2026 Stanley Cup Final Prediction

by | Jun 2, 2026

2026 Stanley Cup Final Prediction

​And then, there were two.

My colleagues and I at Bleacher Report recently made our predictions for the Stanley Cup Final. The following is my selection as this year’s champion. You can see the full staff list by following this link, and feel free to make your prediction in the comments section below.

The Hurricanes finished first in the Eastern Conference. Under head coach Rod Brind’Amour, their vigorous forechecking and suffocating defensive play have them entering this series with just one loss in 13 playoff games.

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights were in danger of missing the playoffs until they hired John Tortorella as coach on March 30. His aggressive, physical, defense-first style carried them to a stunning sweep of the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final.

The Hurricanes’ second line of Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven, and Jackson Blake gives them much-needed scoring punch that they were missing in previous years. They’ve also received solid goaltending from Frederik Andersen, who has a postseason-leading GAA of 1.41.

What the Golden Knights have that the Hurricanes lack is Stanley Cup experience, with most of their roster having been part of their 2023 Cup run. Mitch Marner leads the postseason with 21 points, Jack Eichel leads in assists (16), and Pavel Dorofeyev and Brett Howden each have 10 goals.

Those factors could give the Golden Knights the edge. They’ve proven they can pull off an upset, while the Hurricanes have not yet faced a team as experienced and deep as Vegas.

Prediction: Vegas in 6










2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Conference Finals Predictions

by | May 20, 2026

2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Conference Finals Predictions

My colleagues and I at Bleacher Report recently made our predictions for the Conference Finals of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The following are my selections. You can see the full staff list by following this link, and feel free to make your predictions in the comments section below.

The Carolina Hurricanes swept the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers to reach the Eastern Conference Final. The Montréal Canadiens eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres in seven games each.

Led by Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Lane Hutson, Montréal has a slight offensive advantage, with a 3.07 goals-per-game average compared to Carolina’s 3.00. However, the Hurricanes’ second line of Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven, and Jackson Blake gives them the additional firepower they’ve lacked in previous postseasons.

Frederik Andersen has gone the distance thus far for the Hurricanes, leading all goaltenders with a 1.12 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage. Jakub Dobeš has started every game for the Canadiens, with a 2.52 GAA and .910 SP.

Carolina’s deep defense corps has allowed the second-fewest shots against per game (25.1), while Montréal is seventh in that category with 28.7. The Canadiens’ blue line is led by the game-changing puck-mover Hutson, but the Hurricanes have the experience advantage, led by defensive stalwart Jaccob Slavin.

The Canadiens have the edge on the power play with a 25.0 percent success rate compared to the Hurricanes’ 13.5 percent. However, the latter has the second-best penalty-killing percentage (95.0) in this postseason, with the Canadiens a distant 74.1.

While the young Canadiens have taken their fans on a wonderful postseason run thus far, the Hurricanes’ experience, their solid defense, and Andersen’s goaltending will make the difference in this one.

Prediction: Hurricanes in 6

The Colorado Avalanche reached this stage by sweeping the Los Angeles Kings and eliminating the Minnesota Wild in five games. The Golden Knights dispatched the Utah Mammoth and Anaheim Ducks each in six games.

Colorado possesses a deep roster with superstar Nathan MacKinnon and winger Martin Necas leading their offensive attack. They lead all postseason clubs with a 4.11 goals per game average.

All-Star defenseman Cale Makar anchors the Avs’ blue line, but an upper-body injury hampered him during the Wild series. That could become a factor if he hasn’t fully recovered for this series.

Goaltending became a concern as Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood had some difficulty against the Wild. Nevertheless, the Avalanche’s 2.56 goals-against per game ranked fifth among postseason clubs.

Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner has silenced critics of his postseason play, leading all playoff performers with 18 points. Young winger Pavel Dorofeyev has a playoff-leading nine goals, and Jack Eichel leads with 14 assists.

