EDGE stats reveal surprise 2026 award contenders and the Stanley Cup race

Analysis of advanced EDGE data identifies several teams and players that could emerge as major surprises for the 2026 season, both for individual awards and the Stanley Cup playoffs.

As NHL.com reports, the Montreal Canadiens are one of the teams that could use their speed and mid-range attack advantages to go deeper in the race: last year they ranked among the top teams for speed bursts over 22 mph and over 20 mph, as well as goals from the mid-range zone. The new player base — with names like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov and Lane Hutson — and the addition of experience with names like Chris Kreider raise the odds, while security in goal could come from Jakub Dobes or the young Jacob Fowler. Washington, Minnesota and Buffalo were mentioned as other title contenders.

The San Jose Sharks appear as the most likely team to end their playoff drought: although they have missed out for several seasons, their stats show high-danger goals and mid-range goals among the league’s best. Macklin Celebrini, who produced 115 points last season and led the league in goals and shots from the mid-range zone, together with attacking and defensive reinforcements like Mason Marchment, Ivar Stenberg, Jacob Trouba and Darnell Nurse, close the gap and raise the potential for rivalry in the Pacific Division.

New Jersey’s Jack Hughes is mentioned as a surprise Hart Trophy contender: despite absences, he posted high numbers in shots and goals from the mid-range zone and threatened a lot in various areas of the ice. The team’s improvements and the chance that he stays healthy for a full season are key factors in his candidacy.

New York Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer emerges as a real Norris Trophy contender. At 18 he set records for a defenseman his age and led defensemen in speed bursts over 20 mph. He ranks high in shot and goal categories by distance and has the potential to reach the rare mark of 30 goals as a defenseman.

Minnesota’s Jesper Wallstedt is proposed as the Vezina Trophy candidate: he recorded high defensive save percentages, including good 5-on-5 ratings and a strong playoff performance, as well as high percentages of quality-start games. His role could grow if colleague Filip Gustavsson loses minutes after last year’s surgery.

Washington’s Cole Hutson is presented as a Calder Trophy contender thanks to excellent early-career performances and his expected role on a team gathering young talent in attack and defence. He shows high speed and effectiveness on the attacking side, especially on the power play.

Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier stands out as a “Rocket” Richard candidate due to his high volume of goals and strong shot speed; he set personal records and showed high efficiency in mid-range shots and long-range attack, making his claim to the goal-scorer’s trophy credible.

EDGE stats offer a deep look at performances that could change expectations and highlight surprise contenders, from teams battling for the playoffs to players chasing major awards. According to NHL.com, these analyses highlight tactical and individual elements that could define the course of the 2026 season and the Stanley Cup race.