Will Canucks captain Quinn Hughes be traded to the Flyers? Will the Panthers make their very own blockbuster deal after Aleksander Barkov’s harm? Will gamers resembling Zach Benson, Brandt Clarke and Shane Wright escape this season?
These have been among the many responses The Athletic bought this week when it requested its NHL workers for his or her daring predictions for the 2025-26 season.
Right here’s one prediction for every staff because the early common season continues.
Anaheim Geese
They’ll make the playoffs
Sure, it’s the primary one on the web page and whereas many could skip proper to their staff, I’d as nicely kick issues off by going daring. They’re going to finish their seven-year, franchise-long playoff drought. Positive, they most likely want one other 21-point leap after going from 59 to 80 final 12 months. However there’s a first rate solid of veterans supporting the younger core of Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Jackson LaCombe and Cutter Gauthier, and a brand new coach in Joel Quenneville. In the event that they help Lukas Dostal with higher protection, they will seize the ultimate wild-card spot. — Eric Stephens
Boston Bruins
Jeremy Swayman will enter the Olympic dialog
Swayman rebounds after a career-worst 12 months. He proves 2024-25 was an aberration by being what he’s at all times been: sq. to pucks, good at monitoring pictures, unpredictable together with his save choice and aggressive on all the things. — Fluto Shinzawa
Buffalo Sabres
Zach Benson will escape with 60 factors
Benson was second on the Sabres in particular person high-danger possibilities final season in any respect strengths and but he completed the season with 10 targets. He’s nonetheless solely 20 years previous, however in his third season within the NHL and now getting an opportunity to play on a line with Tage Thompson and Josh Norris. He generates so many possibilities on account of his forechecking and playmaking that it’s simple to see the breakout season coming. Sixty factors may appear bold, however he has the expertise and state of affairs to hit that quantity. — Matthew Fairburn
Matthew Coronato signed a seven-year, $45.5 million contract extension with the Flames in Might 2025 with an AAV of $6.5 million. (Sergei Belski / Imagn Pictures)
Calgary Flames
Matthew Coronato will lead the staff in targets
Nazem Kadri held down the fort with a career-best 35 targets final 12 months. Kadri will inspire himself to attempt to replicate the feat. However what about Coronato, who simply signed a big-money extension this offseason? Coronato proved final season that he’s a full-time NHLer whereas scoring 24 targets. The winger’s shot is arguably the perfect on the staff. There’s a world the place he paces the staff in targets if he continues his upward trajectory. — Julian McKenzie
Carolina Hurricanes
Alexander Nikishin will win the Calder Trophy
The Hurricanes have excessive hopes for his or her high prospect, and it seems to be like he’ll be given each alternative to thrive. Nikishin has practiced in all conditions throughout coaching camp, and though he may not begin on the ability play, it shouldn’t be lengthy till he’s a fixture on the PP and PK. He ought to see favorable matchups early within the season and, as he grows extra snug, get extra minutes. Double-digit targets and 40-plus factors look like a chance, and if he’s additionally a part of a high penalty kill on a contender, he needs to be in place to be the NHL’s high rookie. — Cory Lavalette
Chicago Blackhawks
Sam Rinzel will win the Calder Trophy
There’s an actual chance Rinzel is that this season’s Lane Hutson. Whether or not Rinzel will get to 60-plus factors may rely upon the staff round him. Rinzel enters the season because the Blackhawks’ No. 1 defenseman. He’s going to play 25-plus minutes an evening. He’s going to be on the highest energy play. He’s going to spend so much of time taking part in with Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. He’s going to get each alternative to have a Hutson-like season. — Scott Powers
Colorado Avalanche
Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood will win the William M. Jennings Trophy
Wedgewood has regarded great in his first two outings. He performs a easy sport, and his reads have regarded razor sharp. Blackwood remains to be recovering from an offseason lower-body harm however needs to be again quickly. When he does, I anticipate huge issues. Blackwood has all the bodily instruments to be the most effective goalies within the NHL, and now has a robust staff in entrance of him for issues to fall into place. The 2 are one of many higher tandems, and I’ll say they permit the fewest targets within the league. — Jesse Granger
Columbus Blue Jackets
Jet Greaves will take off
