The season is a week away and we give all our prognostications on what we expect to happen this year.  There were some bold predictions and some....not so much.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Shawn Horcoff Shirts off for Horcoff NEWS Stolarz signs - 4 x $3.75MM Atlantic Division   Team Strengths / What’s Going Well Key Challenges / What Could Go Wrong Expectations or Projection for 2025-26 Florida Panthers They’re coming off back-to-back Stanley Cups, meaning they have experience, confidence, and a championship mindset. They also have strong core players, and continuity tends to help. CBSSports.com+3DraftKings Network+3NHL+3 Big blow: their captain Aleksander Barkov suffered a serious knee injury (ACL/MCL) in training camp, and is likely out for much or all of the season. That hurts leadership, two-way play, and depth. The Sun+2Reuters+2 Also, Matthew Tkachuk is recovering from surgery and may miss time. DraftKings Network+1 They’ll need next-man up to step out. Still expected to be a top-team in the Atlantic, maybe the favorite. But their margin for error is slimmer without Barkov. If they stay healthy otherwise, they should contend for division and maybe again deep in the playoffs. Toronto Maple Leafs Very strong offensive core (Matthews, Nylander, etc.), good goaltending (Stolarz / Woll) last season. They won the division in 2024-25, so momentum and confidence are there. Daily Faceoff+3Wikipedia+3The Hockey Writers+3 Major change: Mitch Marner is gone (trade / sign-and-trade), so they lose a big creator and offensive driver. The Hockey Writers+2hockeybuzz.com+2 Depth on the blue line is a concern; mobility and puck-moving among the defense isn’t elite. Also any injuries to top forwards could hurt. The Hockey Writers+1 They will likely still compete for a top-3 spot in the Atlantic. Many projections put them 2nd or 3rd. But whether they can pull off another division title may depend heavily on how they adapt without Marner. Tampa Bay Lightning They have veteran depth, star players (Hedman, Kucherov, etc.), strong goaltending history. They tend to remain a steady playoff presence and know how to win big games. The Hockey News+2DraftKings Network+2 Age and wear could creep in; maintaining performance across a full season is always harder for older players. Depth beyond their top lines / defense is always in question. Also, small off-season improvements vs rivals who might have improved more. The Hockey News+2hockeybuzz.com+2 Expect them to be in the mix for a playoff spot, likely top-3 or wild-card if needed. They might not win the division, but they’ll be dangerous — especially if other teams have more turmoil. Ottawa Senators Young core is maturing: players like Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, Jake Sanderson are established difference-makers. They made the playoffs in 2024-25 for the first time in a while. hockeybuzz.com+3NHL+3Wikipedia+3 They should have more experience, better cohesion. Depth is still a concern — forward depth, goaltending (though they have some good prospects), and whether they can avoid inconsistency (long losing stretches) especially in a tough division. Also, small margins matter in late games; punishing turnover or defensive lapses will hurt more in 2025-26. Likely a wild card contender; maybe push into the top-4 or 5 in the Atlantic depending on health and whether they capitalize in close games. Not likely favorites, but in many projections they finish around 4th in the division. The Hockey News+2The Hockey Writers+2 Montreal Canadiens Youth is coming through; the “next wave” is expected to make strides. Many observers see them as a team that could improve more steeply than some of their rivals. Daily Faceoff+1 They have upside — speed, prospects, and potential depth upgrades. Still less consistency, still gaps — especially in center depth, defensive depth, and perhaps special teams. They might struggle in tight games, and maybe lack the experience to keep pace with more battle-tested teams. Probably still just outside the top group, fighting for a wild-card. If things go well, could squeak into a playoff spot; if not, might hover in the middle. Projections often place them ~5th in the division. Boston Bruins After a down year, they have some assets and draft picks; hiring a new coach and adding forward depth are seen as positives. NHL+2The Hockey Writers+2 They also have tradition and infrastructure; could bounce back. They were last in the division in 2024-25, so regression is required just to be relevant. They need players to step up, younger guys to develop. Also, they need to improve on defense, and be better in transition and in penalty kill / special teams. Without big upgrades, they risk being left behind. NHL+1 Probably still a rebuilding / retooling year. Likely finish in the lower third of the division. Modest