Means-too-early predictions for the 2025-26 NHL season: Stanley Cup winner, awards and extra

By Shayna Goldman, Sean Gentille, Jesse Granger and The Athletic NHL Workers

Are the Florida Panthers certain for his or her third straight Stanley Cup championship? Are the Vegas Golden Knights destined to make a deep run after landing Mitch Marner, probably the most prized free agent in the marketplace? What’s going to the playoff discipline appear like when the common season performs out?

With the offseason’s large free-agent signings within the books, The Athletic requested its NHL employees these questions plus who the primary coach fired will probably be, which gamers will win the most important awards and extra.

Listed below are our early 2025-26 NHL season predictions.

Which predictions will look finest and worst this time subsequent yr? We’ve introduced in senior nationwide author Sean Gentille, analytics know-it-all Shayna Goldman and goaltending knowledgeable Jesse Granger to supply context, evaluation, skepticism and a few mild trolling of the outcomes.

Figures are rounded. 

Stanley Cup champion

Granger: I perceive the thrill for the Golden Knights, who’re at all times among the many high contenders and simply addressed their largest want by acquiring Marner, however I’ve issues concerning the blue line after the loss of Alex Pietrangelo. Protection has lengthy been the anchor in Vegas, and that group will look very totally different with out its high canine.

Goldman: The Panthers take advantage of sense on the high, as a result of most gamers aren’t departing for extra money elsewhere after profitable — they’re sticking round in Dawn to be part of a dynasty. Till somebody proves in any other case, Florida is the group to beat.

Gentille: I ditched Florida for the Golden Knights firstly of the playoffs. Didn’t fairly work out. So, after all, I swerved again to the Panthers this time round. Congratulations to the 2025-26 champion Vegas Golden Knights!

Marner Magic is coming to the Las Vegas Strip 🪄 pic.twitter.com/ox8T7i9AJM

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) July 1, 2025

Runners-up

Granger: Roughly 70 % of the voters have Florida reaching its fourth-straight Stanley Cup Ultimate, and it’s arduous to argue towards it. The Panthers return the identical core, with stars at each place and backstopped by 36-year-old Sergei Bobrovsky, who nonetheless appears to be like pretty much as good as ever.

Gentille: The Panthers are going to have to provide me a purpose to choose towards them within the Jap Convention.

Goldman: Huh, not lots of help for the Los Angeles Kings even after including Corey Perry? Vegas is probably the most fascinating title right here, particularly if it’s for one more matchup towards the Panthers.

Shock playoff group

A projected lower-tier group (+6,000 or worse odds of profitable the Cup, per BetMGM) that you simply see making the playoffs.

Granger: After falling two factors quick final yr, the Columbus Blue Jackets ought to actually contend for a postseason spot in 2025-26. I believe there’s room for enchancment in internet, particularly with Jet Greaves lastly getting an opportunity to be a full-time NHL goalie. It wouldn’t shock me if he’s Columbus’ starter by the tip of the season.

Goldman: The Bruins??? On this financial system??? The Blue Jackets confirmed a lot promise this previous yr; if they will keep wholesome, they need to keep within the combine down the stretch.

Gentille: Yeah, the Metro is on monitor to be weak but once more, and that’s excellent news for the Blue Jackets. I wished to choose the Detroit Purple Wings right here, however their offseason has (so far) been preeeetty uninspiring.

Darkish horse Cup contender

A projected middle-of-the-pack group (between +2,000 and +6,000 odds of profitable the Cup, per BetMGM) that you may see making an actual run.

Granger: I picked the Minnesota Wild right here. They regarded like one of many higher groups within the West earlier than the accidents final season, and gave the Golden Knights an excellent run within the first spherical regardless of simply getting guys again into the lineup. With a number of key gamers in contract years, I really feel like this may very well be the very best Wild group we’ve seen in a while.

Goldman: The Winnipeg Jets and Wild are logical picks right here, though neither group actually improved this summer season. Vegas did, and the Dallas Stars may very well be higher underneath a new(ish) head coach. So I believe there’s extra room for a darkish horse within the East, and I went off the board with Montreal. Between their post-4 Nations Face-Off turnaround and their offseason additions, the Canadiens would in all probability be probably the most enjoyable decide of the group right here.

Gentille: I got here near becoming a member of Shayna on Group Habs earlier than going with the St. Louis Blues. They wanted a 2C to assist their lineup fall into place, in order that they went out and acquired Pius Suter. Tons to love about what they’ve carried out over the past two summers, so long as they don’t do one thing bizarre with Jordan Kyrou.

Greatest disappointment

A projected favourite (+2,000 or higher odds of profitable the Cup, per BetMGM) that you may see lacking the playoffs or being a first-round flameout.

