2026 NHL Predictions
Eastern Conference Metropolitan Division The top of the division will once again belong to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes. After that, it feels wide open. The Capitals had a nice offseason, including bringing Ovi back for at least one more year. As for the rest: New Jersey Devils: It feels like year 10 of “this is the year they get over the hump.” New York Rangers: Did a nice job filling out a thin roster, though my trust level in the front office and coaching staff isn’t quite there. New York Islanders: Their future looks bright, but the NHL roster isn’t there yet. Philadelphia Flyers: I still don’t buy that last year’s run was real. Columbus Blue Jackets: The sleeper team everyone will look past. I actually like them and think they’ll hang around the playoff race for most of the year before coming up just short. Pittsburgh Penguins: Props for what they did last year, but “regression” will be the defining word of their season. Top 3 Playoffs: ...