improvements, but playoff contention seems out of reach unless some surprise performances or trades happen. Buffalo Sabres Some high-end offensive talent (e.g. players like Tage Thompson) that have shown they can produce. Potential for breakout seasons. Bleacher Report+1 They also have assets and could use them wisely. Defensive structure, consistency, special teams, and goaltending tend to be weak or uneven. They have to avoid letting games get away — handling adversity, depth through injuries will be big. Also, relative to other Atlantic teams, margin for error is small. Probably still outside the playoff picture; might aim for getting close (70-80 wins?), but more likely a lower-end Atlantic finish (6th or 7th). Potential to improve, but not yet in serious contention unless they make big moves. Detroit Red Wings They showed competitiveness last season; some young core pieces are developing; fanbase optimism is there. They’re not total longshots — could surprise. hockeybuzz.com+1 Depth is lacking; need more consistency, better defense, better special teams. Also, injuries and inexperience could hurt them over the grind of a full season. Their margin for error is small. Likely still on the outside looking in. May notch more wins than last season, possibly finish mid-pack in the division, but a playoff berth is probably a stretch unless many things go right.     Metropolitan   Team Strengths / What Looks Good Challenges / Risks Expectations / Projection Carolina Hurricanes Added scoring depth (Nikolaj Ehlers) and boosted their defense backing (K’Andre Miller). They have a strong coaching staff, and their core players (Aho, Svechnikov, etc.) are established. (The Hockey News) Ehlers has been somewhat injury prone; Miller is still adjusting to larger responsibility. Also, they've had playoff disappointments lately — expectations are high, so even small slip-ups will be magnified. (The Hockey News) Many project them to win the Metro. Likely among the top point totals in the division (100+ points), serious contender to go deep in the playoffs. (Yardbarker) New York Rangers Key offseason additions: defense improvements, coaching change (Mike Sullivan) which might stabilize some weaknesses. They have top-end talent offensively, good leadership, and the potential to tighten up defensively. (Yardbarker) Their defensive and 5-on-5 metrics were weak last season; goaltending concerns persist. They need consistency, especially in close games and during stretches without full health. (Yardbarker) Expected to bounce back. Many see them finishing near the top of the Metro, possibly 2nd or 3rd. Not quite the favourite, but serious playoff hopes. (Yardbarker) New Jersey Devils Young core that is increasingly experienced: Hughes, Bratt, etc. Some savvy offseason moves adding depth forwards and defensive pieces. If they stay healthy, they could compete for a high seed. (Live Sports on TV) Injuries to their star players remain a concern; goaltending is also an open question (how well Markstrom and others hold up). Depth still isn’t quite elite. Also, consistency in tight games will be tested. (Yardbarker) Many expect them to improve on last season, possibly pushing for top-3 in Metro. A playoff berth is expected; division win less certain. If things go well, might break into serious contention. (Yardbarker) Washington Capitals Strong recent performance; good special teams, solid top lines, veteran leadership. Their depth is better in many eyes, and key players are still in good form. (The Hockey News) Aging defense corps could be a liability. Also, regression is possible—last season’s stretch may be hard to replicate at the same level. Injuries always loom. (Yardbarker) Probably a top-4 Metro finish. They might not be favoured to win the division, but if things align, they could threaten. Expect playoff qualification, likely in a decent seeding spot. (Yardbarker) Columbus Blue Jackets Young players are continuing to develop; they showed last season they can compete. If goaltending solidifies and they stay healthy, they could push for the lower playoff spots. (Yardbarker) Goaltending is a concern (depth, consistency). Also, finishing games, managing pressure, and handling divisional matchups could expose their inexperience. Depth beyond top lines may still be a weak link. (Yardbarker) Dark horse for a wild card. Probably not expected to win the Metro, but could finish 4th–5th, depending on injuries and consistency. Surprises possible. (Yardbarker) New York Islanders Veteran presence, some depth, experience in tight defensive systems. Could outperform low expectations if they get hot and especially in home games. (Yardbarker) The roster seems to lack top-end scoring punch compared to the top Metro teams. Also unclear whether they’ve made enough changes to keep up with more aggressive/younger teams. If injuries