Stanley Cup Front-Runners: Who's Built to Win It All in 2026-27

As the NHL heads into its earliest season opener in 18 years, one question dominates every preview and power ranking: who's actually built to win the Stanley Cup this year? Bleacher Report's preseason power rankings offer a clear hierarchy at the top — and it starts with the champs.

1. Carolina Hurricanes

The reigning Stanley Cup champions enter the season carrying the No. 1 ranking, having dispatched Vegas in six games last June. Repeating as champion is one of the hardest feats in professional sports, but Carolina's roster construction gives them every reason for confidence.

2. Florida Panthers

Ranked second and gunning for a third championship in four years, Florida added Brady Tkachuk to a core that already includes brother Matthew. Analysts note their top three forward lines and top two defense pairings are unmatched across the league — the only lingering question mark is whether their goaltending depth can hold up over an 84-game grind.

3. Minnesota Wild

Minnesota finished seventh overall with 104 points last season and finally broke a decade-long streak of first-round exits or missed playoffs, beating Dallas in six games before falling to Colorado in round two. Much of their future now hinges on defenseman Quinn Hughes, acquired from Vancouver in December, who becomes a free agent after this season — making him both a foundational piece and a major offseason storyline in waiting.

The Chasing Pack

• Dallas Stars — avoided elimination in the Western Conference Final for a fourth straight season, though their most recent playoff run ended earlier than fans hoped.

• Edmonton Oilers — all eyes on whether Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can course-correct and return to title contention.

• Toronto Maple Leafs — the addition of Gavin McKenna has fans buzzing about a real shift in the team's trajectory.

With a full 32-team preview hub now published covering lineup projections, rookies to watch, and award predictions for every club, the hockey world has never had more data heading into a season opener. Now it's just a matter of watching it play out on the ice, starting September 29.