It’s no secret that the Florida Panthers have been on fire these past few seasons in the NHL. They went from being humiliated as a Presidents’ Trophy winner in 2022 to establishing themselves as a dominant force in the league. Thanks to some strategic moves by Bill Zito and Paul Maurice, the Panthers have managed to secure three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances, back-to-back titles, and have become a true dynasty in the making.
But with all the focus on Florida’s success, it’s easy to overlook the other teams in the league that are also looking to prove themselves this season. From longtime contenders looking to finally break through to up-and-coming squads with a lot to prove, there’s no shortage of teams with something to prove in the 2025-26 season.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these teams and what they need to do to change the narrative around their franchise. From the Edmonton Oilers trying to solidify their place as Cup contenders to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets looking to overcome their playoff woes, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow this season. And let’s not forget about the young, exciting teams like the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, and Chicago Blackhawks, who are all looking to make a splash in the league. It’s going to be an exciting season, that’s for sure.
As we gear up for another thrilling NHL season, one thing is for sure: there’s a lot at stake for these teams. Whether it’s proving they can finally make a championship leap, overcoming past playoff struggles, or living up to the hype surrounding their young talent, each team has its own set of challenges to overcome. Only time will tell which teams will rise to the occasion and make a name for themselves in the 2025-26 season. So buckle up, hockey fans, it’s going to be a wild ride.
