Top young talent Connor Bedard, the 2023 first overall pick, is expected to rebound from a disappointing second season with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he scored 67 points after a promising rookie year.

Mitch Marner made his debut for the Vegas Golden Knights after signing an eight-year, $96 million contract, and is anticipated to be a key player alongside Jack Eichel in their Stanley Cup chase.

Despite McDavid's recent extension, the Oilers face ongoing challenges such as inconsistent goaltending and a lack of depth scoring, which have limited their playoff success.

The Utah Mammoth, a newly rebranded team with promising young players like Logan Cooley and offseason acquisition J.J. Peterka, are seen as potential contenders to break through in the West after narrowly missing the playoffs last season.

The 2025-26 NHL season has kicked off with major storylines, including a significant contract extension for Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, who signed a two-year, $12.5 million per year deal, reaffirming his role as the league's face.

The Pacific Division playoff race remains highly competitive, with the Golden Knights and Oilers likely securing two spots, while teams like the Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks, and Calgary Flames are fighting for the third spot amid varying prospects for improvement.

Western Conference rivalries remain intense, especially between the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, who have faced off in the postseason the past two years, setting the stage for a possible third clash.