shortened training camp won't help this team forge new bonds and find its rhythm with a dressing room that could feel understandably off-kilter. Then, there's the question of goaltending -- can John Gibson still be a top netminder in the league? And how well will Daniil Tarasov fare in his first season backing up for the Red Wings? The unknowns have added up in the Motor City.
This season hinges on ... how Detroit manages Larkin. One player probably won't make or break Detroit's season (even an elite-level forward such as Larkin). But there is bound to be some trickle-down effect from the team's options here. The real issues come with: a) keeping a disgruntled skater and risking him going from a top center to a potential liability, or b) honoring Larkin's trade request but without getting a player in return to backfill his contributions. Both would be real issues. Keeping an unhappy Larkin could lead to a crumbling of Detroit's dressing room dynamic. How comfortable will players be with him -- and each other -- moving forward? Chemistry is foundational for every top team, and if Todd McLellan is expected to get the Red Wings back to the playoffs (after they've been missing out for the past decade), they have to play as a group.
Most likely award winner: Alex DeBrincat, Art Ross Trophy
Fantasy outlook: Moritz Seider anchors an elite peripheral profile, but the forward core carries questions after Patrick Kane's departure and Dylan Larkin's ugly offseason. Fade Alex DeBrincat: He was fourth in the league in shots per minute last season, but that chemistry with Kane is off the table now. -- Allen
Bold prediction: Dylan Larkin stays in Detroit. -- Wyshynski
28. Winnipeg Jets
Last season: 35-35-12 (82 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +15000
Projected points: 77.7
Biggest strength: Winnipeg still has an experienced foundation with Kyle Connor, Dylan DeMelo, Adam Lowry, Josh Morrissey, Neal Pionk, Mark Scheifele and Gabriel Vilardi. The Jets could also use this season to gain a firmer grasp on where things stand with their youth movement. Brad Lambert, Isak Rosen and Brayden Yager are all first-round picks who could take on larger roles this season, and the same could be true for 2026 first-round pick Viggo Bjorck.
Biggest concern: Connor Hellebuyck and his desire to leave Winnipeg. The Jets suspended their star goalie after he declined to attend training camp. Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner who also won the Hart Trophy in 2025, has remained an integral part of Winnipeg's foundation. Winnipeg has a fallback plan in place. The Jets signed Stuart Skinner, a proven starter who is on his third team in the past year, and could also rely on Thomas Milic, who has three games of NHL experience.
This season hinges on ... how the Jets manage their multifront challenges: the Hellebuyck situation, trying to cultivate the young players and their need for some new scoring solutions. Connor, Scheifele and Vilardi combined to score 46% of the Jets' goals in 2025-26 -- a statistic that underscores their need to find new answers in 2026-27.
Most likely award winner: Kyle Connor, Rocket Richard
Fantasy outlook: As of now, Stuart Skinner is the clear-cut No. 1 in Winnipeg while Connor Hellebuyck remains on the outs. If that situation holds, Skinner could reward his managers as a third or fourth fantasy goaltender. Hellebuyck is bound to be traded at some point (right?) and worth a fantasy gamble in the middle rounds of most drafts. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Scott Arniel is fired. -- Wyshynski
29. Chicago Blackhawks
Last season: 29-39-14 (72 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +25000
Projected points: 77
Biggest strength: Their continued commitment to surrounding their young core, led by Connor Bedard, Artyom Levshunov and Frank Nazar, with more veterans. The Blackhawks did that this offseason, ahead of what could be an important campaign with Bedard entering his first season as captain. They have added multiple Stanley Cup winners -- such as Bowen Byram and Ian Cole -- along with Patrick Kane, one of the all-time greatest players in franchise history who won three titles with the Blackhawks. Kane and Tyler Bertuzzi will serve as alternate captains, alongside Bedard, as the young core continues to develop.
Biggest concern: Having a repeat of their 2025-26 season would raise questions, considering the challenges the Blackhawks faced then (including extended absences from Bedard and Nazar). Overall, they were in the bottom two in allowing the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes, scoring chances per 60 and shots per 60. Scoring also wasn't easy. The Blackhawks averaged the second-fewest goals per game last season, as part of a composite in which they finished in the bottom two in shots per 60, scoring chances per 60 and high-danger scoring chances per 60.
This season hinges on ... building continuity. The Blackhawks will need to improve their overall performance, as evidenced by their underlying metrics, which should allow them to take the next step. Last season, they finished with 72 points, which was an 11-point improvement over the previous season. Reaching the 80-point mark for the first time since the 2018-19 season appears to be in play if they're not one of the worst teams in the league in either the defensive or offensive zone.
