Vegas Golden Knights Projected as Stanley Cup Favorites by NHL.com Panel

What's Happening?

The Vegas Golden Knights have been identified as one of the top contenders for the Stanley Cup in the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season, according to a panel of NHL.com writers and editors. Out of 15 staff members who made preseason predictions, five selected the Golden Knights as the likely champions. The Dallas Stars were also favored by four panelists, while the Colorado Avalanche received three votes. The Edmonton Oilers were the only other Western Conference team to receive a vote. In the Eastern Conference, the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes were the only teams to be picked. The Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, is also a topic of discussion, with Mitch Marner of the Golden Knights, Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche, and Mikko Rantanen of the Stars each receiving three votes. The NHL season is set to begin with a tripleheader on ESPN, featuring matchups including the Chicago Blackhawks against the Florida Panthers.

Why It's Important?

The predictions by NHL.com panelists highlight the competitive landscape of the NHL, particularly in the Western Conference, where the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars are seen as strong contenders. This reflects the strength and depth of these teams, which could influence fan engagement, ticket sales, and viewership. The focus on the Western Conference teams also underscores a potential shift in power dynamics within the league, traditionally dominated by Eastern Conference teams. The anticipation surrounding the Conn Smythe Trophy candidates further adds to the excitement, as players like Mitch Marner and Nathan MacKinnon are expected to play pivotal roles in their teams' success. The start of the NHL season is a significant event for fans and stakeholders, marking the beginning of a new chapter in professional hockey.

What's Next?

As the NHL season kicks off, teams will be looking to establish their dominance early on. The performance of the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars will be closely watched, as they aim to live up to the high expectations set by the NHL.com panel. Fans and analysts will be monitoring key players like Mitch Marner and Nathan MacKinnon, whose performances could be crucial in their teams' pursuit of the Stanley Cup. The early games of the season will provide insights into team dynamics and potential playoff contenders, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season.