What if this is the year everything we thought we knew about the NHL gets turned on its head? After two straight seasons of Florida Panthers dominance in the playoffs, whispers are growing: is the path finally clear for a new Stanley Cup champion? And can freshly re-signed Connor McDavid reclaim the Hart Trophy after a two-year absence from MVP glory? The 2025-26 NHL season is here, and The Athletic’s team of hockey insiders is diving deep into predictions—awards, playoff hopefuls, surprise contenders, and yes, the inevitable heartbreaks.
We tapped senior writers James Mirtle, Sean Gentille, and Mark Lazerus, analytics guru Shayna Goldman, and goaltending expert Jesse Granger to break down the results of our staff poll—and offer a few spicy takes of their own.
Can the Stars Shine All the Way?
Lazerus likens the Dallas Stars to Lucy tugging the football away from all of us Charlie Browns—we keep trusting, and they keep breaking hearts. Granger, however, sees something in this roster: players like Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, Thomas Harley, Miro Heiskanen, and Jake Oettinger remind him of the Tampa Bay Lightning during their back-to-back Cup wins. Goldman agrees Dallas could meet Vegas again in the Western Conference Final, which she’s all for.
Gentille? He’s betting on the Golden Knights—again—despite past disappointment. Mirtle thinks this might be Tampa Bay’s year, especially if Florida stumbles without Barkov. But here's where it gets controversial: not a single vote for the Kings, even after they brought in Corey Perry.
Eastern Power Plays & Potential Heartbreak
Carolina Hurricanes get their own Lucy analogy from Lazerus, with Gentille naming Nikolaj Ehlers as a potential difference-maker. Mirtle predicts more heartbreak for Toronto, wonders why Colorado isn’t getting more Cup finalist love, and notes Rantanen’s absence could be huge. Goldman still warns against betting against Florida—history favors them.
And if the Penguins struggle early? Gentille says brace yourself—Mirtle suspects a tank war reminiscent of McDavid’s 2015 entry draft year. Granger even floats Nashville trading for Juuse Saros as a rebuild move.
Underperformers & Dark Horses
Winnipeg Jets may be good, but Lazerus and Granger caution against expecting another Presidents’ Trophy season; the Central Division is too competitive now. Mirtle says Canadian teams are primed for another round of disappointment, while Goldman leans Colorado as the team most likely to fall flat if they exit early again.
For dark horses: Mirtle hints Bill Zito’s $10 million cap space could make Florida dangerous again, Goldman roots for Utah, and Lazerus muses about Joel Quenneville leading a young team to success—if he can adapt after four years away. Granger likes Calgary’s depth and thinks Dustin Wolf could be a Vezina contender.
Coaches on the Hot Seat
Goldman doubts Andrew Brunette’s staying power and flags Jim Hiller in L.A. as vulnerable. Granger and Lazerus both find Brunette an easy vote for dismissal but note Nashville’s issues go beyond coaching.
Breaking Playoff Droughts
Fans of Detroit and Buffalo might need miracles, says Lazerus. Columbus could surprise if Jet Greaves shines, and several panelists target the Rangers as a bounce-back candidate. Goldman eyes Montreal as a playoff hopeful but warns the Eastern wild-card race’s crowded.
Biggest Letdowns & Division Drama
Goldman believes the Kings could disappoint, opening playoff room for others. Gentille refuses to trust Vancouver until Elias Pettersson elevates his game. Western conference depth might make the regular season quieter, but the playoffs could be spectacular.
International Stage & Olympic Factors
Lazerus insists Canada gets the benefit of the doubt until a U.S. win changes the narrative. Goldman adds the ‘Sidney Crosby Factor’ for his likely last Olympic run. Mirtle bumps odds for Sweden and Finland, though Barkov’s injury stung Finland’s hopes.
Hart Trophy Race
McDavid may go supernova fresh off his extension, but panelists are leaning toward Kaprizov—if healthy—for a full 82-game campaign without sharing top billing. Mirtle calls a Marner vote chaos, while Granger ups the ante by joking about Marner winning the Conn Smythe.
Goal Scoring Leaders
Draisaitl’s consistency wins Lazerus over despite Matthews’ higher ceiling. Stats show Matthews at 142 goals over three seasons, Draisaitl at 145, Pastrnak leading at 151.
Norris & Defensive Dominance
Goldman wonders if Harley’s growth could steal Heiskanen’s PP1 time. Granger sees Dahlin evolving further. Mirtle reminds us not to sleep on Werenski.
Selke Contenders
Without Barkov, Reinhart’s case looks strong, but Goldman predicts center bias could sway votes. Jarvis is a fun option, yet Kopitar’s farewell season might sway sentiment.
Goaltending Honors
Shesterkin has heavy support, with Blackwood and Wolf as wildcard picks. Hellebuyck would need an overwhelming campaign to reclaim the crown.
Jack Adams Award
Evason, Sullivan, Brunette, Gulutzan—all get mentions. Gentille notes Sullivan has never won, despite coaching elite rosters.
Calder Wildcards
Yaroslav Askarov steals attention—if Sharks are competitive, it’ll be because he’s bailing out their defense. Wide-open rookie race, though Demidov could surprise.
So what do you think? Will the Stars finally deliver on their promise? Is it time to stop betting against Florida? And does Connor McDavid have another MVP in him—or will someone new grab the spotlight? Share your takes—do you agree with these bold predictions, or do you see a completely different ending to the 2025-26 story?
