Panthers chasing three-peat, McDavid chasing MVP // Karis Mameniskis, Staff Writer
My pick to hoist the Stanley Cup is the Florida Panthers. After winning two consecutive championships and reaching the Finals three years in a row, this team shows they’re hungry for more. The Panthers build momentum in the playoffs that makes them nearly unbeatable, and they look ready to build on their dynasty run.
I’m putting the Edmonton Oilers in second place this season. They lost two straight finals to the Panthers and did little to improve their roster in the offseason. But still, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the offense and Zach Hyman returning, Edmonton can beat anyone — including Florida, considering the unpredictable nature of the NHL.
I’m predicting Connor McDavid will win MVP. Even after missing crucial time last season due to injury, he remains one of the league’s top players. His unparalleled skating and superior hockey IQ make him the best player in the game. A full, healthy season gives him a strong shot to take home yet another Hart Trophy.
The 2025-26 season promises intensity and elite play. Between Florida’s pursuit of a three-peat and McDavid’s drive for another MVP, all eyes will be on the NHL.
A new set of teams for the Stanley Cup Final: Will Canada’s cup drought finally end? // Sam Harris, Staff Writer
Looking back at the playoffs last year, the Toronto Maple Leafs had the closest series against the Florida Panthers out of all the series they played, losing in seven games. For the past couple of seasons, the Leafs have ramped up their game in the postseason thanks to changes in preparation from head coach Craig Berube. I expect them to take the Eastern Conference and dethrone the dominant Panthers.
The Dallas Stars are the team to look out for in the West, reaching second place in the conference last year. They just acquired star player Mikko Rantanen in the past year, adding to their already impressive roster. They have a good chance of making it to the finals, and I predict Mikko Rantanen to win the NHL’s MVP this season.
In a cup final with the Stars facing off against the Maple Leafs, I predict the Maple Leafs to end Canada’s drought and win the Stanley Cup. With a healthy starting goal tender Anthony Stolarz returning, they will push through to win the cup.
Magic in Florida: Dark horse NHL MVP // Austin Lenhardt-Barley, Staff Writer
The NHL preseason is near, and everybody is talking about who will hoist Lord Stanley. The Florida Panthers are coming off a wild repeat championship season, ending in a 4-2 series win over the Edmonton Oilers.
Panthers’ general manager Bill Zito is on a mission and has done the impossible by bringing everyone back. The Panthers are looking to three-peat by re-signing Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand. Due to this offseason and the dominance they showed in the series against Edmonton, I’m taking Florida to win the Cup again.
In this year’s MVP conversation, it seems everyone has forgotten about the kid from Nova Scotia. Nathan Mackinnon of the Colorado Avalanche is looking to bounce back from his round-one departure in last year’s playoffs. In round one of the Western Conference, Mackinnon scored seven goals and had four assists in seven games and is looking to build on his phenomenal playoff performance. I see him bringing his team back to the conference championship and winning the Hart Trophy this season.
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