7 Bold Predictions For The 2025-26 NHL Season

We’re just days away from puck drop, and with the NHL season nearly here, it’s time for some bold predictions. Here are some "out there" predictions I have for the 2025-26 campaign. Let’s get into it.

Jack Eichel Scores 50 Goals for the First Time In His Career

Jack Eichel has added something new to his game every year, and now playing with Mitch Marner, the dynamic has shifted. With Marner as the setup guy, Eichel is going to be asked to finish more often. I think this is finally the year he breaks through and hits the 50-goal mark.

Nikita Kucherov Becomes the 7th Player in NHL History to Win the Art Ross 3 Straight Years

Only six players in NHL history have ever won the Art Ross three years in a row, and I think Nikita Kucherov becomes the seventh. Because Russia will not be at the Olympics, Kucherov will get a couple weeks to rest up while his some of his peers are playing high-level hockey in Italy. Upon returning from the break, I the likes of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and others return from international play possibly tired or resting a few games, Kucherov will be fresh and that could give him the edge to claim yet another scoring title.

Evgeni Malkin Doesn't End the Year in Pittsburgh

This feels like the end of an era. I don’t think Malkin finishes the season in Pittsburgh. The Penguins know they’re not re-signing him, and they’ll do right by him by sending him to a contender. A team like the Florida Panthers (who will be without Barkov all year) makes sense, and maybe—just maybe—the Canadiens to reunite him with Ivan Demidov.

Quinn Hughes Hits The 100-Point Mark Willing the Canucks Into the Playoffs

Quinn Hughes was incredible last season, even while playing banged up—posting 76 points in just 68 games. If he’s fully healthy, I think he pushes past 100 points. The Canucks are too talented to miss the playoffs again, and Hughes will be the driving force.

Auston Matthews AT THE LEAST Gets Nominated For the Hart Trophy

If the Maple Leafs are to finish high up in the Atlantic, Auston Matthews has to play at an MVP level. I think he does exactly that. Without Mitch Marner, Matthews will have to shoulder even more of the offensive load. If he stays healthy, I see 50–55 goals and a Hart nomination at minimum.

The Ottawa Senators Miss the Playoffs

The Senators finally returned to the postseason last year for the first time since 2017, and I do like the overall direction they’re headed in. They have a strong young core and plenty of talent to build around. But every season brings surprise teams in both directions—some leap forward, others take a step back.

For me, Ottawa is one of those teams that slips. The Atlantic is maybe the best division in hockey, and I think other teams either got more aggressive this summer or will see more internal growth from their young stars. The Sens will still be dangerous, but I expect them to take a step back this season.

Two Teams That Picked In the Top Four of the Draft (NYI, SJS, CHI, UTAH) Make the Playoffs

The Islanders, Sharks, Blackhawks, and Utah Mammoth made up last year’s top-four picks. My boldest prediction is two of those teams sneak into the postseason. The Islanders are always competitive, Utah’s been knocking on the door and added JJ Peterka, and maybe—just maybe—Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini take a massive leap and will their teams into the postseason. Is it likely even one of these teams gets in? Probably not, but why not have some fun and I don't think its unrealistic.