Following a brief offseason and an expedited preseason, the 2026-27 NHL season has arrived. Before the puck drops on opening night, we have some predictions to make. If this season feel like it's staring earlier than usual, that's because it is.
The NHL is adopting an 84-game regular season, which just means more hockey for the rest of us. That also means a long and arduous journey to the Stanley Cup is ever so slightly more difficult. So, what will that journey look like?
The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to defend their title as Cup champions, but they'll have to contend with a deep Eastern Conference and some real juggernauts in the Western Conference. With that in mind, we logged our expert predictions for the playoff field in each conference -- and there were a few surprises -- before making our Stanley Cup Final selections. We also called our shot on the winners of each major individual award.
Connor McDavid is looking for his fourth Hart Trophy, but he's got some competition from an up-and-coming superstar in his own division. Races for the Norris Trophy and Vezina Trophy should be pretty wide open, and unexpected candidates always emerge throughout the season. It should be a fun season in the NHL, so follow along with all our coverage at CBS Sports.
Let's get things kicked off with the season preview and predictions, which will of course be 100% accurate. Baumgartner: I don't see many new faces entering the conversation when it comes to the Eastern Conference playoff race. A healthy Florida Panthers side will slot themselves right back towards the top of the Atlantic, and a revamped Washington Capitals side should be able to make some noise in the Metropolitan.
Besides that, I have six 2026 playoff teams returning to the dance in 2027. Nivison: As much as I hate to go with chalk in preseason predictions -- because it rarely happens that way -- there's no denying the top dogs in the West. The Avalanche and Stars are the class of the Central Division, and the Golden Knights should pound a pitiful Pacific Division into a pulp.
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