hit, they may have trouble keeping pace. (Yardbarker) Likely in the middle of the pack. Maybe fight for a wild card but probably not among the top 3 unless something clicks. (Yardbarker) Philadelphia Flyers Some high-upside youth, flashes of good play, potential to surprise. They’ve added pieces that could help in depth and forward scoring. (Live Sports on TV) Still a ways to go. Lack of consistency, defense and special teams likely won’t be top tier. Pressure to improve is there but may not have enough veteran stability. (Yardbarker) Probably among the lower end of Metro. Expecting modest gains; playoff battle is probably out of reach unless overperformance across the board. (Yardbarker) Pittsburgh Penguins Name recognition, leadership with veterans; still capable of pulling out big performances (especially in front of home crowd). If some younger players step up, there’s upside. (Bleav) Aging core, inconsistent goaltending, defensive talent concerns. Many see them projected to finish last or near the bottom in the Metro. Long stretches of tough games could expose their vulnerabilities. (Yardbarker) Probably a rebuilding / transition year. More about development and seeing what youth can do. Playoffs unlikely barring massive surprises. Might aim to exceed low expectations rather than compete for top spots. (Yardbarker)                                       Pacific  Team Strengths / What’s Working in Their Favor Key Weaknesses / Risks Expectations / Projection Vegas Golden Knights They won the division last season (2024-25) and bring strong overall depth, offensive firepower, and experience. (Daily Faceoff) They’ve also made roster tweaks to stay competitive. (Daily Faceoff) Losing or aging pieces, defensive depth under pressure, possible regression if injuries hit. Also, they’ll get more attention from other teams, meaning more challenging matchups. (Daily Faceoff) Likely to be one of the top 2 in the Pacific, maybe the division winner again. Considered among the favorites. Edmonton Oilers Big upside. With superstars like McDavid, strong offensive core, recent playoff success (they made the Stanley Cup Final last season) indicate they already have what it takes. (Daily Faceoff) Goaltending is a concern, but if the tandem holds up, they could be dangerous. (NHL) Consistency in goal is a known risk: both in terms of performance and availability. Statistics suggest some volatility. Also, pressure expectations are high. If things go off the rails early, it could affect momentum. (NHL) Expected to challenge Vegas closely for the division; likely secure a playoff spot. Possibly division runner-up or even top if they outperform in goal. Los Angeles Kings They had a solid 2024-25, finishing 2nd in the Pacific. Key players have experience, and if their depth continues to build, they could push upward. (Wikipedia) Scoring consistency and depth past the top lines will matter. Injuries or underperformance in secondary scoring could limit how high they go. Also, keeping pace with Vegas/Edmonton will be challenging. (Daily Faceoff) Likely to be in the playoff mix. Possibly a dark horse for second or third in the division, potentially a lower seed but competitive. Vancouver Canucks They have some strong forward pieces, and internal roster improvements (especially on defense) are viewed by analysts as meaningful. If their goaltending is healthy, they could push for a wild card. (The Hockey Writers) Lack of a strong second-line center is viewed as a weakness. Also, past off-ice issues (locker room dynamics) and performance under pressure might be concerns. Health of key players will be crucial. (The Hockey Writers) Probably fighting for one of the lower playoff or wild card spots. Could surprise and finish mid-pack in Pacific if things go well, but not expected to win the division. Calgary Flames Some analysts see potential for them to climb; they may be undervalued, depending on offseason additions, internal development, and being in a division that is top-heavy (so second tiers can get more margin). (Daily Faceoff) Depth issues, matching up against elite offensive teams, special teams and defensive consistency often are weak spots. If opponents exploit those, Flames might struggle in tight games. (Daily Faceoff) Likely just outside of the top 3 in the division; possible wild card contender if they stay consistent and avoid injury. Anaheim Ducks They are still rebuilding, but have young talent, and some key contracts or signings could help them improve. (Daily Faceoff) Probably still a year or two away from being a real threat. Their defense and goaltending need to improve more before they can reliably win close games. Depth beyond the top prospects might limit their ceiling this season. (The Hockey Writers) Probably toward the lower end of playoff contention. More likely playing spoiler or improving