The 2026-27 NHL season is already here, kicking off earlier than usual, and get this: we’re getting an 84-game regular season this time around. That means even more high-stakes hockey, and a longer, tougher path to the Stanley Cup. Our reigning champs, the Carolina Hurricanes, are ready to defend their title, but the experts have laid out their predictions, and some of these calls are spicy.
East Coast Juggernauts Set for a Rematch
Looking at the Eastern Conference, it feels like déjà vu for a lot of these teams. Expert Alexander Baumgartner says he doesn’t see many new faces crashing the playoff party. His picks have a healthy Florida Panthers squad right back at the top of the Atlantic and a revamped Washington Capitals making noise in the Metropolitan. He’s got six teams from last year’s playoffs making it back to the dance in 2027. Austin Nivison and Baumgartner both like the Panthers and Canadiens topping the Atlantic, with the Lightning and Sabres sneaking in too. Over in the Metropolitan, the Hurricanes and Capitals are everyone’s darlings, while the Devils and Flyers are looking to grab those crucial third spots. For the Wild Card, Nivison is eyeing the Senators and Blue Jackets, but Baumgartner’s got the Lightning and Bruins. It’s clear the East is stacked, but it sounds like the usual suspects are ready to dominate again.
Western Showdown: Clear Favorites, Pitiful Division
Out West, the predictions lean heavily into “chalk,” and honestly, it’s hard to argue with some of it. Austin Nivison bluntly states that the Avalanche and Stars are the absolute class of the Central Division, and both experts agree, placing them first and second. Nivison’s even calling for the Golden Knights to “pound a pitiful Pacific Division into a pulp.” That’s a pretty strong take, but when you look at the picks, the Golden Knights are unanimously at the top of the Pacific. Behind them, it gets a little wilder. The Oilers, Sharks, Kings, and Ducks are battling it out for those remaining spots. The Central also has the Mammoth and Wild getting some love for the third spot or a Wild Card entry. Nivison also hints at a “significant leap forward” for one of the teams beyond the top contenders, which could mean a huge surprise is brewing.
McDavid’s Reign Challenged, Norris and Vezina Up for Grabs
Beyond the team battles, the individual awards are always a massive draw. Connor McDavid is on the hunt for his fourth Hart Trophy, but apparently, there’s an “up-and-coming superstar in his own division” looking to snatch that away. Talk about high drama! The Norris Trophy for best defenseman and the Vezina Trophy for top goalie? Those races are “pretty wide open” this season, meaning we could see some unexpected heroes emerge from the pack. It’s going to be wild to watch these individual storylines unfold as the season progresses.
So, there you have it: the initial expert calls for what promises to be an intense, extended 84-game NHL season. Can the Hurricanes hold off the challengers? Will McDavid make history or face an upset? We’re about to find out, and you know we’ll be here for every single puck drop.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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