Center William Karlsson returned from a long absence due to injury, but captain Mark Stone missed the final three games of the Ducks series. Goaltender Carter Hart has been solid between the pipes thus far, with the Golden Knights sitting just behind the Avalanche with a 2.58 goals-against per game.

Both clubs are pretty much even with the man advantage, with Vegas’ power-play percentage of 25.7 just ahead of Colorado’s 25 percent. However, the Golden Knights have been better at killing penalties, with a kill percentage of 86.8 compared to the Avalanche’s 79.3.

What could tilt this series against the Golden Knights is that they faced inexperienced competition from the Mammoth and Ducks, who were making their first postseason appearances in years. The Avs had short series with the Kings and Wild, but both were experienced playoff clubs.

The Golden Knights have the talent to pull off an upset, but the Avalanche’s depth should make the difference here.

Prediction: Avalanche in 6.










2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Second Round Predictions

by | May 4, 2026

2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Second Round Predictions

My colleagues and I at Bleacher Report NHL recently made our predictions for the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The following are my selections. You can see the full staff list by following this link.  

Sabres vs Canadiens

The Sabres advanced to their first second-round series since 2007 by defeating the Boston Bruins in six games. Meanwhile, the Canadiens eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning in a tightly contested series that went the full seven games.

Despite their overall lack of playoff experience, the Sabres’ speed and scoring punch shone through against the Bruins. They also got timely offense from defensemen Bowen Byram and Rasmus Dahlin. Alex Lyon provided solid goaltending after taking over as their starter after Game 2.

The Canadiens earned valuable lessons during their tough first-round series against the Lightning, including the importance of playing a physical, tight-checking style. Goalie Jakub Dobes was outstanding, while the Habs got scoring from their supporting cast when the Lightning’s checking stifled their top line.

Prediction: Canadiens in 6

Hurricanes vs Flyers

The Hurricanes reached this round by sweeping the Ottawa Senators, while the Flyers punched their ticket by upsetting the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.

This season has been a significant step forward for the rebuilding Flyers. Dan Vladar has given them clutch goaltending. Rasmus Ristolainen has been a standout in his first-ever NHL postseason, while youngsters Porter Martone and Trevor Zegras have performed well despite their lack of playoff experience.

However, that won’t be enough to counter the Hurricanes’ experienced depth and their physical defensive game. The second line of Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven, and Jackson Blake was lethal against the Senators, providing the Hurricanes with a much-needed extra measure of scoring punch.

Prediction: Hurricanes in 5

Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild

The Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, while the Wild defeated the Dallas Stars in six games. This series could be the best of the second round, given how closely matched these clubs are.

Led by superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, the Avalanche pack plenty of scoring punch, but they struggled on the power play against the Kings. Their defensive play remained solid in that series, but they will face a stiffer challenge from the Wild’s more potent offense.

The Wild have the scorers in Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Quinn Hughes to match up well against the Avalanche. However, their penalty-killing percentage (60.0) was the second-worst in the opening round. If that persists against the Avalanche, it could prove costly.

Prediction: Avalanche in 7

Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks

The Golden Knights advanced to the second round by eliminating the Utah Mammoth in six games in their first-round series. Meanwhile, the Ducks upset the Edmonton Oilers in six games.

Despite a difficult regular season, the Golden Knights’ experience and two-way play shone through in their series against the Mammoth. Carter Hart’s goaltending remains a question mark, but veteran stars such as Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and Mark Stone should continue to lead the way.

The Ducks’ speed and scoring ability were key factors in reaching this round. Playoff rookies Jackson LaCombe, Troy Terry, Leo Carlsson, and Cutter Gauthier played well against the Oilers. However, their 3.50 goals-against per game is the second-highest among teams in this round, and that could prove fatal if it doesn’t improve.

Prediction: Golden Knights in 6










2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs – First Round Predictions

by | Apr 18, 2026

2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs – First Round Predictions

My colleagues and I at Bleacher Report NHL recently made our predictions for the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The following are my selections. You can see the full staff list by following this link.

Feel free to post up your predictions in the comments section below.

