2026–27 Season Predictions: Avalanche the Clear Stanley Cup Favorites

An open race for the Stanley Cup, according to a panel of journalists and editors who made their predictions for the 2026–27 season. The staff evaluated the teams expected to contend in the conferences and divisions, offering a snapshot of expectations for the new season.

As NHL reports, of the 14 staff members who cast votes, six predicted that the Colorado Avalanche will lift the Cup at the end of the season; two votes went to the defending champions, the Carolina Hurricanes; the Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers each received two votes; while the Washington Capitals and Dallas Stars each received one vote.

The race for the Conn Smythe Trophy, which honors the most valuable player in the playoffs, also looks open: Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar received four votes, center Nathan MacKinnon was named by two journalists, while eight other players received one vote each.

The 2026–27 season begins on September 29 with five games, including an ESPN tripleheader: Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes (5:00 p.m. ET), New York Rangers at Boston Bruins (8:00 p.m. ET) and Chicago Blackhawks at Vegas Golden Knights (10:30 p.m. ET).

In short, the staff panels predict a competitive season, with the Avalanche receiving the largest share of Stanley Cup votes, while Conn Smythe votes were spread among several candidates; the full staff predictions were published by NHL.