NHL 2025-26: Teams with the most to prove. Who are they?

In recent seasons, the Florida Panthers have proven to be a team that rises to the occasion, exceeding expectations and silencing their critics.After a disappointing season as winners of the Presidents’ Trophy in 2022, where they were swept by the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Panthers reinvented themselves under the direction of Bill Zito and Paul Maurice. With the incorporation of players like Matthew Tkachuk, a solid defense, and the outstanding performance of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, they built a team that led them to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, obtaining two consecutive titles and solidifying their dynasty status.However, the Panthers’ success has left little room for other teams to shine. The 2025-26 NHL season will be marked by the need for several teams to prove their worth and change the narrative surrounding them.To thoroughly analyze this situation, 13 teams have been grouped into five categories, each with specific objectives and challenges to overcome. From long-standing contenders to promising teams and franchises simply looking to make the playoffs, they all share the same mission: to prove they can rewrite their history, just like the Panthers did.

Those who must prove their worth now

In this category are those teams that have been close to winning the championship, but have not yet managed to take the final step. The goal is to demonstrate that they can achieve glory and break the barrier that prevents them from reaching the top.The Edmonton Oilers lead this list. After reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in the Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl era in 2024, consecutive losses to Florida have raised doubts about their ability to overcome the final hurdle.The key for the Oilers will be the performance of their goalies, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, and whether the offense, reinforced with Jack Roslovic and Andrew Mangiapane, can generate enough impact to compensate for any deficiencies in the net.Although McDavid has signed a contract extension, the time to compete is limited. The Carolina Hurricanes and the Dallas Stars are also in this situation. Both teams need to prove that they can reach the final and compete for the title.

Since 2022, both teams have accumulated a large number of playoff wins without reaching the final. Carolina must demonstrate that its puck possession strategy can overcome the barrier of elite goaltenders in the playoffs. Dallas, for its part, needs to prove that the changes made in the offseason were effective in taking the team to the next level.

Stories Marked by Frustration

In this section are the teams that, despite having success in the regular season, fail to overcome the first round of the playoffs or, in the best case, advance one round before suffering a disappointment.The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets are the clearest examples. Despite their consistent performance in the regular season, they have not achieved significant results in the playoffs.The Leafs, with a history of playoff failures, must prove they can overcome the ghosts of the past and achieve success. The Jets, for their part, need to show that their good performance in the regular season was not a fluke and that they can be a competitive team in the playoffs.

The Trains of Hope

Here are the teams with promising young talents who have not yet shown their potential. They are exciting and attractive teams, but they need to prove that they can turn promise into results.The New Jersey Devils stand out in this group. After generating high expectations in previous seasons, they need to win playoff series to regain lost ground. The Montreal Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks are also in this category. Both teams have young and promising rosters, and their goal is to prove that they can compete for the championship.

Those Seeking Redemption

In this category are the teams that disappointed in the previous season and are looking to prove it was just a stumble. The New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Nashville Predators are examples of teams that need to redeem themselves.The Rangers, who suffered an unexpected collapse, must regain their previous level. The Bruins, who experienced a drop in their performance, need to prove that they can lead a new era of success. The Predators, who did not meet expectations, seek to prove that they can compete and achieve success.

Those Seeking to Break the Drought

Finally, there are the teams looking to end long playoff droughts. The Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings are the most prominent examples.The Sabres, with the longest drought in the NHL, need to prove they can break this streak and make the playoffs. The Red Wings, with a drought that is unusual for a franchise with so much history, are looking to show that the rebuilding plan is paying off and that they can once again be a competitive team.The 2025-26 NHL season will be full of expectations and challenges for these teams. Everyone will seek to prove their worth and change the course of their stories.