NHL Preseason: Critical Analysis of the 32 Teams and Their Challenges

Deep Dive: Key NHL Questions for the 2025-26 Season

The 2025 NHL season was memorable, with the Florida Panthers lifting the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive year. Despite a period of inactivity in July and August, the excitement returns with the change of season. Alofoke Deportes presents a detailed analysis of the most important questions for the 32 teams in the league, preparing you for the upcoming season.

How to watch the 2025-26 NHL season on ESPN channels? You’ll have access to 100 exclusive games and the out-of-market package (over 1,050 games).

Atlantic Division

Boston Bruins

Can Jeremy Swayman be a top-tier starting goalie again?Swayman, after securing a seven-year contract and $8.25 million per season, did not meet expectations in 2024-25, recording his worst numbers. With a save percentage of .892 and a GAA of 3.11, Boston needs a significant improvement from their goaltender, especially without a reliable backup. Will Swayman be able to prove his worth and what impact will he have on the Bruins’ aspirations?

Buffalo Sabres

Will the Sabres break their postseason drought?After 15 years without playoffs, Buffalo seeks to break its long streak. The arrival of Josh Norris and the new talents Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring could be key. Will these new additions and the improvement of players like Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Jack Quinn change the course of the Sabres?

Detroit Red Wings

Will John Gibson be a game changer for the Red Wings?The inconsistency in the goaltending has hampered Detroit. The arrival of John Gibson, coming from Anaheim, could be crucial. Despite some challenges with the Ducks, Gibson demonstrated his potential. Will Gibson be able to establish himself as a reliable goalie and give the necessary boost to the Red Wings?

Florida Panthers

Are the Panthers built for a third consecutive championship?

General Manager Bill Zito managed to keep key players like Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, in addition to acquiring Daniil Tarasov. However, Matthew Tkachuk’s health and fatigue could be determining factors. Will the Panthers be able to overcome these challenges and achieve a historic three-peat?

Montreal Canadiens

Will the Canadiens’ young project be able to take them to the playoffs?Montreal surprised last season. With the arrival of Noah Dobson and Zack Bolduc, expectations are high. The development of Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson, and Juraj Slafkovsky will be crucial. Will the Canadiens, with their stars and young talents, be able to maintain the momentum?

Ottawa Senators

Has Ottawa adequately addressed its lack of offensive depth?The Senators struggled to score last season. The lack of significant moves suggests Ottawa is relying on internal improvement. Dylan Cozens and Fabian Zetterlund, along with the return of Claude Giroux and Shane Pinto, will need to increase offensive production. Will it be enough?

Tampa Bay Lightning

Will Tampa Bay’s offense be able to maintain an elite scoring level?

Tampa Bay was the team with the most goals last season. With a formidable attack, the question is whether they can maintain that level. With Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde adapting to the system, and the hope that Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel, and Nikita Kucherov maintain their performance, will the Lightning be able to remain contenders?

Toronto Maple Leafs

How will Toronto evolve without Mitch Marner?Marner’s departure represents a great challenge for the Leafs. Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Matthew Knies, and John Tavares will have to take on more responsibility. How will Toronto adapt to this new era under coach Craig Berube?

Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes

Did Carolina do enough to solve her annotation problems?The arrival of Nikolaj Ehlers strengthens the attack, but Carolina has doubts about its offense. Will Jesperi Kotkaniemi have to change positions? Will they make moves before the season starts? To advance, the Hurricanes need to improve their scoring ability.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Will Columbus’ defense derail them again?The Blue Jackets had trouble defending. The priority was to improve the defense, but will it be enough? Will the arrival of Ivan Fedotov provide security in goal, along with Elvis Merzlikins?

New Jersey Devils

How will Jack Hughes’ health affect the Devils’ season?Hughes is key to New Jersey’s success. Injuries have limited his participation. How will the Devils keep Hughes on the court and take advantage of his generational talent?

New York Islanders

How will Matthew Schaefer impact the Islanders’ defense?Schaefer, drafted, has potential. The question is whether he will play immediately. How will the Islanders manage his development, in order not to affect his confidence?

New York Rangers

How will Mike Sullivan restructure the Rangers?Sullivan will have to rebuild the Rangers. The location of Mika Zibanejad and the search for replacements for Chris Kreider are crucial. The preseason will be key to adjusting strategies.

Philadelphia Flyers

Have the Flyers improved enough in the right places?Philadelphia needed to improve the center and the goaltending. The arrival of Trevor Zegras and Dan Vladar are changes. Will they be enough to improve?

Pittsburgh Penguins

Could the Penguins really trade Sidney Crosby?Crosby, under contract until 2026-27, seeks to compete for the championship. Will this be the moment for Pittsburgh to trade him? The decision could depend on whether Pittsburgh can offer him opportunities for success. Evgeni Malkin’s situation will also influence the future of the Penguins.

Washington Capitals

Can Washington’s offensive be deeper than before?Washington had a great season. The key is whether they can have more offensive depth. Connor McMichael is fundamental. The performance of other wingers will be crucial.