NHL season preview: Strengths, weaknesses, X factors for all 32 teams

"Opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season is Tuesday, featuring a tripleheader of games on ESPN: Chicago Blackhawks- Florida Panthers at 5 p.m. ET (including the Stanley Cup banner-raising), Pittsburgh Penguins- New York Rangers at 8 p.m. ET, and Colorado Avalanche- Los Angeles Kings at 10:30 p.m. ET. Before puck drop, this preview will serve you all the key intel you need on all 32 teams, including strengths, weaknesses, X factors, most likely award winners, fantasy tips and a bold prediction."

"Note: Thanks to PuckPedia for salary and contract data. Advanced stats are from Hockey Reference, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey. Kristen Shilton profiled the teams in the Eastern Conference, while Ryan S. Clark handled the Western Conference clubs. The fantasy outlook for each team was written by Victoria Matiash and Sean Allen, and bold predictions are from the mind of Greg Wyshynski. Stanley Cup odds are courtesy of ESPN BET as of Oct. 6, projected points are via Stathletes. How to watch the 2025-26 NHL season on ESPN networks -- including 100 exclusive games and the out-of-market package (over 1,050 games)."

Opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season is a tripleheader on ESPN featuring Blackhawks vs. Panthers (5 p.m. ET, Stanley Cup banner-raising), Penguins vs. Rangers (8 p.m. ET) and Avalanche vs. Kings (10:30 p.m. ET). Comprehensive intel on all 32 teams includes strengths, weaknesses, X factors, likely award winners, fantasy tips and bold predictions. Power Rankings are formulated through votes from ESPN hockey broadcasters, analysts and reporters. Data sources include PuckPedia for contracts and advanced stats from Hockey Reference, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey. Fantasy outlooks are by Victoria Matiash and Sean Allen; Greg Wyshynski provides bold predictions. Stanley Cup odds are from ESPN BET as of Oct. 6, with projected points via Stathletes. The Edmonton Oilers’ biggest concern is defensive consistency and intermittent goaltending from Stuart Skinner, which has prompted personnel or system adjustments in recent playoff campaigns.

Read at ESPN.com