Greaves first joined the Blue Jackets as an undrafted tryout participant at their rookie event in 2021. Since then, he’s met each problem put earlier than him, changing into one of many AHL’s greatest goaltenders over the previous two years. Now he’s a full-time NHL participant. Not solely will he problem Elvis Merzlikins for taking part in time, however he’ll win the No. 1 job and be the most effective tales within the NHL this season. — Aaron Portzline
Dallas Stars
Thomas Harley will probably be a Norris Trophy finalist
Miro Heiskanen is among the greatest defensemen on the planet, however Harley’s mix of offensive ability and defensive savvy makes him a extra probably Norris candidate. He’s solely 24 years previous, and he proved within the second half of final season — when Heiskanen was harm — that he’s each bit a No. 1 defenseman on this league, even when he’s not the No. 1 defenseman on his personal staff. The one factor standing in his approach is that Heiskanen tends to get the PP1 duties. If Harley can wrest that job away, he could make a run at not only a top-three spot, however the trophy itself. — Mark Lazerus
Detroit Pink Wings
Lucas Raymond will hit 90 factors
Solely 12 gamers reached this lofty mark final season, however Raymond was on tempo for it as of late February, earlier than a March stoop cooled him off. He nonetheless completed with 80, although, and at 23, he’s on the age the place he nonetheless actually has one other step in him. The massive query: Will he and Dylan Larkin have a constant LW to play off of? — Max Bultman
Edmonton Oilers
Evan Bouchard will probably be a Norris Trophy finalist
The best way Bouchard has performed over the previous couple of playoffs, maybe this could have occurred already. He’s actually one of many high offensive blueliners within the league, armed with a bomb of a shot and a capability to make a stretch cross like few others. Slicing down on defensive gaffes that certainly stick out in voters’ minds will vault him into a bunch with the perfect rearguards within the sport. — Daniel Nugent-Bowman
Florida Panthers
They’ll make a blockbuster commerce to switch Aleksander Barkov
After accidents to Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, there are actual doubts in regards to the Panthers’ skill to three-peat proper now. However Barkov’s absence might open up as a lot as $10 million in cap room if he misses the entire 12 months, greater than sufficient for Invoice Zito to get artistic and land a giant fish earlier than the deadline. How about Artemi Panarin, if the Rangers’ season goes sideways? And even Sidney Crosby, ought to he resolve to go away Pittsburgh? No matter huge identify is accessible, anticipate Florida to be on the entrance of the road. — James Mirtle
Los Angeles Kings
Brandt Clarke will escape with 50 factors
The Kings have a little bit of “usual, usual” to them, however what shouldn’t be the identical is the 22-year-old Clarke beginning to take off as a dynamic participant from the blue line. His objective Wednesday in opposition to Vegas confirmed why he may give L.A. a part that’s nonexistent on protection. Third-year coach Jim Hiller raved about Clarke’s enchancment in his finish throughout camp, however he’s additionally bought to again it up with ice time. We’re betting he’ll, or another person if there’s a change behind the bench. Clarke may have to squeeze his approach onto the power-play’s first unit. But it surely’s time to take off the reins. — Eric Stephens
BRANDT CLARKE TIES THE GAME AT FIVE! 👑 #NHLFaceOff
📺: @NHL_On_TNT & @StreamOnMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T pic.twitter.com/1MAdYadVmu
— NHL (@NHL) October 9, 2025
Minnesota Wild
Matt Boldy will rack up 50 targets and 50 assists
Wild president of hockey operations and GM Invoice Guerin has mentioned that Boldy has the potential to hit 50 and 50. And after Boldy’s terrific playoff sequence in opposition to Vegas, he seems to be locked in to begin the season. He’s on a dynamic high line with Kirill Kaprizov and Marco Rossi that can get loads of alternatives. That is clearly daring for a participant whose profession excessive is 31 targets, however Boldy has the aptitude. — Joe Smith
Montreal Canadiens
Juraj Slafkovský will rating 30 targets
Slafkovský is concentrated and higher ready for the season than he has ever been. All of the instruments are there, he simply wants to use them correctly. And in his fourth NHL season, he’ll do exactly that. — Arpon Basu
Nashville Predators
Andrew Brunette will nonetheless be the staff’s coach on the finish of the season
Brunette is the apparent coach on the new seat because the season begins — he’s most likely elsewhere already if anybody however Barry Trotz is his GM — however the guess right here is that the Preds begin higher and present some struggle this season, not less than staying related and within the hunt for many of it. That, paired with Trotz’s persistence, offers Brunette the entire season. And offers Trotz one other powerful offseason resolution. — Joe Rexrode
New Jersey Devils
