It’s that time of year again! With the end of the 2024-25 NHL season feeling like it was yesterday, no teams have taken any time before getting ready for the new and upcoming season. Here’s what we see in the 2025-26 NHL season.
In the Atlantic Division, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning are on a bumpy roller coaster ride for the division title. For Toronto, the question everyone should be asking is more obvious than ever: Can their unstoppable core finally break through and reach the Stanley Cup Final? Further down the standings, expect a fierce “Battle of the Rebuilds” as the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens are predicted to duke it out for the two Eastern Conference wild-card spots.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Division appears more hefty this year. We’re projecting only three teams, the Hurricanes, Devils and Capitals to clinch playoff spots, leaving an open race for the rest of the division.
All eyes fall back on the Edmonton Oilers, who enter the season as favorites to emerge from the West. With the unmatched offensive force of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, they are in the nightmares of every team. However, their path is definitely not the puppies they used to get. The Colorado Avalanche, with one of the strongest and most talented rosters in the league, will challenge them for conference supremacy.
James Norris- Cale Makar, Defenseman, Colorado Avalanche
The Norris Trophy is awarded to the league’s best defensive player, who is all-around best at what they do. Makar led all defensemen in goals and points for the 2024-25 season with 30 goals and 92 points, becoming the first defenseman to score 30 goals since 2009. His consistently elite two-way game, ability to run the power play and penalty kill, and historical achievements such as back-to-back 90-point seasons and becoming a five-time Norris finalist further solidify his case as one of the league’s best defensemen.
Art Ross Trophy- Nikita Kucherov, Right Wing, Tampa Bay Lightning
His nominations have been for individual awards recognizing him as the league’s most valuable and outstanding player. Kucherov led the league in points, and back-to-back scoring. He is considered a favorite and a leading contender. He has won the award in the previous two seasons and has consistently been one of the NHL’s top offensive players, with a strong history of high point totals and multipoint games.
Hart Memorial Trophy- Connor McDavid, Center, Edmonton Oilers
The Hart Trophy is awarded to the most valuable player of the league, and is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers association. Although Nathan Mackinnon is a close second, his continued elite, historic-level production makes him arguably the most valuable player to his team in the NHL. His candidacy is also supported by the Oilers’ successful campaign, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in the previous season.
Presidents’ Trophy- Carolina Hurricanes
The Presidents’ Trophy is an award presented to the team that finishes with the most points during the regular season. A combination of savvy off-season acquisitions, long-term roster strength and a track record of consistently strong regular seasons under head coach Rod Brind’Amour puts the Hurricanes on the track for winning.
Vezina Trophy- Connor Hellebuyck, Goalkeeper, Winnipeg Jets
The Vezina Trophy is awarded to the goaltender who is judged to be the best at the position. Leading the NHL with 47 wins, Hellebuyck led all goalies with eight shutouts and a 2.00 goals-against average, and posting the league’s second-best save percentage at .925. His dominant play helped the Winnipeg Jets secure the Presidents’ Trophy and consistent high-level play have made him a front-runner for the award
Calder Memorial Trophy- Ivan Demidov, Right Wing, Montrael Canadians
The Calder Trophy is awarded to the most proficient rookie. Earning KHL Rookie of the Year, Demidov has high-end talent, skill and scoring potential. His dominant play in the KHL, where he set a record for points by a player under 20, combined with his seamless transition into the Montreal Canadiens and projected role in the top-six and power play, makes him an early favorite for the award
Rocket Richard Trophy- Connor McDavid, Center, Edmonton Oilers
The Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy is awarded to the leading goal scorer. Connor McDavid is considered a top contender for the Rocket Richard Trophy because he has a proven history as an elite scorer, including a prior win and a recent stated desire to focus more on goal-scoring.
Metropolitan Division
Atlantic Division
Central Division
Pacific Division
Stanley Cup Final – Vegas Golden Knights v Colorado Avalanche
The Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche are top Stanley Cup contenders for 2025-26 due to their star-studded rosters, elite defensemen like Cale Makar, and a proven history of contention. Both teams were heavily favored in preseason predictions, with Vegas being named the consensus frontrunner by an NHL panel and Colorado’s deep defense and Nathan MacKinnon-led offense making them a constant threat.
Stanley Cup – Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights had a blockbuster offseason trade for star forward Mitch Marner, with an already powerful offensive roster, a solid defensive core, and recent success. The Golden Knights are as strong on defense as they are on offense, even with star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo being placed on long-term injured reserve.
All stats from NHL as of Oct. 7.
Contact the writer [email protected]
