Florida Panthers hold the early betting throne as the team to beat, anchored by a familiar core and reinforced by steady off-season moves. Re-signings of Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad keep leadership and production stable, while Jeff Petry slides in on the blueline to shore up defensive depth. The club is leaning into continuity, adding young talents like Michael Benning and Mackie Samoskevich to accelerate development without disturbing the championship rhythm. Five-plus-goal games remain a Panthers hallmark, and their penalty kill should stay top-tier with this blend of grit and discipline.
Edmonton Oilers sit just behind, chasing a breakthrough after consecutive Finals losses. The core trio of McDavid, Draisaitl, and Skinner remains, with Jake Walman and Evan Bouchard addressing back-end depth and experienced bottom-six forwards boosting secondary scoring. Edmonton also emphasizes special teams—improving PK elements and faceoffs—while maintaining a powerful power play that led the league. Vegas pivots with Mitch Marner, injecting elite playmaking into a group already featuring Eichel and Hertl, while Carolina and Colorado round out the top contenders with Ehlers’ speed and Landeskog’s anticipated return, respectively, adding depth, structure, and playoff pedigree to their rosters.
The Final Period notes a tighter, more variable race than ever, with health, chemistry, and unforeseen development shaping the 2026 landscape. Carolina’s forecheck and possession hold steady, Colorado’s transition and speed remain dangerous, and Florida’s veteran leadership keeps the team poised for a rare three-peat attempt. Across the board, teams emphasize depth, development pipelines, and reliable goaltending as the season approaches, creating a wide-open championship window for 2026.