COLORADO AVALANCHE VS LOS ANGELES KINGS

Winners of the Presidents’ Trophy, the Avalanche possess plenty of playoff experience. Led by Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, they possess a potent offense. They have solid goaltending and the NHL’s top defenseman in Cale Makar. These factors give them a significant edge in this series.

The Kings scraped their way into the postseason. They’ll be motivated to give retiring captain Anze Kopitar a strong playoff run. Their offense got a boost with the addition of Artemi Panarin, but it can’t match the powerful Avalanche. They’ll have their hands full trying to shut down the league’s top regular-season team.

Prediction: Avalanche in 5

DALLAS STARS VS MINNESOTA WILD

The Stars have reached the Western Conference Finals in each of the last three years. With a deep roster featuring winger Jason Robertson, center Wyatt Johnston, and defenseman Miro Heiskanen, they are determined to get over the hump this season and win their first Stanley Cup since 1999.

Wild GM Bill Guerin’s acquisition of superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes signaled his intention to force open his club’s Stanley Cup window. They have a strong offense led by Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, and a solid blueline that improved with the addition of the puck-moving Hughes.

Prediction: Wild in 7

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS UTAH MAMMOTH

Despite one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the Vegas Golden Knights clinched first place in the weak Pacific Division. However, they noticeably improved after hiring John Tortorella as interim coach. The Golden Knights have considerable experience, led by stars Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and Tomas Hertl.

For many of the Mammoth players, this will be their first foray into the NHL playoffs. They’re an exciting young team featuring scoring forwards Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, and Logan Cooley. The Mammoth have also had steady goaltending all season from Karel Vejmelka, which could make the difference.

Prediction: Mammoth in 6

EDMONTON OILERS VS ANAHEIM DUCKS

The Oilers were plagued by questionable goaltending and a shaky defense throughout this season. However, they have the experience of back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, and the powerful offensive punch of superstar Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who is returning from a knee injury.

Meanwhile, the Ducks are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. This is an exciting young team led by Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier. They also possess the veteran experience of Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, and John Carlson, but it might not be enough to contain the battle-tested Oilers.

Prediction: Oilers in 6

CAROLINA HURRICANES VS OTTAWA SENATORS

The Hurricanes are a talented and experienced club that finished first in the Eastern Conference. Their goaltending is a question mark, but that should be offset by an otherwise deep roster featuring forwards Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Seth Jarvis, and defenseman Jaccob Slavin.

Meanwhile, the Senators have a good mix of scoring and defensive grit up front with Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Shane Pinto, while Jake Sanderson is an emerging all-star defenseman. However, they have their own goalie issues and lack sufficient depth to contain the Hurricanes.

Prediction: Hurricanes in 5

BUFFALO SABRES VS BOSTON BRUINS

The Sabres ended a league-record 14-year playoff drought this season. This will be the first postseason for many of them, including stars Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin. They have a good mix of veterans and young talent, and will be determined to prove themselves as a strong playoff club.

Meanwhile, the Bruins are back in the postseason after missing the cut last year. Led by winger David Pastrnak, defenseman Charlie McAvoy, and goaltender Jeremy Swayman, they have the postseason experience, but they might not have sufficient depth to contain the Sabres’ offense.

Prediction: Sabres in 6

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING VS MONTREAL CANADIENS

The Lightning possess considerable veteran depth and postseason experience, led by goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. They will attempt to use that to their advantage in this series, though the absence of veteran defenseman Victor Hedman will be felt.

Meanwhile, the up-and-coming Canadiens have plenty of speed and skill in Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, while Lane Hutson is among the league’s best young defensemen. Their overall defensive game needs work, but they’re a hungry young club out to make their mark.

Prediction: Canadiens in 6

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS VS PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Back in the playoffs after a three-year absence, the Penguins have retooled with younger talent. However, they are still led by aging stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and apart from Erik Karlsson, there is reason for concern about their defensive depth.

