NHL Teams in the Spotlight: 2025-26 Testing Season
In NHL history, few teams have defied their critics as successfully as the Florida Panthers of recent seasons. After a humiliating elimination in 2022, after winning the Presidents’ Trophy, Florida rebuilt its identity under the direction of Bill Zito and Paul Maurice. With the addition of Matthew Tkachuk, a solid defense, and the outstanding goaltending of Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers transformed their lessons into a championship model, achieving three consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Final and consolidating a true dynasty. However, a team’s success leaves little room for others to shine. Therefore, the NHL season will be defined by those teams seeking to prove their worth. We analyze 13 teams divided into five categories, with the common goal of changing the narrative surrounding them.The “Now or Never”
This group includes teams that, after coming close to the title, are looking to make 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 if they can overcome the obstacle and consolidate their potential in a championship. The key will be the performance of their goalies and whether their offense, reinforced with Jack Roslovic and Andrew Mangiapane, can make the difference. With McDavid’s contract extended until 2027-28, the Oilers’ window of opportunity is limited. Also present are the Carolina Hurricanes and the Dallas Stars, who need to prove they can reach the final and win the Cup. 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 playoff goalies, while Dallas needs to show that the changes made in the offseason were effective.Stories Marked by Adversity
These teams, although successful in the regular season, often fall in the first round of the playoffs. The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets are clear examples. Since 2018-19, both teams have accumulated many points in the standings, but have not managed to advance significantly in the playoffs. The Leafs, with a long history of playoff failures, must prove that they can overcome the ghosts of the past. Winnipeg, for its part, seeks to prove that its success from last season was not a fluke and that they can be a competitive team in the playoffs.Hype Trains
Here are the teams with promising young talents. The New Jersey Devils, who have generated expectations, need to win playoff series to justify their potential. The Montreal Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks are also part of this group, with young and growing rosters. The Canadiens seek to demonstrate their progress and enter the conversation for the Cup, while the Blackhawks must prove that they are on the right track to rebuild a winning team.Those Seeking Revenge
These teams, which were expected to compete for the Cup, are looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing season. The New York Rangers, after an unexpected collapse, must regain their previous level. The Boston Bruins, with a significant drop in their performance, need to prove that they can maintain their legacy. The Nashville Predators, with a season below expectations, are looking for better performance.Breaking the Drought
Following the Ottawa Senators’ qualification for the playoffs, the pressure falls on the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings, who are looking to end their long droughts. The Sabres, with the longest drought in the NHL, must prove they can break this streak. The Red Wings, with a good start to the season, are looking to maintain their playoff position and prove that the reconstruction was worth it.
