The NHL is back for the 2025-26 season with a lot of changes. Big names have been traded, a team takes on a new name, and the new young talent is ready to make a name for themselves. With training camp wrapping up, and preseason ongoing, fans are getting a picture of what to expect this season.

Here is a look at teams that could make a deep playoff run, which might struggle, and which players are worth watching, including a new talent with a local connection.

Top teams

A few teams look ready to compete off the bat.

• The Vegas Golden Knights made the biggest splash this offseason by trading for a star forward from Toronto, Mitch Marner. With Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and solid depth, Vegas is expected to come out as a top performer once again.
• The Carolina Hurricanes stayed strong adding a strong forward in Nikolaj Ehlers, as well as a young defenseman Ke’Andre Miller. The Canes have had a top defense in the league, and the Canes have done everything but gone all the way. Can Carolina finally reach the cup?
• The Edmonton Oilers, led by former Erie Otter Connor McDavid, and his duo, Leon Draisaitl, still have one of the best offenses in the league. The question is, if Edmonton improves in goaltending, could this be Oilers year?

Underdogs

• The Detroit Red Wings added goalie John Gibson to their roster to stabilize their net situation. Young players like Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider are starting to break out, and Detroit could make a push, lead by the young players example.
• The Utah Mammoth, formerly the Arizona Coyotes, have young stars like Logan Cooley and newly acquired JJ Peterka. The Mammoth could be this seasons underdog story.
• The New York Islanders drafted Matthew Schaefer first overall; a name all Erie fans know to well. Schaefer was a member of the Erie Otters last season and is expected to become a key part of the Islanders.
• The Montreal Canadiens drafted L.j. Mooney, cousin to the young star on Utah, Logan Cooley. Mooney is a short player, who went late in the draft because of his size. He showed up to training camp and showed that he has a legitimate shot at being a top performer on the team. The Canadiens are full of young talent under 20, like Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafvkovsky and Ivan Demidov. Montreal made a run into the first round of the playoffs for the first time in years but ended up being an early exit.

What to expect

Vegas could make a legit run for the cup, but first they would have to get through the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars. Detroit could win a playoff series, something they have not done in over a decade.

If Torontos new team does not shape out, they could be in big trouble. The Utah Mammoth could shock everyone this year by making a playoff run, as well as the Canadiens.

Matthew Schafer, Eries’ hometown kid, the first player to be drafted first overall from the Erie Otters since Connor McDavid, looks to shock the league in his first National league season.