The rebuilding Flyers exceeded expectations by squeaking into the playoffs. They possess a promising mix of veterans such as Travis Konecny, Trevor Zegras, and Owen Tippett, and youngsters like Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone. They have nothing to lose, which could make them dangerous.

Prediction: Flyers in 6










NHL Trade Deadline Tracker – March 6, 2026

by | Mar 6, 2026

NHL Trade Deadline Tracker – March 6, 2026

The Colorado Avalanche acquired Nazem Kadri and a 2027 fourth-round pick from the Calgary Flames in exchange for forward Victor Olofsson, prospect Maxmilian Curran, a conditional first-round pick in 2028,  and a conditional second-rounder in 2027. Flames retain 20 percent of Kadri’s salary. 

Calgary Flames trade center Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche (NHL Images).

The New York Rangers traded forward Brennan Othmann to the Calgary Flames in exchange for prospect winger Jacob Battaglia

The Winnipeg Jets traded winger Tanner Pearson to the Buffalo Sabres for a 2026 seventh-round pick.

The Los Angeles Kings acquired center Scott Laughton from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a conditional third-round pick (details TBA)

The Boston Bruins acquired forward Lukas Reichel from the Vancouver Canucks for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

The Washington Capitals acquired forward David Kampf from the Vancouver Canucks for a 2026 sixth-round pick. 

The Anaheim Ducks traded forward Ryane Strome to the Calgary Flames for a seventh-round pick in 2027.

The Detroit Red Wings acquired defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 third-rounder, defenseman Justin Holl, and prospect winger Dmitri Buchelnikov. 

The Seattle Kraken acquire forward Bobby McMann from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a second-round pick in 2027 and a fourth-round pick in 2026.

The St. Louis Blues traded center Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders for a 2026 first-round pick, a third-rounder, left wing Jonathan Drouin, and goalie prospect Marcus Gidlof.

The Washington Capitals acquired defenseman Timothy Liljegren from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired winger Elmer Soderblom from the Detroit Red Wings for a third-round pick in 2026.

The Carolina Hurricanes acquired winger Nicolas Deslauriers from the Philadelphia Flyers for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2027.

The Minnesota Wild traded forward Vinnie Hinostroza to the Florida Panthers for future considerations

The Los Angeles Kings traded Corey Perry to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. 

The Minnesota Wild acquired forward Nick Foligno from the Chicago Blackhawks for future considerations. 

The Philadelphia Flyers traded winger Bobby Brink to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman David Jiricek.










New York Rangers Trade Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings

by | Feb 4, 2026

New York Rangers Trade Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Emily Kaplan report the New York Rangers have traded winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a conditional 2026 third-round draft pick and prospect forward Liam Greentree.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s not much of a return for a player of Panarin’s caliber, but the Rangers didn’t have much choice. The 34-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause, and Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports the Kings were the only team he wanted to go to and the only club the Rangers had to work with.

New York Rangers trade winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings (NHL Images).

Walker reports that the conditional third-round draft pick can become a second-round pick if the Kings win a playoff round and a conditional fourth-rounder in 2028 if they win two playoff rounds.

Panarin was reportedly seeking a contract extension before waiving his no-movement clause. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported there’s no extension yet, but the two sides are working on it.

Recent reports claimed Panarin was seeking a $40 million or a $50 million extension. Either one guarantees he would get at least $10 million annually. That’s a bit of a pay cut from his current $11.642 million annual average value, but still a hefty price to pay for a playmaking winger who turns 35 in October.

(UPDATE: ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reports sources claim the Kings and Panarin have agreed to a two-year extension worth an AAV of $11 million.)

The Kings are among the lowest-scoring teams in the league, which is hampering their efforts to secure a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Panarin should provide a welcome boost to their offense in the short term, especially with team captain Anze Kopitar recently returning from injury.

Over the long term, however, Panarin won’t be able to fill Kopitar’s skates as a center, and locking him up to an expensive, lengthy deal will take a big chunk out of their projected $26 million in cap space for 2026-27. That could complicate efforts to land a potential replacement for Kopitar.