Granger: The New Jersey Devils are the apparent decide right here as a result of the group merely hasn’t been capable of keep wholesome for a full season. New Jersey has the expertise to go on a deep run within the playoffs, however between the accidents at ahead and protection and the good-but-aging goalie tandem of Jacob Markström and Jake Allen, the scenario feels fragile.

Goldman: The Edmonton Oilers nonetheless have clear holes, so I get that decide right here … however Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will actually drag this group into the playoffs. I’ve to agree with Jesse and go along with the Devils. Love the addition of Connor Brown, however I have to see New Jersey make yet one more top-nine swing to persuade me that its five-on-five scoring will probably be balanced sufficient.

Gentille: Yeah, to not belabor the purpose, however I additionally went with the Devils. They acquired hit arduous by accidents final season, however “fragile” is the fitting phrase for that lineup, even when it’s at full power.

Presidents’ Trophy

Granger: Cue the “Mitch Marner is simply good within the common season” jokes. Severely, we’ve seen Jack Eichel fully flip the narrative of his profession after becoming a member of the Golden Knights, and it wouldn’t shock me if Marner follows an identical path.

Gentille: The Carolina Hurricanes added essential items and may be capable of beat up on a bunch of groups of their division. That, plus their regular-season monitor report, was sufficient for me.

Fewest factors

Granger: The San Jose Sharks have a gifted younger core that ought to enhance, added some stable veterans in Jeff Skinner, Dmitry Orlov and Adam Gaudette in free company, and are turning the crease over to Yaroslav Askarov. They had been horrible final season, however it actually feels just like the Sharks are on a greater trajectory than the opposite groups on this listing.

Gentille: In some unspecified time in the future, you’d assume the Chicago Blackhawks will attempt to win some hockey video games. We’re not at that time.

Goldman: The Blackhawks had a spark late within the yr and Spencer Knight regarded like an incredible match there, however … this group nonetheless has a methods to go.

First coach fired

Gentille: We heard the whispers about Andrew Brunette’s job safety final season, and Nashville’s roster appears to be like even worse for 2025-26. That’s not an incredible combo.

Goldman: Nearly went with Patrick Roy right here, as a result of new basic managers are inclined to wish to rent their very own coaches. I get why Mathieu Darche is giving him one other shot, however I believe his substitute is already in place (Bob Boughner) if issues go south on Lengthy Island. Finally selected Brunette as a result of, yeah, every little thing was a catastrophe in Nashville final season. I actually marvel if he’s simply meant to be an affiliate/assistant, however by no means the man behind the bench.

Granger: It’s fascinating that the Devils had been the overwhelming decide to be the most important disappointment, however then Sheldon Keefe didn’t get a single vote right here. To me, that reveals the divide between the haves and have-nots within the NHL is simply rising wider, and never many individuals actually count on the contenders to disappoint (or no less than, aren’t able to predict it with any kind of confidence).

Ivan Demidov performed seven video games final yr for the Canadiens between the common season and playoffs. (Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Pictures)

Calder Trophy

Given to the participant chosen as probably the most proficient in his first yr of competitors within the NHL. Voted on by the Skilled Hockey Writers Affiliation (PHWA).

Gentille: Seven video games’ value of Ivan Demidov was sufficient to make this one fairly lopsided. He’s supremely gifted and about to get power-play/top-six minutes on an excellent group.

Goldman: Demidov was actually enjoyable to observe in only a handful of video games, so this checks out. I believe the explanation there isn’t extra certainty round him on this ballot is that we don’t know which gamers from the 2025 draft class will break via and make the NHL subsequent yr. This might look rather a lot totally different in a couple of months.

Granger: I agree with each of these takes. After we begin to see the place the highest rookies are sitting in lineups across the league, there will probably be extra choices. If San Jose improves this yr, as I instructed earlier, it’s arduous to think about Askarov not being within the Calder dialogue.

Vezina Trophy

Given to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the very best at this place. Voted on by basic managers.

Granger: I believed I’d be going out on a limb by choosing Jake Oettinger right here, however it seems I’m removed from alone. Oettinger has rapidly grow to be some of the constant performers within the NHL, however I believe we’ve but to see his finest hockey. With the group in entrance of him, this feels prefer it may very well be the yr.

Gentille: I believe fatigue is about to set in for Connor Hellebuyck, and Oettinger appears as ready as anybody to take benefit.

Goldman: Additionally, we all know how a lot spite can gas a participant … so after his end of the year, he must be fired up for subsequent season. Oettinger makes lots of sense, however I truly went with Igor Shesterkin right here. If there may be one ounce of defensive stability in New York, his conventional stats ought to shine extra.

Norris Trophy

Given to the defenseman who demonstrates all through the season the best all-around skill within the place. Voted on by the PHWA.

Goldman: Quinn Hughes was a game-breaker final yr, regardless of not being 100% (and having lots of chaos round him). If he hadn’t missed time final yr, he might need completed increased. Thomas Harley getting some votes right here is enjoyable, however unsure he’ll get the identical hype as a No. 2 to Miro Heiskanen subsequent yr.

