The Carolina Hurricanes are seen as strong contenders for the Eastern Conference title, thanks to significant roster improvements.

Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights are favored to win the Stanley Cup, bolstered by the recent addition of Mitch Marner.

The St. Louis Blues are expected to return to the playoffs after making substantial improvements to their defense.

In contrast, the Minnesota Wild are anticipated to win a playoff round, benefiting from a healthier roster and emerging young talent.

However, the Boston Bruins may miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year due to ongoing roster issues and injuries.

Similarly, the New York Rangers are predicted to miss the playoffs again, as they continue to grapple with unresolved underlying issues despite offseason changes.

In New York, the Islanders may part ways with Patrick Roy due to poor roster performance and management changes.

In individual performances, Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers is projected to secure a new contract extension, avoiding free agency.

Conversely, the Los Angeles Kings are predicted to falter again in the playoffs, having failed to address their offensive weaknesses during the offseason.

Finally, the Florida Panthers are expected to run out of steam this season, suffering from the cumulative toll of extensive playoff games in recent years.

As the NHL 2025-26 season approaches, bold predictions are emerging regarding individual and team performances, setting the stage for an exciting campaign.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Chicago Blackhawks are expected to struggle significantly, likely finishing as the worst team while focusing on their rebuilding process.