The 2026-27 NHL season is here! The Stanley Cup picture will begin to take shape. While several teams have legitimate championship aspirations, here are my top three contenders for this season.
1. Carolina Hurricanes
It is difficult to put anyone ahead of the defending Stanley Cup champions. The Hurricanes finally reached the top of the NHL last season. They defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games to win their first championship since 2006. Now, Carolina enters 2026-27 with most of its championship core intact. They have a chance to become the first team since the 2016-17 Pittsburgh Penguins to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.
Photo Cred: NHL
Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Jordan Staal, Taylor Hall and Nikolaj Ehlers headline a deep forward group. Jaccob Slavin remains the anchor of a talented defense. Carolina also continues to be one of the NHL’s most effective teams at controlling possession and generating offensive-zone pressure. The Hurricanes led the league in offensive-zone time last season and carried that style into their championship run.
There are some questions, particularly in goal. Frederik Andersen left in free agency for Edmonton after playing a major role in Carolina’s championship run. Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov are expected to take over the crease. Bussi, however, showed he can handle the pressure after stepping in for Andersen during the Stanley Cup Final. He posted a 1.60 goals-against average and .931 save percentage.
2. Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche remain one of the most talented teams in the NHL. Colorado finished last season with a 55-16-11 record, winning the Central Division and allowing the fewest goals in the league. The Avalanche also led the NHL with 298 goals, giving them an impressive combination of offensive firepower and defensive strength.
At the center of it all is Nathan MacKinnon, who led the NHL with 53 goals last season. Cale Makar continues to be one of hockey’s premier defensemen. Martin Necas gives Colorado another dynamic offensive option. The Avalanche also strengthened their depth during the offseason. They added veteran forward Jaden Schwartz as well as younger forwards Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L’Heureux. That added depth could be particularly important during a long playoff run.
Photo Cred: NHL
The biggest question may be whether Colorado’s goaltending can repeat its outstanding performance from last season. Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood shared the William Jennings Trophy after the Avalanche allowed only 197 goals. Colorado was ultimately swept by Vegas in the Western Conference Final. But the core remains strong. With MacKinnon and Makar leading the way. The Avalanche have another legitimate opportunity to return to the Stanley Cup Final.
3. Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers may be the most fascinating contender entering the season. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain arguably the most dangerous superstar combination in the NHL, and Edmonton’s offensive ceiling remains extremely high. The Oilers, however, are coming off a disappointing 2025-26 campaign that ended with a first-round loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
Photo Cred: NHL
The organization responded by making significant changes. Mike Babcock was hired as head coach, while Edmonton revamped its defense and added goaltending depth. The biggest addition on the net was Andersen. He won the Stanley Cup with Carolina last season. Goaltending will remain something to monitor. Andersen is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury, leaving Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi to handle the position until he returns.
The Oilers’ biggest advantage, however, remains their elite offensive talent. McDavid and Draisaitl give Edmonton the ability to change a playoff series in a matter of minutes. While the team’s power play has consistently been among the NHL’s best. If Babcock can help Edmonton become more reliable defensively and the goaltending holds up, the Oilers have the talent to make another serious championship run.