Arseny Gritsyuk will end top-five in Calder Trophy voting
Gritsyuk is beginning his NHL profession on the fourth line, however he might transfer up because the season goes alongside. He’s 24 and confirmed a capability to attain within the KHL final season with 44 factors in 49 video games. He additionally had a pleasant preseason, which is an encouraging signal for New Jersey. Cutter Gauthier completed fifth final 12 months and had 20 targets and 44 factors, which might be a giant ask for Gritsyuk. However I’m guessing this 12 months’s rookie class isn’t fairly as sturdy and Gritsyuk performs his approach into the highest 5. — Peter Baugh
New York Islanders
Mathew Barzal will put up 90 factors
Barzal’s 2024-25 season was condensed to solely 30 video games, and he didn’t even rating at a point-per-game tempo. It’s a feat he has managed solely twice in his profession. However he was lots higher than the scoresheet confirmed final 12 months; he was slick in transition, earned a 61 % anticipated objective fee, and the Islanders outscored opponents 24-11 in his five-on-five minutes. With a brand new voice main the ability play, plus Matthew Schaefer taking on the primary unit, anticipate Barzal to thrive offensively again at middle. — Shayna Goldman
New York Rangers
Their lineup could have six gamers who’re 23 or youthful by February
For the previous couple of years, the Rangers have leaned on veterans over youth whereas chasing a championship. However final season’s disappointment is forcing them to recalibrate their priorities. They’re getting into 2025-26 with three 23-and-under gamers — Will Cuylle, Matt Rempe and rookie Noah Laba — however others are knocking on the door. Speedy winger Brett Berard was the ultimate reduce out of camp and needs to be again quickly, whereas expert defenseman Scott Morrow seems to be subsequent in line on D. I’m additionally figuring that one in every of two first-round wingers, Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault, will break via this season. — Vincent Z. Mercogliano
Ottawa Senators
Jake Sanderson will win the Norris Trophy
Sanderson began cropping up on most individuals’s radars final season, because of his efficiency on the 4 Nations Face-Off. He’s a No. 1 defenseman who’s succesful at each ends of the ice. However what if that is the 12 months he makes an astronomical leap ahead? If the Sens make the playoffs, emerge as a top-three staff of their division and Sanderson improves on a 57-point season final 12 months, he has an actual likelihood to be the league’s greatest at his place. — Julian McKenzie
Philadelphia Flyers
They’ll commerce for Quinn Hughes
Contemplating all the high potential free brokers in 2026 have re-signed, the Flyers most likely know already they’re going to need to go the commerce route for high expertise. If the Canucks get off to a tough begin this season, hypothesis round Hughes goes to be deafening. The Flyers will put collectively a package deal to get him out of Vancouver someday round late January, whereas hoping {that a} reunion with a few of his good buddies resembling Trevor Zegras and a coach he already loves (Rick Tocchet) leads to a long-term extension within the offseason. — Kevin Kurz
Pittsburgh Penguins
Bryan Rust won’t be traded
There will probably be huge quantities of commerce hypothesis across the Penguins this season. Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell could be traded by the deadline. Regardless of the nice begin, it is a rebuilding staff. I’ve a sense, although, that Rust will stay for a large number of causes. He’s a preferred man within the group, to say the least. — Josh Yohe
San Jose Sharks
They’ll re-sign John Klingberg
All the things about Klingberg’s acquisition screams flipping him on the 2026 deadline if he’s a helpful blue-line piece. The Sharks most likely have yet one more sell-off in them, and there’s a bunch of impending UFAs. However they will’t commerce each pickup, proper? If the 33-year-old’s well being is sound and he’s placing up factors, why not have the best aspect of the protection coated for a few extra years? Except you need Rasmus Andersson. — Eric Stephens
Shane Wright was chosen with the No. 4 choose by the Kraken within the 2022 NHL Draft. (Rio Giancarlo / Getty Pictures)
Seattle Kraken
Shane Wright will escape
That is going to be the 12 months just a few gamers from the 2022 draft class pop off. Logan Cooley and Lane Hutson have already established themselves as rising stars, whereas Frank Nazar and Marco Kasper are producing some hype. Look out for Wright to affix that group. It’s simple to get impatient with gamers who don’t dwell as much as their top-five draft pedigree early of their careers, particularly when their groups crave star energy. However improvement isn’t a straight line; Lane Lambert goes to assist unlock his sport extra and get him again on observe. — Shayna Goldman
St. Louis Blues
They’ll quit the fewest six-on-five targets within the NHL
