2025-26 NHL Season Predictions: Stanley Cup Contenders to Bottom-Feeders

The anticipation builds for the 2025-26 NHL season as predictions emerge about team performances. This article categorizes teams into distinct divisions: Stanley Cup contenders, middle-of-the-pack teams, and bottom-feeders. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of each category based on last season’s stats and offseason developments.

Bottom-Feeders Division

This division highlights teams struggling to find their footing. Each has significant gaps to close to become competitive.

• San Jose Sharks
  Last season: 20-50-12
  
  Goals differential: -102
  The offseason saw hopes of improvement, but the team remains far from contention.
• Chicago Blackhawks
  Last season: 25-46-11
  
  Goals differential: -68
  This team is in a slow rebuild, likely sacrificing the current season to develop future talent.
• Seattle Kraken
  Last season: 35-41-6
  
  Goals differential: -17
  A new coach and GM signal a potential shift, but expectations remain low for immediate success.
• Nashville Predators
  Last season: 30-44-8
  
  Goals differential: -62
  After a poor season, a significant turnaround is necessary, but prospects remain uncertain.
• Buffalo Sabres
  Last season: 36-39-7
  
  Goals differential: -22
  A record 14 consecutive playoff misses complicate their future, even with some positives.
• Pittsburgh Penguins
  Last season: 34-36-12
  
  Goals differential: -45
  Facing uncertainty around veteran players, the team might be heading towards a rebuilding phase.
• Philadelphia Flyers
  Last season: 33-39-10
  
  Goals differential: -51
  The team begins a youth movement with questionable goaltending capabilities.
• New York Islanders
  Last season: 35-35-12
  
  Goals differential: -25
  Following a shaky offseason, it’s unclear if they can improve or sustain playoff contention.

Middle-of-the-Pack Division

This segment features teams with potential but facing obstacles to overcome last year’s disappointments.

• Calgary Flames
  Last season: 41-27-14
  
  Goals differential: -16
  Despite a decent record, they barely missed the playoffs and remain non-committal on roster changes.
• Ottawa Senators
  Last season: 45-30-7
  
  Goals differential: +10
  A promising past season should propel them toward playoff aspirations for the upcoming year.
• Minnesota Wild
  Last season: 45-30-7
  
  Goals differential: -11
  With key signings done, they aim for improvement without revealing definitive playoff potential.
• Utah Mammoth
  Last season: 38-31-13
  
  Goals differential: -7
  The acquisition of a top player might aid their playoff push, but challenges lie ahead.
• Detroit Red Wings
  Last season: 39-35-8
  
  Goals differential: -24
  Gradual progress is apparent, but playoff qualification remains questionable.
• St. Louis Blues
  Last season: 44-30-8
  
  Goals differential: +19
  Consistency is key for maintaining status without significant changes.
• Toronto Maple Leafs
  Last season: 52-26-4
  
  Goals differential: +38
  A transition year follows roster deviations, and adapting will be essential for playoff hopes.
• Montreal Canadiens
  Last season: 40-31-11
  
  Goals differential: -18
  Significant offseason moves indicate intent to accelerate their rebuild post playoff success.

The Cup Contenders Division

Familiar faces reappear in the top echelon, showcasing their continued pursuit of the Stanley Cup.

• Florida Panthers
  Last season: 47-31-4
  
  Goals differential: +23
  As defending champions, they have maintained their core, though injuries may complicate their title defense.
• Colorado Avalanche
  Last season: 49-29-4
  
  Goals differential: +42
  Their goal remains clear: rebound from last year’s playoff exit and vie for another chance.
• Dallas Stars
  Last season: 50-26-6
  
  Goals differential: +53
  With a high-caliber roster present, they aim to break through the conference final barriers.
• Vegas Golden Knights
  Last season: 50-22-10
  
  Goals differential: +60
  A dominant performance last season keeps expectations high for continued success this year.
• Tampa Bay Lightning
  Last season: 47-27-8
  
  Goals differential: +76
  Once again positioned to battle, they are focused on maximizing their “win now” mentality.
• Carolina Hurricanes
  Last season: 47-30-5
  
  Goals differential: +36
  The addition of key players might enhance their playoff performance, solidifying their contender status.
• New Jersey Devils
  Last season: 42-33-7
  
  Goals differential: +20
  Health and recovery will determine whether they can realize their full competitive potential.
• Edmonton Oilers
  Last season: 48-29-5
  
  Goals differential: +24
  With lingering questions about roster stability, they aim to secure a strong postseason position.

Your Guess Is as Good as Mine Division

This division confounds expectations, as teams fluctuate dramatically each season.

• Winnipeg Jets
  Last season: 56-22-4
  
  Goals differential: +85
  After a standout regular season, facing doubts about sustained success presents challenges ahead.
• Columbus Blue Jackets
  Last season: 40-33-9
  
  Goals differential: 0
  Expectations are perceptibly mixed following last season, and maintaining momentum remains a question.
• Boston Bruins
  Last season: 33-39-10
  
  Goals differential: -49
  A need for reconstruction is evident after last year’s struggles, yet surprises could lurk.
• Washington Capitals
  Last season: 51-22-9
  
  Goals differential: +57
  Consistent performance could be undermined; skepticism lingers about repeating previous successes.
• New York Rangers
  Last season: 39-36-7
  
  Goals differential: 0
  There’s hope for resurgence, but following last season’s hurdles may demand a renewed focus.
• Los Angeles Kings
  Last season: 48-25-9
  
  Goals differential: +46
  Following a strong performance, doubts around offseason changes keep expectations uncertain.
• Vancouver Canucks
  Last season: 38-30-14
  
  Goals differential: -18
  Previous injuries hurt prospects; it’s unclear whether the current roster can bounce back effectively.
• Anaheim Ducks
  Last season: 35-37-10
  
  Goals differential: -44
  The potential for resurgence in a winnable division sets the stage for a promising season.

This season promises to deliver excitement and unpredictability. Whether it’s about Stanley Cup contenders or bottom-feeders, every team hopes to make an impact in their own right. Keep an eye out as the season unfolds and narratives mold the landscape of the NHL.