2026-27 NHL Season Opener: Avalanche and Panthers Lead Contender Race

Key points

• The 2026-27 season kicks off with five games, including a tripleheader featuring the Panthers vs. Hurricanes, Rangers vs. Bruins, and Blackhawks vs. Golden Knights.
• Bleacher Report ranks the Carolina Hurricanes No. 1, while CBS Sports ranks the Colorado Avalanche No. 1, citing roster depth and playoff pressure.
• The Florida Panthers are viewed as a major threat after acquiring Brady Tkachuk and recovering Aleksander Barkov, moving them to No. 2 or No. 3 in various rankings.
• The Montreal Canadiens and Dallas Stars are also highlighted as top contenders, with the Canadiens praised for their young talent and the Stars seeking to rebound from a first-round exit.
• The Vancouver Canucks are ranked last by Bleacher Report, while the Winnipeg Jets face uncertainty due to Connor Hellebuyck's trade request.

Background

The 2026-27 season follows the Carolina Hurricanes' Stanley Cup victory in 2025-26. Previous previews highlighted the Hurricanes as consensus favorites, but recent rankings and predictions show a more competitive field. The season opener includes a tripleheader on ESPN, with the Panthers facing the Hurricanes in a high-profile matchup.

How outlets are covering it

Bleacher Report ranks the Carolina Hurricanes No. 1, emphasizing their championship core, while CBS Sports ranks the Colorado Avalanche No. 1, citing their top-to-bottom roster and playoff pressure. NHL.com staff predictions are split, with six of 14 staffers picking the Avalanche, two picking the Hurricanes, and two each picking the Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers. The Panthers' rise in rankings is attributed to the acquisition of Brady Tkachuk and the recovery of Aleksander Barkov, while the Canadiens are praised for their young talent and the addition of Chris Kreider.

Why it matters

The 2026-27 season opener sets the stage for a competitive Stanley Cup race, with multiple teams vying for the top spot. The performance of the Avalanche, Panthers, and Hurricanes will determine the early trajectory of the season, while the uncertainty surrounding the Winnipeg Jets and the Vancouver Canucks highlights the league's depth and unpredictability.

What to watch

The 2026-27 season will continue with regular-season games, with the top contenders facing each other in high-profile matchups. The performance of the Avalanche, Panthers, and Hurricanes in the early weeks will determine their playoff positioning, while the uncertainty surrounding the Winnipeg Jets and the Vancouver Canucks will impact their long-term prospects.