I maintain saying that I received’t remind Blues followers about the way in which the postseason led to 2024-25, and right here I’m going once more. The Blues gave up two six-on-five targets to the Winnipeg Jets, together with one with 2.2 seconds left in regulation, and fell 4-3 in double extra time. However I promise, I’m bringing it up this time for a very good purpose! It’s as a result of my daring prediction is that the Blues, after a lot work on their six-on-five protection within the preseason, will quit the fewest six-on-five targets within the league in 2025-26. — Jeremy Rutherford
Tampa Bay Lightning
They’ll go to the Stanley Cup Ultimate
The Lightning will go on one final deep run earlier than their window closes — all the way in which to the Stanley Cup Ultimate. Tampa Bay’s elite core fired on all cylinders final common season, and this 12 months, they are going to construct on it with extra help round them. Having a full season of Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand, plus an incoming breakout from Gage Goncalves, will give administration a greater snapshot of tips on how to enhance this staff on the deadline and to solidify this group earlier than the postseason. — Shayna Goldman
Toronto Maple Leafs
Matthew Knies will lead the NHL in short-handed targets
Right here’s the factor: Knies has by no means scored even one short-handed objective in his NHL profession. However he’s about to see his alternative on the Leafs’ penalty kill leap in Mitch Marner’s absence. He’ll kill penalties with Auston Matthews this season. Knies has a approach of getting himself behind opposing defenses, and he’s a reasonably good finisher in these spots, too. It took six targets to guide on this division final season. I believe Knies has a shot. — Jonas Siegel
Utah Mammoth
Dylan Guenther will end top-five within the league for targets
Guenther is coming off a robust 27-goal season. He’s widely known as a high up-and-coming expertise, however I imagine that is the 12 months that each he and Logan Cooley set up themselves as elite stars. Guenther will hit 40-plus targets, additional evolve his two-way play and maybe even emerge as a darkish horse for one of many ultimate roster spots for Staff Canada on the Olympics. — Harman Dayal
Vancouver Canucks
Filip Chytil would be the staff’s second most useful ahead this season
All summer time, the offseason dialogue in Vancouver was in regards to the membership’s pursuit of a second-line middle behind Elias Pettersson. The Canucks weren’t in a position to land an improve, leaving Chytil to be their de facto 2C. I’m predicting that Chytil, between the breakout potential he has together with his offensive manufacturing, his secondary worth as a play driver and positional premium as a middle, will probably be Vancouver’s second-most-valuable ahead this season, supplied he can keep wholesome. If something, the dialog might shift to the Canucks concentrating on a 3C behind Chytil moderately than a 2C forward of him. — Harman Dayal
Vegas Golden Knights
Jack Eichel will rating probably the most targets in franchise historical past
Eichel has at all times been extra of a pass-first participant, however taking part in alongside a playmaker resembling Mitch Marner, I anticipate him to shoot greater than ever. He has the most effective releases within the NHL, and if he shoots sufficient, he ought to cross William Karlsson’s 43-goal mark from 2017-18. He does have some catching as much as do, with Pavel Dorofeyev taking the early NHL lead with 4 targets. — Jesse Granger
CHEMISTRY pic.twitter.com/92dQeecgij
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 9, 2025
Washington Capitals
Tom Wilson will lead the staff in targets
In 2016-17, Alex Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie every scored 33 targets. Aside from that, the final non-Ovechkin to guide the Capitals in that class was Robert Lang in 2003-04. To shut final season’s 11-goal hole between him and second place, we’re anticipating two issues: a little bit of comprehensible regression from the previous fella and even stronger chemistry between Wilson and Pierre Luc-Dubois. — Sean Gentille
Winnipeg Jets
Jonathan Toews will play precisely 57 regular-season video games
Even at his Conn Smythe Trophy-winning peak, Toews was not invulnerable. He’s performed 82 video games in solely two of his 15 seasons. It’s additionally necessary to do not forget that a 37-year-old hockey participant could be harm for causes that don’t have anything to do together with his medical historical past. We’ve landed on precisely 57 video games as a complete by going week by week within the Jets’ calendar, estimating load administration, guessing at accidents after which going by really feel. The reality will most likely be much more dramatic, with a not-so-bold prediction being that we’ll all overreact to each bump, bruise or “day-to-day” designation. — Murat Ates