win totals rather than challenging for top of Pacific. Seattle Kraken They have new coaching (Lane Lambert) which could bring a change in culture or playing style. Some young players are expected to develop further. (Wikipedia) They were weak in 2024-25, and must overcome inconsistency, defensive holes, scoring shortages. Also, renovation of systems and integrating young players tends to produce growing pains. (OilersNation) Likely among the bottom few in Pacific, unless there is a breakout by young core. Probably fighting for modest gains in standings rather than playoff spots. San Jose Sharks Potential upside in young players / prospects; less external pressure; opportunity to surprise if things align. (Daily Faceoff) Very likely to struggle in many games. Depth, defense, offense vs stronger teams are weak points. Budget / roster limitations may make large leaps difficult. (Daily Faceoff) Likely near the bottom of the Pacific this season. Development year. Might win some rounds, maybe upset a few higher-ranked teams, but not expected to make the playoffs in baseline projections.                                       Central    Team What Looks Good / Strengths What Could Go Wrong / Key Risks Expectations / Projection Colorado Avalanche • Strong forward group with Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, Valeri Nichushkin. (The Hockey Writers) • Good defensive depth; additions like Brent Burns and Victor Olofsson project to bolster secondary scoring and depth. (The Hockey News) • More stable goaltending: Mackenzie Blackwood paired with Scott Wedgewood may reduce the inconsistency that has been a drag in past seasons. (The Hockey Writers) • Landeskog’s ability to stay healthy and produce consistently is still a question. (The Hockey Writers) • Age of some defensive pieces (e.g. Burns) is a factor; performance may dip or break down in tough stretches. • If the backup goaltending or depth scoring fails, that could expose vulnerabilities. Among the favorites to win the division or finish top 2-3. Many projections put Colorado near or at the top. They are seen as a Stanley Cup contender from the Central. (The Hockey News) Dallas Stars • Strong forward group / top-6 depth. Even if they lost some pieces, their core remains dangerous. (The Hockey Writers) • Jake Oettinger remains a strong goaltender, giving them solid chances in tight games. (The Hockey News) • They may have gotten slightly “worse on paper” due to offseason departures; matching pace with Colorado, Winnipeg, etc., will be tough. (The Hockey Writers) • Defensive depth could be stressed; margin for error is smaller in a tight division. Very likely playoff team; realistic chance to compete for the division title. Projections often put them 1-3 in the Central. (The Hockey Writers) Winnipeg Jets • Strong regular season potential: solid core, strong goaltending, capable offense. (The Hockey News) • Adding leadership / veterans like Jonathan Toews may help in tight playoff push games. (The Hockey News) • They lost Nikolaj Ehlers, which is a nontrivial blow to their offense. Replacing that contribution is not simple. (The Hockey Writers) • Keeping consistency over a full season, especially in travel / divisional games, is always challenging. • Injuries or regression from key players could hamper momentum. Expected to finish among the top 3 in the Central; likely a playoff spot. Some projections have them trailing Colorado and Dallas. (The Hockey News) Utah Mammoth • Progressing core; young but gaining experience. Some observers view them as dark horse. (The Hockey Writers) • They have added pieces to try to round out depth; more cohesion could pay off. • Their overall expectation is rising; they may benefit if other teams slip. • Inexperience could hurt in high-stakes games. • Depth still may not be sufficient to sustain long slumps or injuries to key forwards / defense. • Goaltending and consistency remain open questions. Likely a wild card contender. Could finish 4th-5th in the division, possibly grab a playoff spot if things break well. Not yet expected to challenge at the very top, but capable of overachieving. (The Hockey Writers) Minnesota Wild • Some talented young players developing (e.g. Zeev Buium, Brock Faber, etc.). (The Hockey Writers) • Goaltending tandem (Gustavsson / Wallstedt) may give them more stability. (The Hockey Writers) • If Kaprizov stays engaged and the offense gets consistent support, they could push for wild card. • There has been uncertainty around certain players’ commitments/futures (e.g. rumors with Kirill Kaprizov). • Depth beyond the top lines / top 6 remains a concern. • Defensive breakdowns in tight games and special teams performance could limit upside. Probably mid-pack in Central. Many projections expect them to fight for a playoff  

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