As the puck drops on another electrifying NHL season, anticipation is palpable. With the 2025-26 campaign officially underway, fans and analysts alike are already looking ahead, attempting to decipher which teams will hoist silverware and which players will etch their names into the league`s storied record books. ESPN`s cross-platform hockey family has cast its votes, offering a glimpse into the collective wisdom – and occasional delightful disagreement – regarding the season`s likely outcomes.
The Divisional Gauntlet: Who Will Reign Supreme?
While the Florida Panthers recently raised their third consecutive Stanley Cup banner (a feat worth noting, even if not universally predicted for this season), the battle for divisional supremacy promises its own brand of drama. The experts have largely coalesced around a few formidable contenders.
Atlantic Division: Lightning Strikes Twice?
In the Atlantic, the Tampa Bay Lightning emerge as the overwhelming favorite, securing an impressive 20 out of 26 votes. This isn`t just a testament to their established prowess but perhaps a gentle reminder that even after years of contention, a core can still sparkle. The Maple Leafs, perennial contenders, picked up four votes, while the Senators and even the reigning champion Panthers each garnered a lone, perhaps hopeful, vote. The message is clear: don`t count out the Bolts.
Metropolitan Division: Hurricanes Eyeing the Top
The Metropolitan is painted largely in red and white, with the Carolina Hurricanes dominating the predictions, capturing 16 votes. Their relentless style of play continues to impress, making them a consistent threat. The New Jersey Devils, with seven votes, are seen as their closest challengers, hinting at a potentially intense divisional rivalry. The Capitals and Rangers received a couple of scattered votes, suggesting that while they are respected, they may be a step behind the top two in the eyes of the panel.
Central Division: A Rocky Mountain High or Lone Star Dominance?
The Central Division presents a more nuanced forecast, a tight race primarily between two powerhouses. The Colorado Avalanche edged out the competition with 13 votes, demonstrating persistent confidence in their high-octane offense and formidable defense. Hot on their heels are the Dallas Stars, accumulating 11 votes. This division promises a thrilling battle, with both teams showcasing the talent to go deep into the playoffs. The Wild, with two votes, represent a dark horse for some.
Pacific Division: Knights and Oilers Ready to Duel
Out West, the Vegas Golden Knights are the clear frontrunner in the Pacific, securing 17 votes. Their blend of grit, skill, and playoff pedigree consistently puts them at the top. The Edmonton Oilers, with their star-studded roster, are the next strong contender, picking up eight votes. The Kings received a single vote, suggesting that while they may make some noise, most experts don`t see them topping the division.
The Holy Grail: Stanley Cup Predictions
When it comes to the ultimate prize, the crystal ball, it seems, gets a little foggy. Unlike the relatively clear-cut divisional picks, the Stanley Cup predictions are remarkably diverse, a true testament to the parity and unpredictability of modern NHL hockey. While 26 experts voted, a staggering 10 different teams were named as potential champions, proving that even seasoned analysts struggle with the final act.
- The Colorado Avalanche lead the pack with five votes, suggesting that their regular-season dominance might finally translate into another Cup.
- Close behind are the Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, and Edmonton Oilers, each with four votes. These are all formidable teams, built for long playoff runs.
- The Florida Panthers, despite being reigning champions, received only three votes, perhaps indicating the monumental challenge of a four-peat.
- The Hurricanes, Jets, Kings, Maple Leafs, and Devils each picked up a single vote, highlighting that while less favored, any team that makes it to the dance has a shot.
This wide distribution of votes underscores an exciting truth: come playoff time, anything can happen.
Individual Brilliance: The Race for Hardware
Beyond team glory, the NHL season is a stage for individual heroics. The league`s most prestigious awards are hotly contested, and the experts have weighed in on who they believe will shine brightest.
Hart Trophy (MVP): The McDavid Era Continues?
The Hart Trophy, awarded to the league`s Most Valuable Player, has a familiar favorite: Connor McDavid. With 12 votes, he is widely expected to continue his unparalleled dominance. Nathan MacKinnon (5 votes) and Kirill Kaprizov (4 votes) are strong challengers, while Nikita Kucherov (3 votes), Jack Eichel (1 vote), and Auston Matthews (1 vote) also received recognition. It`s a testament to McDavid`s consistent brilliance that even in a league brimming with talent, he remains the top choice.
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader): McDavid`s Domain
Unsurprisingly, the Art Ross Trophy for the points leader also sees Connor McDavid as the runaway favorite with 13 votes. This is a familiar narrative for a player who seems to defy statistical ceilings. Nikita Kucherov (6 votes) and Nathan MacKinnon (3 votes) are expected to challenge, with Mitch Marner (2 votes) and Kirill Kaprizov (2 votes) also in the mix. The race for points might be fierce, but McDavid`s offensive prowess remains unmatched in expert opinion.
Rocket Richard Trophy (Goals Leader): Matthews vs. Draisaitl
The Rocket Richard Trophy, for the league`s top goal-scorer, promises a thrilling duel. Auston Matthews (11 votes) and Leon Draisaitl (9 votes) are locked in what experts believe will be a head-to-head battle. These two snipers consistently find the back of the net with remarkable efficiency. While Connor McDavid (2 votes) also garnered a couple of mentions, the consensus points to Matthews or Draisaitl as the most likely top gunners. Other dark horses include Nikita Kucherov, Kirill Kaprizov, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel, each with a single vote.
Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman): Makar`s Reign or Hughes` Rise?
The Norris Trophy, celebrating the league`s best defenseman, sees Cale Makar as the dominant choice with 13 votes. His blend of offensive flair and defensive responsibility makes him a standout. Challenging him is Quinn Hughes, who received eight votes, indicating a strong belief in his continued ascent. The field for this award also includes Zach Werenski (2 votes), Shea Theodore, Lane Hutson, and Rasmus Dahlin (1 vote each), proving that elite blueliners come in various impactful forms.
Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender): The Last Line of Defense
Between the pipes, the Vezina Trophy for the best goaltender offers a diverse selection of talent. Andrei Vasilevskiy leads with 10 votes, showcasing enduring confidence in his big-game performance. Jake Oettinger is a strong second with seven votes, rapidly establishing himself among the league`s elite. Igor Shesterkin picked up four votes, consistently proving his ability to steal games. Other top netminders receiving votes include Connor Hellebuyck (2 votes), Jacob Markstrom, Linus Ullmark, and Sergei Bobrovsky (1 vote each), underscoring the depth of goaltending talent across the league.
Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year): The Next Big Thing
Finally, for the Calder Trophy, honoring the rookie of the year, one name stands out prominently: Ivan Demidov. He received a resounding 13 votes, making him the clear frontrunner to take the league by storm. Other promising talents expected to make an immediate impact include Zeev Buium (3 votes), Jimmy Snuggerud (3 votes), Alexander Nikishin (2 votes), and Ryan Leonard (2 votes). The excitement around these young prospects highlights the influx of talent into the NHL, promising a bright future for the league.
Note: These predictions, while coming from experienced hockey minds, are merely a snapshot of anticipation. The beauty of sports lies in its unpredictability, and the upcoming NHL season is sure to deliver its share of surprises, upsets, and unforgettable moments.
As the 2025-26 NHL season kicks into high gear, the debates will rage, the highlights will amaze, and the standings will shift. Whether these predictions hold true or are spectacularly defied, one thing is certain: hockey fans are in for an exhilarating ride. So, sit back, enjoy the action, and prepare to witness history unfold.
Dominic Ashworth 
Jasper Hawthorne