By Mark Lehtonen · 7 October 2025
The puck drops on 7 October as the NHL returns for another thrilling season. With 32 teams lining up, it’s time to take a closer look at who might surprise, who could disappoint, and which storylines are set to define the year ahead.
Washington Capitals: Ovechkin’s new target
Alex Ovechkin keeps rewriting the book. After 44 goals last term despite a broken leg and 17 games missed, the focus now is a tidy milestone: 40 goals at 40 years old, taking him to 937 career goals.
The Capitals remain a balanced outfit, with depth throughout the roster and a reliable system that has kept them competitive.
Tampa Bay Lightning: regular-season machine
The core of Andrei Vasilevskiy, Victor Hedman, Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point still screams elite. Tampa topped the league in goals scored last season and ranked fourth in defence.
With rivals in the Atlantic Division showing inconsistency, Tampa have every chance to claim top spot again. Expected finish: around 109 points and first place in the division.
Chicago Blackhawks: lessons through setbacks
The rebuild is real, and it hurts. With heavy minutes for youngsters, losses are part of the process. A few prospects will pop, most will need time.
Expected finish: bottom of the table but strong odds for a top draft pick in 2026.
Minnesota Wild: time for a step forward
Injuries to Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek skewed last season. Healthy, the Wild looked like a top-five team in the West. The roster is settled, there’s cap breathing room, and youngsters are coming.
Expected finish: ~100 points and a first series win since 2015.
Boston Bruins: caught between eras
Last season’s slide was a warning. The post-Marchand attack lacks top-end punch, and Jeremy Swayman still has to meet the standard of his contract.
Expected finish: bubble team, roughly 95-97 points, margin for error thin in the Atlantic.
New York Rangers: careful adjustments
Mike Sullivan replaces Peter Laviolette and Vladislav Gavrikov bolsters the blue line, but losing Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller could bite more than expected.
It hinges on Igor Shesterkin rediscovering peak form. Expected finish: ~100 points, steady rather than spectacular.
Edmonton Oilers: all eyes on Connor
Connor McDavid isn’t going anywhere. The only debate is short-term flexibility vs a longer commitment. Either way, with McDavid on the ice, the ceiling is sky-high.
Expected finish: 109-111 points and among the West’s top contenders.
Florida Panthers: wear and tear showing
Three straight Finals have a cost. Florida still have the star power and structure, but after so much hockey the edges dull.
Expected finish: ~104 points and a safe play-off place, but repeating deep runs is a big ask.
Montreal Canadiens: steady climb
Nick Suzuki’s 89 points, Cole Caufield’s 37 goals and growth from Juraj Slafkovsky set the platform. With added balance from Noah Dobson and Zach Bolduc, Montreal look more complete.
Expected finish: a meaningful step forward, firmly in the play-off conversation.
Philadelphia Flyers: Michkov’s moment
Matvei Michkov posted 63 points as a rookie. With greater trust and freedom, the next leap is on.
Expected finish: around 40 goals and confirmation as Philadelphia’s new star.
Pittsburgh Penguins: the captain stays
Sidney Crosby intends to see out his deal in Pittsburgh through 2027. Evgeni Malkin could explore a move for one last big push, but the bond with the Penguins stays strong.
Stanley Cup Final Prediction: Carolina vs Vegas
If there’s a team built for the decisive moment, it’s the Carolina Hurricanes - elite leaders in Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, true depth, young legs, and cap space to strengthen late in the season.
The most likely opponent: the Vegas Golden Knights.
Prediction: Carolina will win the Stanley Cup.
Written by Mark Lehtonen · 7 October 2025