As the crisp autumn air signals the imminent return of professional hockey, the National Hockey League (NHL) gears up for another exhilarating season. With puck drop for the 2025-26 campaign, fans, analysts, and pundits alike turn their gaze toward the future, attempting to decipher which teams will etch their names into history and which individuals will rise to hockey`s pantheon. A recent gathering of seasoned hockey minds at ESPN has offered a collective glimpse into this future, presenting a consensus — or sometimes, a delightful divergence — on who will reign supreme.
From the coveted Stanley Cup to the individual hardware, the predictions are in. Let`s delve into the intricate tapestry of these forecasts, identifying the front-runners and uncovering the compelling narratives set to unfold on the ice.
Division Dominance: A Clear Path for Some, a Brawl for Others
The journey to the Stanley Cup often begins with divisional supremacy. For the 2025-26 season, the experts have spoken, and their voices resonate with surprising clarity in some regions, while others remain fiercely contested battlegrounds.
Atlantic Division: The Lightning Strikes Twice (or Thrice)
In the Atlantic, the consensus is remarkably robust: the Tampa Bay Lightning are heavily favored to finish atop the standings. With an overwhelming 20 out of 26 predictions, it appears the Lightning`s dynastic core is expected to continue its impressive run. While the Maple Leafs received a few nods, and even a rogue prediction for the Senators and Panthers, the message is clear: Tampa Bay remains a formidable force in the East.
Metropolitan Division: Hurricanes Eyeing the Top Spot
The Metropolitan Division sees another strong favorite emerge in the Carolina Hurricanes. Garnering 16 predictions, the Hurricanes are poised to continue their aggressive, high-tempo style of play, which has consistently placed them among the league`s elite. The New Jersey Devils, with a respectable 7 votes, are seen as their primary challengers, promising an intense rivalry for divisional bragging rights.
Central Division: A Rocky Mountain High or a Lone Star Ascent?
The Central Division, however, presents a more intriguing picture. The predictions here are much tighter, with the Colorado Avalanche just barely edging out the Dallas Stars. The Avalanche, with 13 votes, are still seen as a premier force, blending offensive firepower with stellar goaltending. Yet, the Dallas Stars, close behind with 11 votes, indicate a formidable challenge, suggesting that this division could be a compelling race to the finish, potentially going down to the wire.
Pacific Division: Vegas Gold Standard
Out West, the Vegas Golden Knights appear to be the dominant pick for the Pacific Division. With 17 predictions, their blend of veteran leadership, strategic acquisitions, and a knack for winning makes them a consistent threat. The Edmonton Oilers, led by their superstar duo, are expected to provide the stiffest competition, securing 8 votes. The Golden Knights` relentless pursuit of excellence seems to have convinced the pundits of their continued divisional mastery.
The Ultimate Prize: Stanley Cup Contenders
Predicting the Stanley Cup champion is perhaps the most challenging and most exciting aspect of any NHL season. The experts` diverse opinions underscore the inherent unpredictability of playoff hockey, a gruelling marathon where anything can happen.
While the divisional races often had clear favorites, the Stanley Cup predictions are a testament to the league`s parity. The Colorado Avalanche lead the pack with 5 votes, a testament to their deep roster and playoff experience. Hot on their heels are the Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, and Edmonton Oilers, each securing 4 votes. The Florida Panthers, despite being the previous season`s three-peat contenders, received a modest 3 votes, indicating a belief that their reign might be contested.
This wide array of contenders — including surprise single votes for the Hurricanes, Jets, Kings, Maple Leafs, and Devils — paints a vivid picture of a league brimming with potential champions. The road to the Cup will undoubtedly be paved with unexpected twists, heroic performances, and perhaps, a touch of puck luck.
Individual Brilliance: The Race for Hardware
Beyond team success, the NHL also celebrates individual excellence. Six prestigious awards honor the league`s standout performers, and the prognosticators have weighed in on who will take home the coveted hardware.
Hart Trophy (MVP) & Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader): The McDavid Era Continues
In a development that will surprise absolutely no one, Connor McDavid is once again the overwhelming favorite for both the Hart Trophy (league MVP) and the Art Ross Trophy (points leader). Amassing 12 votes for MVP and 13 for the Art Ross, McDavid`s consistent, jaw-dropping offensive output seems to transcend annual scrutiny. One might almost wonder if the experts even bothered to consider alternatives, such is his seemingly unshakeable grip on these offensive accolades. Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov are perennial challengers, but the throne appears firmly occupied.
Rocket Richard Trophy (Goals Leader): Matthews vs. Draisaitl
The race for the Rocket Richard Trophy, awarded to the league`s top goal scorer, promises to be a thrilling one. Auston Matthews of the Maple Leafs leads the predictions with 11 votes, showcasing his elite finishing ability. However, Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers is right on his heels with 9 votes. This suggests a compelling head-to-head battle between two of the league`s most prolific snipers, with every puck finding the back of the net potentially determining the winner.
Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman): Makar`s Reign
When it comes to the league`s best defenseman, the name Cale Makar resonates loudest. With a dominant 13 votes, Makar is expected to continue his masterful two-way play, combining offensive flair with defensive reliability. Quinn Hughes, with 8 votes, is a strong contender, but Makar`s unique blend of skill and impact makes him the clear front-runner for this prestigious award.
Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender): The Last Line of Defense
Between the pipes, the Vezina Trophy for the best goaltender sees Andrei Vasilevskiy as the leading candidate with 10 votes. His consistent excellence and ability to steal games for the Lightning make him a perennial favorite. However, Jake Oettinger (7 votes) and Igor Shesterkin (4 votes) highlight a strong pool of elite netminders, suggesting that this award could be a tighter contest than some others.
Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year): The Dawn of Demidov
Finally, the Calder Trophy, celebrating the league`s most outstanding rookie, introduces us to the next generation of NHL stars. Ivan Demidov is the overwhelming favorite, with 13 votes, marking him as the player to watch for an immediate impact. Names like Zeev Buium and Jimmy Snuggerud also received significant attention, indicating a promising class of newcomers ready to make their mark on the league.
As the 2025-26 NHL season officially commences, these expert predictions serve as a fascinating blueprint, offering insight into the potential narratives that will dominate headlines. While statistics and seasoned analysis can guide our expectations, the beauty of sports lies in its unpredictability. Injuries, unexpected breakouts, and monumental slumps can swiftly derail even the most confident forecasts. Regardless of who ultimately lifts the Stanley Cup or takes home individual accolades, one thing is certain: the journey itself, filled with exhilarating goals, stunning saves, and nail-biting finishes, is what makes hockey the greatest show on ice. Let the games begin!
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley