NHL 2025/26 Guide: Teams, Expectations, and What to Expect from the World’s Biggest Hockey Championship!

The biggest ice hockey championship in the world is about to enter its regular season. The National Hockey League, or NHL, kicks off its 109th edition of the 2025/26 season on October 7, bringing fans unforgettable moments and great opportunities for Sports Betting.

The competition is about to start, but before the puck drops for the first time, check out this detailed 2025/26 NHL guide prepared by Blaze. You’ll find everything about the teams, expectations, where to watch, and the best odds for the ice hockey tournament featuring teams from the United States and Canada!

About the NHL

The NHL features 32 teams — 25 from the United States and seven from Canada — divided into two conferences, East and West, each split into two divisions. They are: Atlantic and Metropolitan in the East, and Central and Pacific in the West.

The competition’s regular season runs from October 7, 2025, to April 16, 2026, followed by the playoffs and the Stanley Cup Finals, which decide the champion. In this edition, 82 games will be played in the regular season. Each team plays 41 home and 41 away games. Two more matches are expected in the 2026/27 edition.

Eastern Conference - Atlantic Division

Boston Bruins

The 2024/25 season was one to forget for the Boston Bruins. The team lost more than half of its games, with 39 regulation losses, 10 in overtime, and just 33 wins. Their goal differential was terrible, -50, the worst in the conference alongside the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s time to turn the page.

Manager

Marco Sturm

Titles

6 Stanley Cups (1928/29, 1938/39, 1940/41, 1969/70, 1971/72, and 2010/11)

Key Players

The Bruins need to rediscover how to score with more players beyond David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie, who carried most of the offensive load. They’ll now share duties with Czech forward Matěj Blümel, a recent addition.

Expectations

Boston is likely to play a supporting role in this year’s NHL edition. The team doesn’t have great odds. Its best probability is winning the Atlantic Division, listed at 15.0 — still behind several rivals.

Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres’ tough times continue — it’s been 14 straight years without making the NHL playoffs. For the 2025/26 season, breaking that drought is the goal, but it won’t be easy.

Manager

Lindy Ruff

Best Campaign

3-time Stanley Cup runner-up (1975, 1999)

Key Players

NHL analysts agree: talent isn’t the issue. Defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, along with forward Tage Thompson, have the potential to finally lift the Sabres out of their 14-year playoff drought.

Expectations

The Buffalo Sabres are the ultimate underdogs in their conference. Their odds to even win the division are the worst — 31.0. Making the playoffs would already be a major surprise.

Detroit Red Wings

Despite being one of the most successful American teams in Stanley Cup history, the Detroit Red Wings haven’t made the playoffs in nine years. Returning to contention is their big challenge.

Manager

Todd McLellan

Titles

11 Stanley Cups (1935/36, 1936/37, 1942/43, 1949/50, 1951/52, 1953/54, 1954/55, 1996/97, 1997/98, 2001/02, and 2007/08)

Key Players

This season, the Red Wings must strengthen their defense. To do that, they signed defensemen Jacob Bernard-Docker and Travis Hamonic, as well as goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks.

Expectations

This isn’t their longest dry spell — they went four decades without a Stanley Cup between the 1950s and 1990s. Their last title was in 2008, nearly 20 years ago. Still, that wait will likely continue. Expect a mid-table finish, with their best division title odds at 11.0.

Florida Panthers

With back-to-back championships, the Florida Panthers are living a golden era. In just over 30 years of history, they’ve finally reached the top. Six straight playoff appearances and two consecutive Stanley Cup wins say it all.

Manager

Paul Maurice

Titles

2 Stanley Cups (2023/24 and 2024/25)

Key Players

Without captain Aleksander Barkov — out for the regular season due to knee surgery — the Panthers brought in forward Sam Bennett. Brad Marchand also joins the attack, alongside defenseman Aaron Ekblad.

Expectations

After winning two straight Stanley Cups, the Florida Panthers once again enter the 2025/26 season as favorites for the title, with odds of 7.5 — tied with their recent finalist, the Edmonton Oilers.

Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens entered the new season with a sense of relief. After missing the playoffs since 2021, they finally returned to the postseason. Now, the goal is to advance further and get back to trophy contention.

Manager

Martin St. Louis

Titles

24 Stanley Cups (1915/16, 1923/24, 1929/30, 1930/31, 1943/44, 1945/46, 1952/53, 1955/56, 1956/57, 1957/58, 1958/59, 1959/60, 1964/65, 1965/66, 1967/68, 1968/69, 1970/71, 1972/73, 1975/76, 1976/77, 1977/78, 1978/79, 1985/86, and 1992/93)

Key Players

A major hope for the Canadiens is keeping Kirby Dach healthy and active throughout the season. Forwards Cole Caufield, with 37 points, and Nick Suzuki, with 30, return as key scoring threats for 2025/26.

Expectations

It’s been 32 years since Montreal last lifted the Stanley Cup. They even reached the final in 2021 — unsuccessfully. And that “unsuccessfully” might persist for a while. The Quebec team doesn’t have strong prospects this season, with their best odds only for winning the Atlantic Division at 8.0 — not particularly impressive.

Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators were another team that finally made their return to the NHL playoffs in the 2024/25 season. The team had a strong campaign, finishing with 97 points — just behind the top three that year. Repeating that feat, or even improving it, could bring the franchise its first-ever trophy.

Manager

Travis Green

Best Result

Stanley Cup runner-up (2007)

Key Players

Leevi Meriläinen stepped in for goaltender Linus Ullmark during the Swede’s injury and impressed. Now, he’ll try to prove he deserves more than just a one-year contract. Defenseman Jordan Spence, who came from the Los Angeles Kings, is expected to start the season as a backup, but there’s optimism he can earn a starting role.

Expectations

The Senators’ wait for their first NHL title is likely to continue. The team isn’t expected to repeat even its 2007 runner-up finish, with odds of 7.5 to win the division.

Tampa Bay Lightning

An early playoff exit was not part of Tampa Bay Lightning’s plans. The team reached the postseason for the eighth straight year and was the league’s top-scoring team with 294 goals, but their dream of a fourth Stanley Cup was cut short.

Manager

Jon Cooper

Titles

3 Stanley Cups (2003/04, 2019/20, 2020/21)

Key Players

It must be said every season: Nikita Kucherov remains one of the best players in the NHL today. The right winger recorded 121 points last season, leading the entire league. Other standouts include center Brayden Point, who scored 42 goals, and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Expectations

While not among the absolute favorites for the Stanley Cup, the Lightning are still strong contenders for the Eastern Conference title, with odds of 7.0 — trailing only the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes, the two top favorites for the NHL championship.

Toronto Maple Leafs

For decades, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ story has been the same: a strong regular season followed by playoff disappointment and no finals appearances. The team earned 108 points in the Eastern Conference last year — the third-highest overall — but was eliminated in the second playoff round.

Manager

Craig Berube

Titles

13 Stanley Cups (1917/18, 1921/22, 1931/32, 1941/42, 1944/45, 1946/47, 1947/48, 1948/49, 1950/51, 1961/62, 1962/63, 1963/64, 1966/67)

Key Players

American center Auston Matthews remains the team’s biggest star and captain. Swedish forward Willy Nylander and American winger Matthew Knies are also key names to watch. However, the departure of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights could have a noticeable impact.

Expectations

Nearly 60 years have passed since the Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup — the longest active drought among previous champions. Unfortunately for Toronto, the 2025/26 season is unlikely to change that. The team’s most realistic goal may be winning the conference for the first time, with odds of 9.0.

Eastern Conference - Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes

Everything seemed to be going well for the Carolina Hurricanes last season. They finished second in the Metropolitan Division, defeated the New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals in the first two playoff rounds, but were then eliminated by the Florida Panthers. Could this finally be the year they win their second Stanley Cup?

Manager

Rod Brind’Amour

Titles

1 Stanley Cup (2005/06)

Key Players

With several key departures, the Hurricanes may shift defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere — a left-handed player — to the right side of the ice. Despite the losses, the team landed one of the biggest free agents of the offseason: forward Nikolaj Ehlers. Twenty-year-old Bradly Nadeau is also expected to join the main roster.

Expectations

Twenty years after their first and only Stanley Cup, it might be time for another. The Hurricanes are one of the top title contenders this season, with odds of 8.0, and will deliver entertaining, high-paced hockey once again.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are recovering not only from missing the playoffs but also from tragedy. The team dedicated the 2024/25 NHL season to young left winger Johnny Gaudreau, who died after being struck by a drunk driver. On the ice, the team finished third among the wild cards.

Manager

Dean Evason

Best Campaign

First round of the playoffs

Key Players

Norris Trophy finalist Zach Werenski leads the Blue Jackets’ defense. The team also added two forwards from the Colorado Avalanche: Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood.

Expectations

Another season is likely to pass without Columbus claiming its first title. The Blue Jackets are seen as one of the league’s long shots, with distant 13.0 odds to win the Metropolitan Division.

New Jersey Devils

Among the Eastern Conference’s top teams, the New Jersey Devils had a strong regular season. However, they fell short in the playoffs, being eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the very first round.

Manager

Sheldon Keefe

Titles

3 Stanley Cups (1994/95, 1999/00, 2002/03)

Key Players

Goaltenders Jacob Markström (Sweden) and Jake Allen (Canada) continue to alternate as the team searches for stability in the crease. The Devils also added two forwards — Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov — to strengthen their offensive firepower.

Expectations

The Devils will enter the season hungry for success and determined to fight for top positions. The battle for the conference title will be tough, but they have solid chances, with odds of 7.5 — just behind the top favorites.

New York Islanders

For the first time in three years, the New York Islanders missed the playoffs. They finished sixth in the Metropolitan Division and 12th in the Eastern Conference. Having gone over 40 years without a Stanley Cup, the team needs to rebuild its momentum.

Manager

Patrick Roy

Titles

4 Stanley Cups (1979/80, 1980/81, 1981/82, 1982/83)

Key Players

Russian goaltender Ilya Sorokin is expected to perform better this year after completing a full preseason — something he couldn’t do last year due to back surgery. Offensively, expectations are high for Mathew Barzal, while 18-year-old Canadian defenseman Matthew Schaefer is set to make his debut.

Expectations

New York fans will likely go another season without a title. Among the city’s teams, the Islanders are the farthest from contention, with odds of 13.0 to win the Metropolitan Division.

New York Rangers

The 2025/26 season marks the 100th anniversary of the New York Rangers. To celebrate their centennial — and their 99th active season — the team will need to bounce back from last year, when they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020/21. That mission now falls to new head coach Mike Sullivan.

Manager

Mike Sullivan

Titles

4 Stanley Cups (1927/28, 1932/33, 1939/40, 1993/94)

Key Players

Noah Laba is the leading candidate among the team’s young forwards, competing with Jusso Parssinen for the third-line center spot. Russian goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who’s been with the team for over a decade, continues to anchor the net.

Expectations

The last New York team to win a Stanley Cup, the Rangers were the city’s pride back when Friends first aired. Unfortunately, their fans may have to keep waiting — their best odds this season are to win the division, at 5.5.

Philadelphia Flyers

To avoid missing the playoffs for a sixth straight year, the Philadelphia Flyers will rely on new head coach Rick Tocchet to change the team’s direction. With a five-year contract, it’s up to him to help the Flyers rebuild their identity.

Manager

Rick Tocchet

Titles

2 Stanley Cups (1973/74 and 1974/75)

Key Players

Since the team is in a rebuilding phase, it’s a bit tricky to highlight standout players. The Flyers have brought in center Trevor Zegras, acquired from the Anaheim Ducks, and still count on Russian forward Matvei Michkov, who has been with the team since 2023.

Expectations

The Flyers are one of the underdogs in the Metropolitan Division. The team will certainly try, but expectations are low — they’ll likely finish in the lower half of the conference standings, with odds of 23.0 to win the division.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Another team that has gone several seasons without making the NHL playoffs is the Pittsburgh Penguins. In addition to missing the postseason for the third consecutive year, last season ended on a low note — it was their first campaign with a losing record since 2006.

Manager

Dan Muse

Titles

5 Stanley Cups (1990/91, 1991/92, 2008/09, 2015/16, and 2016/17)

Key Players

The Penguins’ situation is similar to the Flyers’. The team is in transition but still features veterans like Canadian center Sidney Crosby and Russian center Evgeni Malkin. However, this will likely be their last season playing together after two decades.

Expectations

The Pittsburgh Penguins are another major long shot in the Eastern Conference. With few expectations, the team holds odds of 41.0 both to win the conference and to take the division title.

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals were the first team to clinch a playoff spot in 2024/25, but they were eliminated in the second round. This season, their top priority is to go further and return to the top of the NHL ranks.

Manager

Spencer Carbery

Titles

1 Stanley Cup (2017/18)

Key Players

At 40 years old, Russian left winger Alexander Ovechkin is on the verge of surpassing 900 career goals during the NHL regular season — which could be his final year. Meanwhile, younger players like Aleksei Protas and Rasmus Sandin are worth watching.

Expectations

The battle for the Metropolitan Division title features three main contenders: the Carolina Hurricanes, heavy favorites and also frontrunners for the Stanley Cup; the New Jersey Devils; and the Washington Capitals. The Capitals face tough opposition but could defy their 4.5 odds to finish on top.

Western Conference - Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks had the second-worst record in last season’s regular season. With only 25 wins and five years without a playoff appearance, the team faces a long road back to contention.

Manager

Jeff Blashill

Titles

6 Stanley Cups (1933/34, 1937/38, 1960/61, 2009/10, 2012/13, and 2014/15)

Key Players

The Blackhawks’ rebuild after a disappointing 2024/25 season centers around two young talents: 20-year-old Canadian center Connor Bedard and 21-year-old American forward Frank Nazar. Veteran Swedish left winger André Burakovsky, 30, joins from the Seattle Kraken to provide experience.

Expectations

When it comes to underdogs, few are as deep in the odds as the Chicago Blackhawks. They have the worst odds across the board — 251.0 to win the Stanley Cup, 121.0 for the Western Conference, and 71.0 for the Central Division. At least their fans can enjoy watching the young core develop.

Colorado Avalanche

Formerly known as the Quebec Nordiques, the Colorado Avalanche remain one of the NHL’s most consistent teams and aim to deliver another strong season. The Rocky Mountain franchise hasn’t exited the competition early in nearly a decade and is hungry for a fourth Stanley Cup.

Manager

Jared Bednar

Titles

3 Stanley Cups (1995/96, 2000/01, and 2021/22)

Key Players

The Avalanche boast two of the league’s elite players: defenseman Cale Makar and center Nathan MacKinnon. They’ll be joined by veteran defenseman Brent Burns, who signed in July for what could be his final season.

Expectations

The Avalanche are eager to bring another championship to Denver. With their offensive firepower, they enter the season as serious contenders — their 9.0 odds to win the Stanley Cup look like a solid bet.

Dallas Stars

One of the top-performing teams of 2024/25, the Dallas Stars are chasing their second Stanley Cup title. The team recorded 50 wins and scored 277 goals during the regular season. They’re only missing that final step to reclaim NHL glory.

Manager

Glen Gulutzan

Titles

1 Stanley Cup (1998/99)

Key Players

Captain Jamie Benn will miss the start of the regular season following lung surgery. He’s set for reevaluation after a month and could return mid-season. Goaltender Jake Oettinger resumes his role as the starter, while the team hopes defenseman Nils Lundkvist finds his best form.

Expectations

The Dallas Stars will go all-in for the Stanley Cup this season. They have solid odds of 9.0 and the potential for an unforgettable campaign.

Minnesota Wild

Wild by name, Wild Card by nature — that’s how the Minnesota Wild reached the 2024/25 playoffs. However, their first-round elimination crushed hopes of a maiden Stanley Cup title.

Manager

John Hynes

Best Result

Central Division Champion (2007/08)

Key Players

Norwegian winger Mats Zuccarello, 38, will be sidelined for up to two months, putting the team in a difficult position. The team also welcomes a Russian forward looking to rebound alongside left winger Liam Ohgren and center Joel Eriksson Ek.

Expectations

It looks like a middling season ahead. The Minnesota Wild aren’t among the favorites but aren’t true underdogs either. They’ll likely play a supporting role, with odds of 10.0 to win the Central Division.

Nashville Predators

Frustrating — that’s the best word to describe Nashville Predators’ 2024/25 campaign. The team recorded its worst losing record since 2012/13. Even if they don’t contend, the priority is to avoid another poor showing.

Manager

Andrew Brunette

Best Campaign

Stanley Cup runner-up (2017)

Key Players

The responsibility of reviving the Predators falls on forward Filip Forsberg and center Ryan O’Reilly — two of the team’s top scorers last season. They’ll be joined by center Colton Sissons and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon.

Expectations

The Predators are likely to have another quiet season. Their odds are low — 23.0 to win the Central Division — and expectations are modest.

St. Louis Blues

Approaching six decades of history, the St. Louis Blues have just one Stanley Cup to their name. With Jim Montgomery taking charge last November, the team aims for improvement after a full offseason under his leadership.

Manager

Jim Montgomery

Titles

1 Stanley Cup (2018/19)

Key Players

Centers Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou stand out as the Blues’ top performers. Goaltender Jordan Binnington will also play a major role — he could even represent Canada in the Winter Olympics.

Expectations

The Blues enter as mid-tier contenders. Their odds — 11.0 to win the division, 21.0 for the conference, and 33.0 for the Stanley Cup — suggest a supporting role this year.

Utah Mammoth

This will be the first season under the official name Utah Mammoth. Previously known as the Utah Hockey Club, the team debuted last year and finished mid-table — a respectable result for a newcomer. With more experience, they aim to climb higher in 2025/26.

Manager

Andre Tourigny

Best Campaign

6th in the Central Division (2024/25)

Key Players

As a young team, the Mammoth’s key players are also young: 22-year-old Canadian right winger Dylan Guenther and 21-year-old American center Logan Cooley.

Expectations

In their second NHL season, the Utah Mammoth are still finding their footing. Even so, they have slightly better odds than some more established teams — 10.0 to win the division.

Winnipeg Jets

No one outperformed the Winnipeg Jets in the 2024/25 regular season. The team earned 116 points and 56 wins — more than any other club. They also posted the league’s best goal differential (+86). The only thing missing was their first championship in nearly 30 years.

Manager

Scott Arniel

Best Campaign

Central Division Champion (2024/25)

Key Players

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck remains the Jets’ standout star, having won both the Vezina (best goalie) and Hart (MVP) trophies. Canadian center Jonathan Toews returns to the NHL after a two-season break for health reasons, while center Mark Scheifele continues to be a key contributor.

Expectations

After winning the Central Division last year, the Winnipeg Jets are ready to aim higher — this time, for the conference title. Their 9.0 odds might not make them top favorites, but they’re definitely in the fight.

Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks

Seven straight years without a playoff appearance need to end. The Anaheim Ducks made a coaching change after Greg Cronin recorded 87 regulation losses in two seasons. The job now belongs to Joel Quenneville, who has a strong track record in the NHL. He’ll be supported by three new assistants: Jay Woodcroft, Ryan McGill, and Andrew Brewer.

Manager

Joel Quenneville

Titles

1 Stanley Cup (2006/07)

Key Players

To improve offensively, the Ducks added forwards Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund. Czech goaltender Lukáš Dostál is expected to get more ice time following John Gibson’s departure.

Expectations

The Anaheim Ducks won’t have an easy path. Their best odds in the competition are to win the division — and even those aren’t great, at 19.0.

Calgary Flames

Despite falling short in the regular season last year, the Calgary Flames came close to earning a wild card spot. The coaching staff remains intact, now more focused on leading the team back toward Stanley Cup contention.

Manager

Ryan Huska

Titles

1 Stanley Cup (1988/89)

Key Players

Goaltender Dustin Wolf is only 24 years old but has already emerged as one of Calgary’s top names. Up front, Canadian center Nazem Kadri scored 35 goals in 82 games last season. Fellow Canadian MacKenzie Weegar anchors the Flames’ defense.

Expectations

The Calgary Flames are another supporting cast member in the 2025/26 NHL season. The Canadian side has modest expectations and sits far from the favorites to win the Pacific Division, with odds of 11.0.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers’ 47th season just needs one more push. The team is currently the best Canadian franchise in the NHL but has fallen short in the last two Stanley Cup Finals, both lost to the Florida Panthers. Now it’s time for redemption.

Manager

Kris Knoblauch

Titles

5 Stanley Cups (1983/84, 1984/85, 1986/87, 1987/88, and 1989/90)

Key Players

Goaltenders Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard helped the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Final and remain key figures for 2025/26. The team also added Trent Frederic to boost depth.

Expectations

Life hasn’t been easy for the Edmonton Oilers. Reaching finals is great, but losing three of them — in 2006, 2024, and 2025 — hurts. The Oilers remain determined to win their sixth Stanley Cup and share identical odds (7.5) with their nemesis, the Florida Panthers.

Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings will bid farewell to captain Anže Kopitar at the end of the 2025/26 NHL season. The Slovenian center announced his retirement, and there’s no better way to go out than by winning a third Stanley Cup.

Manager

Jim Hiller

Titles

2 Stanley Cups (2011/12 and 2013/14)

Key Players

The Kings were active in the offseason, signing forwards Joel Armia and Corey Perry and defensemen Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin. Perry underwent knee surgery and will miss some games, but the rest are expected to contribute immediately.

Expectations

While not the outright favorite, the Los Angeles Kings will aim for at least a Western Conference title. The team has solid chances and outlooks, with odds of 9.0.

San Jose Sharks

Ryan Warsofsky’s debut season as San Jose Sharks head coach was disappointing. The team suffered 50 regulation losses, conceded 315 goals (the most in the league), and scored only 210 — finishing with the worst goal differential of 2024/25 at -105. They’ll need to remember these lessons to avoid repeating them.

Manager

Ryan Warsofsky

Best Result

Stanley Cup runner-up (2016)

Key Players

Among the team’s bright spots, rookie defenseman Luca Cagnoni impressed the coaching staff last season. Another blue-line standout is Sam Dickinson, who racked up 91 points in 55 games.

Expectations

The biggest underdog in the Pacific Division, the San Jose Sharks share the same long-shot odds as the Chicago Blackhawks — 251.0 to win the Stanley Cup. Even their divisional odds are distant, at 71.0.

Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken started last season under coach Dan Bylsma, who replaced Dave Hakstol. His tenure lasted just one year — a March elimination led to his dismissal. In May 2025, the team appointed Lane Lambert in yet another attempt to regain its competitive edge.

Manager

Lane Lambert

Best Campaign

4th place in the Western Conference (2022/23)

Key Players

Shane Wright, drafted by the Kraken in 2022, is ready to showcase more of his offensive potential as he enters veteran status. The team also added forward Mason Marchment from the Dallas Stars to boost scoring, while Jani Nyman is expected to be promoted to the main roster.

Expectations

Only the San Jose Sharks face a tougher outlook than the Kraken. Seattle holds 31.0 odds to win the division. The question is: will they settle for a supporting role or fight to steal the spotlight?

Vancouver Canucks

With a mid-table history and still no Stanley Cup to their name, the Vancouver Canucks enter their 56th season in search of glory. After Rick Tocchet’s departure, former assistant Adam Foote takes over as head coach.

Manager

Adam Foote

Best Campaign

3-time Western Conference Champion (1981/82, 1993/94, 2010/11)

Key Players

Captain and elite defenseman Quinn Hughes remains the team’s cornerstone. Right winger Brock Boeser scored 25 goals and 25 assists last season, while Swedish forward Elias Pettersson finished with 66 points.

Expectations

The Vancouver Canucks are another possible mid-tier contender — neither favorites nor underdogs. Their odds to win the Pacific Division stand at 8.5.

Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights are chasing their second Stanley Cup. After falling short in 2024/25, losing in the second playoff round to the runner-up Edmonton Oilers, the team kept its coaching staff intact, aiming to return to championship form.

Manager

Bruce Cassidy

Titles

1 Stanley Cup (2022/23)

Key Players

American center Jack Eichel is expected to play his final season with the Golden Knights. Right winger Mitch Marner joins as a major offseason signing, while captain Mark Stone continues to lead the squad.

Expectations

There’s a potential top-four race with six true contenders. Three teams share identical Stanley Cup odds, including the Vegas Golden Knights, at 9.0.

NHL 2025/26’s Favorites

Now that you know who’s competing and how the National Hockey League works, check out the best Blaze odds for the 2025/26 NHL season. Remember — these numbers can change as the season progresses. Stay tuned for news, results, and off-ice updates.

Who will be the champion?

Current champions, the Florida Panthers, are among the top favorites to win the 2026 Stanley Cup. The team shares 7.5 odds with the Edmonton Oilers, their rival in the last two finals. Close behind are the Carolina Hurricanes, at 8.0. Tied at 9.0 are the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, and Vegas Golden Knights.

Who will be the best player?

Some players already enter the 2025/26 NHL season as top Hart Trophy contenders (MVP award). The favorite is Connor McDavid, the 28-year-old Edmonton Oilers captain, with odds of 3.0. He already has three Hart Trophies — earned in 2017, 2021, and 2023.

Another strong contender is Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, last year’s winner, with 4.5 odds. Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 2019 MVP, has 6.0 odds. Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers (2020 MVP) and Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild round out the top names, with 9.0 and 11.0 odds respectively.

Where to watch the NHL 2025/26

Brazilian ice hockey fans can watch the NHL 2025/26 season on ESPN channels (pay TV) and via the Disney+ streaming platform.

Bet on the NHL 2025/26 at Blaze!

The National Hockey League is back for another thrilling season, promising unforgettable plays and elite-level matches. Fans can also add excitement by placing bets on their favorites — now officially allowed in Brazil under Ordinance MESP 125/2024.

But before wagering, remember this: betting is entertainment, not investment. Always play responsibly, using only funds you can afford to lose.

Bet now on the NHL 2025/26 at Blaze and follow the best moments of the greatest hockey league in the world!

Frequently Asked Questions About the NHL 2025/26

When does the NHL 2025/26 start?

The NHL regular season begins on October 7, 2025, and runs through June 2026, including the playoffs and Stanley Cup Finals.

Who is the current NHL champion?

The Florida Panthers are the reigning Stanley Cup champions, having defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4–2 in the finals. It was the second consecutive matchup between the two, with the Americans prevailing both times.

Who is the most successful NHL team?

The Montreal Canadiens remain the most decorated franchise in NHL history, with 24 titles and 35 Finals appearances — despite a 30-year drought. In second place are the Toronto Maple Leafs with 13 trophies, though they haven’t won since 1967. The most successful American team is the Detroit Red Wings, with 11 Stanley Cups, the most recent in 2008.