NHL Teams in the Spotlight: 2025-26 Season, the Ultimate Test
In the world of ice hockey, few stories are as inspiring as that of the Florida Panthers, who have silenced their critics in recent seasons. After a humiliating defeat in 2022, the Panthers reinvented themselves under the direction of Bill Zito and Paul Maurice, transforming into a fearsome team. With the arrival of Matthew Tkachuk, a solid defense, and the outstanding performance of Sergei Bobrovsky, they managed to reach three consecutive Stanley Cup finals, obtaining two consecutive titles and consolidating a dynasty.
However, a team’s success doesn’t leave much room for others to shine. That’s why the 2025-26 NHL season will be defined by those teams seeking to prove their worth. We analyze 13 teams in different stages, from contenders seeking success to young prospects and franchises yearning to return to the playoffs.
The “Now or Never” Teams
This group includes those teams that have been close to the title, but have not yet made the final leap. The main example is the Edmonton Oilers, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who reached the final in 2024. Now, they must prove that they can overcome the final obstacle. The performance of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard in goal and the team’s offensive ability, reinforced with Jack Roslovic and Andrew Mangiapane, will be crucial.
In addition to the Oilers, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Dallas Stars are under pressure. Both teams have accumulated an impressive number of playoff wins since 2022 without reaching the final. Carolina must prove that its possession dominance strategy can overcome elite goaltenders in the playoffs. Dallas, for its part, needs to prove that the changes made in the offseason are effective.
Stories Marked by Adversity
In this category, we find teams that have not managed to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs. The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets are the clearest examples. Despite their success in the regular season, both teams have not achieved an outstanding performance in the playoffs. The Leafs need to overcome their ghosts of the past and prove that they can win in crucial moments. The Jets, on the other hand, must prove that their success from the previous season was not a fluke and that they can be a consistent playoff team.
Hype Trains
Here are the teams with young and promising talent that have yet to demonstrate their potential. The New Jersey Devils, who have generated expectations for a while, need to win playoff series to justify their reputation. The Montreal Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks, with young rosters, are looking to improve their performance and prove that they can compete for the championship.
Those Seeking Revenge
Several teams expected to compete for the Cup did not meet expectations last season. The New York Rangers, with significant changes to their roster, seek to regain their level. The Boston Bruins, after a drop in their performance, need to prove they can maintain the legacy of their veteran core. The Nashville Predators, who did not meet expectations, are looking for a better performance with the key players on their roster.
Breaking the Drought
Last season, the Ottawa Senators broke a long playoff drought, increasing the pressure on other teams seeking the same. The Buffalo Sabres, with the longest playoff drought in the NHL, need to prove they can end this streak. The Detroit Red Wings, with a history of success, are looking to end their own drought and show that the rebuild was worth it.
