[Why Every NHL Team Is a Prime Watch Highlight: Elite Roosters, Breakout Young Talents, and Top Contenders to Root For]
Greg WyshynskiOct 13, 2026, 08:00 AM ET
Editor’s Picks
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ESPN hosts a tripleheader featuring the New Jersey Devils at the Detroit Red Wings (6 p.m. ET); the Colorado Avalanche at the Dallas Stars (8:30 p.m. ET); and the Boston Bruins facing the San Jose Sharks in the nightcap (11 p.m. ET). Staggered start times across 16 games are optimized for channel surfing on NHL Power Play via the ESPN App.
Atlantic Division
Captain Pasta
David Pastrnak earned his 28th captaincy with the Baskett to cement his legacy for Boston. Since 2022-23, he has delivered four consecutive 100-point seasons, accumulating 436 points in 329 games and 254 goals—a scoring feat unmatched by any other franchise star. Pavel Zacha remains a distant rival at 206 points behind Pastrnak.
Playoff rematch
The Sabres ended their 14-season playoff drought with respect to the Bruins, though Montreal survived to oust Buffalo on a Game 7 overtime goal by Alex Newhook amid lingering animosity from previous encounters.
The Dylan Larkin drama
Detroit’s captain Dylan Larkin invoked a no-trade clause despite possessing five seasons left on an eight-year contract, generating significant fan divide and commissioner scrutiny. After being removed from the starting lineup and publicly disinposed, he faced boos twice—once at his return and again when reinstated. In Montreal, supporters chanted fervently for his arrival.
Metropolitan Division
Another Washington test
As reigning Stanley Cup champions, the 2018 championship team earned 11 of their first 14 points in the season opener, driven by dominance from Sebastian Aho (six goals, five assists) and consistent offense from Mark Jankowski entering a four-game goal streak.
Spotlight on Matthew Knies
The Blue Jackets executed what may be the biggest trade shift of the playoffs: importing winger Kirill Marchenko to trade for Knies, the 23-year-old power prospect who posted 52 goals over the prior two seasons alongside star Auston Matthews. Columbus secured Knies for his own franchise as a centerpiece role through 2030-31.
The dynamic duo
Whitehead pairs the Devils’ celebrated center with New Jersey’s primary offensive engine, Jesper Bratt, in a lethal tandem combining elites among modern NHL skill sets. Both exhibit pinpoint puck handling, vision, and relentless creativity.
Matthew Schaefer’s enthusiasm
Last season’s rookie of the year, Schaefer remains a rising defensitional talent with 59 points over 82 games—the inaugural selection after last year’s event. Now 19, he regularly skates beyond 25 minutes per contest, executing basketball-like moves while maintaining high work rate.
Life without Igor
The most painful news involved Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, hampered by a season-ending knee injury after merely five games. His replacement, 24-year-old Dylan Garand, ascended directly from AHL training to anchor the back end until veteran Joonas Korpisalo returns.
Finals confrontation: Braided destiny
Colorado fell to the Capitals 5-2 in Raleigh, noting the Canes’ single regulation defeat during a difficult stretch. Washington returns later to face their toughest divisional opponent, prompting renewed focus on their championship aspirations.
Averting disaster
Under new coach Rick Tocchet, Flyers endured a volatile run—transitioning from playoff success to seven straight losses. Such volatility has sparked energetic fan support, even inspiring demands for “Fire Tocchet!” amid Philadelphia’s competitive landscape.
Crosby’s breakout?
Sidney Crosby exhibits season-opening speed, averaging 1.20 points per game in his first ten matches since moving to Pittsburgh. Despite late-season struggles previously, his development continues, offering optimism for Chicago’s near-future competitiveness.
Ovi’s final run
Alex Ovechkin declared Brooklyn’s final 49-game journey, heading toward a permanent transition to Russian league Dynamo Moscow. His veteran presence joins Duncan Keith as the NHL’s all-time leading-goal-scorer.
Central Division
Patrick Kane comes home
The veteran’s triumphant return to Chicago, where he collected championships in three previous seasons, adds meaningful experience for the famed roster of young superstars. Expectation centers on whether his limited form—one goal and one assist through six games—matches his historical contribution.
An early test
The Avalanche, season finale contenders last year, navigated challenges while showing resilience against Dallas. Upcoming matchups provide critical exposure for both clubs and highlight MacKinnon-led potential against top-tier opposition.
Jason Robertson makes his case
After a turbulent year culminating in 45 goals but lacking a qualifying contract, Robertson entered restricted FA as an unrestricted free agent. Seattle offered but was rebuffed; he seeks a substantial deal, targeting Dallas or similar markets in the upcoming phase.
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Jason Robertson lights the lamp for Stars
Robertson lights the lamp for Stars
The Yankees star ignited a burst early with three points on a single effort
The Quinn Hughes mystery
Minnesota’s acquisition of Norris winner Quinn Hughes propelled a franchise rebuild; however, failure to extend him generates intrigue suggesting deeper plans involving sibling relationships.
Stammer’s still got it
Steven Stamkos maintains his storied trajectory, tallying three goals in five games. Though less prolific than his Nashville days, his performance signals continued relevance alongside Predators’ young core.
Jimmy Snuggerud’s second act
After early struggles, Snuggerud emerged energetically as a top rookie, accumulating three goals in five contests. St. Louis values his contributions as they cultivate future depth.
Surprise team of the West
The Mammoth combine veteran production (Nick Schmaltz, Clayton Keller) with youthful energy (Dylan Guenther, Logan Cooley) and leader-in-force Andes (Anders Lee). The organization showcases genuine championship-caliber potential versus Detroit for evaluators.
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Anders Lee scores goal for Mammoth
Pacific Division
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Connor McDavid fires a goal past Dostal
The Bread Man
Kings winger Artemi Panarin delivers offense behind Quinton Byfield on the top line, consistently proving his value as a scoring threat.
Kings conquered
Panarin continues building momentum with 27 points in 26 appearances, adding three goals across his opening four outings.
Macklin Celebrini, the next megastar
Seventeen-year-old center Macklin Celebrini tops MVP voting, amassing 115 points over 82 games—making St. Louis an unlikely playoff contender with his blend of skill and accolades.
play
Jared McCann scores goal for Kraken
The Pette-issance
The Canucks center Elias Pettersson rediscovered offensive firepower with 8 points in seven games, marking a promising recovery from earlier inconsistency.
Eichel goes for 100
Jack Eichel sustains historic scoring accuracy, hitting 94 points over 77 games and 90 points in only 74 games—the latter becoming the fastest 100-point season ever recorded. Chicago’s shooting efficiency fuels their pursuit of a second consecutive Cup Final appearance.