Most likely award winner: Connor Bedard, Art Ross
Fantasy outlook: Patrick Kane and Roman Kantserov (fresh from the KHL) are set to pile up points while flanking Connor Bedard at even-strength and with the extra skater, once the star center returns from injury. No one will be shocked to see Kane hit the 70-point mark in his return to Chicago. No. 1 option on Chicago's blue line, Bowen Byram could rank as a top-20 defenseman once all is said and done. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Anton Frondell is a top-three rookie scorer. -- Wyshynski
30. Seattle Kraken
Last season: 34-37-11 (79 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +40000
Projected points: 70.5
Biggest strength: What goaltenders Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer did last season was important for a few reasons. Only the Avalanche finished last season with a better team save percentage in 5-on-5 play. But their performances also provided consistency for a team that has struggled in that department. Of course, the Kraken having a .917 save percentage in 5-on-5 play raises questions about why their overall team save percentage was .902.
Biggest concern: Only the Canucks, who finished with the worst record in the NHL, had a poorer penalty kill than the Kraken last season. The Kraken had a 72.2% success rate whenever they were defending the extra-skater advantage. The defensive struggles extended into what they did at 5-on-5. Having the fifth-lowest shot share in the NHL meant they spent more time defending than attacking. That was further compounded by the fact that they were in the bottom 10 in allowing the most high-danger chances per 60 and shots per 60 in 5-on-5 play.
This season hinges on ... if they can show significant improvement across the board in nearly every aspect. Yes, there are the defensive issues. But the same applies to their offensive zone efforts. They were last in high-danger chances per 60 and scoring chances per 60, and were in the bottom 10 in shots per 60. Put it all together, and the Kraken were in the bottom 10 in goals per game and goals allowed per game.
Most likely award winner: Joey Daccord, Vezina Trophy
Fantasy outlook: A healthy Jared McCann has the potential to reward managers as a late selection in the deepest leagues. Otherwise, Seattle doesn't offer much more than timely streaming options. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Kraken win the 2027 draft lottery. -- Wyshynski
31. Calgary Flames
Last season: 34-39-9 (77 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +100000
Projected points: 67
Biggest strength: The acknowledgement of their collective situation. The Flames know that they are in a rebuild. They know they have young players who are at different stages. Players such as Matt Coronato, Dustin Wolf and Connor Zary are further along than Matvei Gridin, Samuel Honzek and Zayne Parekh, but all must continue to be developed properly. There's also the addition of Simon Nemec, and what he can provide now that he has a much clearer lane to operate as a top-pairing defenseman after the logjam with the Devils.
Biggest concern: There are several items that are concerning for the rebuilding Flames. Calgary's defensive structure was among the most porous in the NHL last season, in the top 10 of allowing the most high-danger chances per 60, scoring chances per 60 and shots per 60. The offensive structure also encountered similar struggles, as the unit was in the bottom 10 of those same categories when in the offensive zone.
This season hinges on ... something foundational being done to help for the future. So what does that entail? It starts with the front office gaining a firmer grasp on the young players who will use 2026-27 to further develop their identities. There's also how the front office manages the trade deadline, and the draft capital the team attains. And as is customary for any rebuild, it is imperative to be in the strongest possible position for the draft lottery.
Most likely award winner: Dustin Wolf, Vezina Trophy
Fantasy outlook: A key player of the Flames' future, Zayne Parekh could make significant fantasy noise in anchoring the top power play. A must-roster in dynasty competition, the 20-year-old defenseman is also worth targeting in deeper redraft leagues. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Matvei Gridin becomes a "must-watch" player. -- Wyshynski
32. Vancouver Canucks
Last season: 25-49-8 (58 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: +100000
Projected points: 53.9
Biggest strength: Clarity about their situation. Think about the roller coaster that has been -- and possibly always will be -- the Canucks, especially over the past few years. They've gone from being a win away from going to the Western Conference finals in 2023-24 to missing out on the playoffs by six points in 2024-25 to finishing last in the NHL by more than 10 points in the 2025-26 season. The reality about their current and future situation was further compounded by other changes, ranging from trading franchise player and captain Quinn Hughes to making sweeping changes in their front office and behind the bench.
Biggest concern: When a team finishes with the worst record in the NHL, this likely means everything is a concern. Defense is a concern. Why? Because the Canucks allowed the most goals per game, were in the bottom three in allowing the most high-danger chances per 60, scoring chances per 60 and shots per 60. They also had the worst penalty kill. The Canucks were also in the bottom three in goals per game while being in the bottom 10 in generating high-danger chances per 60, scoring chances per 60 and shots per 60.
This season hinges on ... how the next several months can help build a foundation for the future. Rebuilds are largely powered by either getting the first pick or a high draft selection. Another is attaining as much draft capital as possible. Vancouver has five players entering the final year of their contracts. It's possible the Canucks could move on from some of those players in their bid to add more picks to a haul that already has 10 draft selections in 2027, and 28 in total over the next three years.
Most likely award winner: Filip Chytil, Masterton Trophy
Fantasy outlook: As frustrated as Canucks fans are with their former star, Elias Pettersson is still worth rostering in fantasy leagues that treasure more than production. No forward blocked more shots last season, and those points add up. Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk could be worth a whirl in exceptionally deep fantasy competition. -- Matiash
Bold prediction: Marco Rossi becomes a No. 1 center. -- Wyshynski
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