Gentille: I wished to go along with Zach Werenski right here, however that might’ve been extra about final season than the subsequent one. Cale Makar is the boring, right reply.

Granger: Can we please get absolutely wholesome seasons out of Makar and Hughes? It could make for probably the greatest Norris races in a protracted, very long time.

Selke Trophy

Given to the ahead who demonstrates all through the season probably the most ability within the defensive part of the sport. Voted on by the PHWA.

Goldman: Aleksander Barkov is at all times going to (rightfully) earn a bunch of votes, however how about Eichel? He earned some recognition final yr, and with Marner on his wing, they may very well be a two-way pressure. Some gamers get docked for having a super-skilled linemate or winger (particularly within the Norris and Hart conversations). However that basically hasn’t been a difficulty with the Selke — Barkov has Sam Reinhart whereas Anthony Cirelli has Brandon Hagel, and it hasn’t stopped both from incomes votes.

Granger: I fully agree that Eichel must be within the dialog. It could assist if he may enhance his faceoff numbers, as a result of he’s already a monster defensively and performs extra penalty-killing minutes than simply about each different star middle within the league. He’s sturdy, rangy and has unbelievable arms. It’s slightly odd that he isn’t higher at them.

Jack Adams Award

Given to the coach adjudged to have contributed probably the most to his group’s success. Voted on by the NHL Broadcasters’ Affiliation.

Goldman: If Spencer Carbery gained the award in 2023-24, possibly Dean Evason may have gained this previous season. So possibly this award simply works on a yr’s delay. If the Blue Jackets use final yr as a stepping stone to truly attain the playoffs, he may emerge as the favourite.

Gentille: Yep, the Jack Adams was Carbery’s to lose final season, I believe. Nonetheless, don’t underestimate Mike Sullivan. He’s an incredible coach, he’s by no means gained the award and he’s about to take over a group with an elite goaltender.

Granger: My decide for “shock playoff group” was the Calgary Flames, so I went with Ryan Huska right here. If the Flames take a step ahead, he must be within the dialog.

Jim Gregory Award

Given to the highest NHL basic supervisor. Voted on by a panel of all 32 NHL basic managers, 5 NHL executives and 5 media members.

Granger: I picked the Stars to win the Cup, so I picked Invoice Zito to win GM of the yr. Jim Nill wins the award each time Florida wins the Cup, so it’s solely becoming they commerce locations.

Goldman: Yep, Zito in all probability wins it this yr. Nevertheless, it might be good to see Eric Tulsky get some hype after a busy offseason.

Gentille: The Panthers must miss the playoffs for it to be anybody aside from Zito.

Hart Trophy

Given to the participant ajudged to be probably the most invaluable to his group. Voted on by the PHWA.

Granger: After a “down” season with “solely” 100 factors, probably taking part in on an expiring contract, McDavid will probably be motivated to remind everybody who the very best participant on this planet is.

Goldman: Initially had McDavid, swapped it to Kirill Kaprizov. His electrical begin to this previous season made him an early favourite, so let’s see if he can construct on that. Consider McDavid and Draisaitl seemingly having to battle for votes, and there’s room for another person to emerge because the winner.

Gentille: I picked Kaprizov, too. Is that as a result of I went chalk on my Norris decide? Possibly.

Jap Convention playoff discipline

We requested every voter to choose the eight East playoff groups. Right here is the share of the vote acquired by every group. (Word: * playoff group in 2024-25)

(Word: The New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators tied for the eighth spot)

Granger: The highest six groups really feel like fairly protected picks to make the playoffs, after which it will get enjoyable. I picked the Purple Wings, backstopped by John Gibson, to nab the ultimate wild-card spot, however the competitors must be fierce.

Goldman: The Rangers ought to be capable of make their manner again into the playoff image, which implies no less than one group has to slip out. The Canadiens’ enhancements give them the sting over Ottawa, as a lot as I just like the addition of Jordan Spence.

Western Convention playoff discipline

We requested every voter to choose the eight West playoff groups. Right here is the share of the vote acquired by every group. (Word: * playoff group in 2024-25)

Granger: I’m on an island choosing the Flames to shock everybody and make the playoffs. If there’s a division the place somebody can shock, it’s the Pacific. Dustin Wolf ought to take one other step ahead in his second full season and will be a part of the Vezina dialog if I’m proper about Calgary.

Goldman: Thought the Utah Mammoth had been going to be the shock eighth seed within the West final yr and was improper, however I’m digging my heels in and working it again. The standout right here to me isn’t who we mission will qualify, however who may miss: Vancouver!

Gentille: I went with the precise 2025 playoff discipline. Extraordinarily boring.

(Prime photograph of Aleksander Barkov battling for the puck with Pavel Dorofeyev and Jack Eichel: Candice Ward / Getty Pictures)