NHL Season: Top Teams, Players & Storylines for 2026-27
If you've been away from the world of ice hockey since the end of June, or even if you haven't, this guide is here to help you catch up on the upcoming NHL season.
Teams to Watch
- Toronto Maple Leafs: After dominating the Eastern Conference last season, the Leafs look to continue their success in the upcoming year.
- Vegas Golden Knights: The expansion team continues to surprise fans and experts alike with their impressive play.
- Arizona Coyotes: With a young and talented roster, the Coyotes could be a dark horse contender this season.
Players to Watch
- Connor McDavid: The star center for the Edmonton Oilers leads the league in scoring and is a perennial MVP candidate.
- Nikita Kucherov: The Tampa Bay Lightning forward is a two-time Stanley Cup winner and a leading candidate for this year's scoring title.
- Alex Ovechkin: The Washington Capitals' captain is a 15-time NHL All-Star and one of the league's all-time leading scorers.
Storylines to Follow
- The return of the Calgary Flames: After missing the playoffs last season, the Flames look to rebound and make a deep run in the postseason.
- Will the Vegas Golden Knights continue their success? The expansion team has made the playoffs in each of their first four seasons, but will they make it five in a row?
- The battle for the top spot in the Pacific Division: The Pacific Division features several strong teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights, San Jose Sharks, and Anaheim Ducks, making it an intense race for the top spot.
<small>Source: ESPN — read the original story there.</small>
