NHL 2025-26 Season Preview
As the start of the 2025-26 NHL season approaches in just two weeks, fans can look forward to the return of the weekly power rankings. This initial pre-season assessment evaluates all 32 teams based on their previous season’s performances while factoring in off-season changes. The Florida Panthers, who have clinched back-to-back championships, maintain their top ranking as they aim for an unprecedented third Stanley Cup title during the salary cap era.
Emerging Narratives
Several intriguing narratives are emerging even before the first puck drops. A stellar group of free agents, including Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Eichel, Artemi Panarin, and Kyle Connor, has the potential to reshape the competitive dynamics of the league. Moreover, the NHL will make its long-awaited return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, adding another layer of excitement to the season.
Team Rankings
- Florida Panthers (47-31-4, +29 goal differential)
While Matthew Tkachuk will start the season sidelined, the Panthers remain poised for another championship run as they chase history with aspirations for a three-peat. - Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, +23)
With minimal roster adjustments, the Oilers are again under pressure, especially with McDavid at the forefront. His choices could dramatically influence the fates of numerous other teams as well. - Dallas Stars (50-26-6, +53)
Having seen a coaching shift, all eyes will be on Peter DeBoer, who has extensive playoff experience, as the Stars look to build on their previous success. - Carolina Hurricanes (47-30-5, +33)
The Hurricanes aim to replicate their recent sweetness in playoff performance, opting to keep their successful coaching staff and goalie tandem intact. - Vegas Golden Knights (50-22-10, +56)
Acquiring Mitch Marner highlights the Knights’ ambitions, but the loss of Alex Pietrangelo could prove detrimental to their championship aspirations. - Winnipeg Jets (56-22-4, +86)
As past Presidents’ Trophy winners, the Jets face the challenge of repeating that success while adapting to roster changes, notably the departure of Ehlers. - Toronto Maple Leafs (52-26-4, +37)
The departure of Marner introduces a new chapter for the team, although their solid defense and a captain with the potential for high scoring remain assets. - Colorado Avalanche (49-29-4, +43)
Captain Gabriel Landeskog is back as they embark on a quest for redemption following his absence due to injury during the previous season. - Washington Capitals (51-22-9, +56)
Last season’s storybook run is hard to replicate, and as veterans like Alex Ovechkin approach crucial contract conclusions, the Capitals may be nearing a pivotal transition. - Los Angeles Kings (48-25-9, +44)
As an era concludes with Anze Kopitar preparing for retirement, attention shifts to Quinton Byfield to step into a leading role. - Tampa Bay Lightning (47-27-8, +75)
After consecutive Stanley Cup finals, the Lightning faltered in early playoff exits and must now reconsider their championship capabilities moving forward. - Minnesota Wild (45-30-7, -11)
With Kirill Kaprizov’s health crucial to their success, concerns linger regarding his contract negotiations as the team aspires for a deep playoff run. - St. Louis Blues (44-30-8, +21)
Following a successful coaching change, the Blues may surprise with improved offensive performance heading into the new season. - New Jersey Devils (42-33-7, +20)
The health of key players Hughes and Hamilton will be vital, but their ability to remain fit is a major uncertainty in this otherwise promising roster. - Ottawa Senators (45-30-7, +9)
With a playoff appearance finally in the books, the Senators are on the upswing, set to engage their home market closer to downtown in future plans. - Montreal Canadiens (40-31-11, -20)
Possessing a young yet exciting roster, the Habs have their sights set on a playoff return after breaking a lengthy drought. - Utah Mammoth (38-31-13, -10)
Despite being underdogs, their offensive prowess shows promise, and they are developing into an entertaining unit with high potential. - Columbus Blue Jackets (40-33-9, +5)
With a promising core emerging, led by new franchise center Adam Fantilli, they aim to maintain momentum in an upward trajectory. - New York Rangers (39-36-7, +1)
Rebuilding efforts focus on reshaping their defensive strategy with new leadership at the helm as they try to rise above a tumultuous previous season. - Vancouver Canucks (38-30-14, -17)
With an eye toward recovery, the Canucks are hoping for better results after a quiet off-season amidst the chaos of their previous challenges. - Calgary Flames (41-27-14, -13)
In a wait-and-see approach, GM Craig Conroy faces decisions regarding retaining a veteran core or transitioning to younger talent amid playoff aspirations. - Detroit Red Wings (39-35-8, -21)
After years of upheaval, the young core needs to progress, while the strategy remains unclear with attempts at balancing veteran signings. - New York Islanders (35-35-12, -36)
Barzal’s knee health may greatly influence their offensive capabilities, which are crucial for their success with a budding defenseman on the rise. - Anaheim Ducks (35-37-10, -42)
Returning coach Joel Quenneville aims to build on past successes with an improving roster as they look to consolidate their recent gains. - Buffalo Sabres (36-39-7, -20)
On paper, the Sabres are promising, but past performance raises questions about their ability to turn potential into results right from the season’s start. - Seattle Kraken (35-41-6, -18)
The Kraken continue to search for identity with their third coaching change in five seasons, even as they look for promised growth. - Boston Bruins (33-39-10, -50)
Despite many players set for rebound performances, it’s uncertain whether the Bruins can effectively challenge for a playoff spot once again this year. - Pittsburgh Penguins (34-36-12, -50)
With aging stars and a likely trade in the pipeline, the Penguins must adapt quickly to avoid losing further ground in their competitive standing. - Philadelphia Flyers (33-39-10, -48)
With areas of improvement still vast, excitement surrounds young talents like Michkov, while the return of Tocchet aims to invigorate the team’s direction. - Nashville Predators (30-44-8, -60)
After experiencing a challenging previous season, the Predators are looking to turn the tide as they seek redemption for their diminishing reputation. - San Jose Sharks (20-50-12, -105)
Despite a dismal last season, the Sharks are investing in veteran talent, showcasing their brighter outlook for the future as they prepare for improvement. - Chicago Blackhawks (25-46-11, -70)
The rise of Connor Bedard has been overshadowed by the arrival of Macklin Celebrini, creating a sense of urgency for the Blackhawks to support their promising youth as they strive toward resurgence.
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