Wayne Gretzky predicted how the 2025-26 NHL season will end in June, naming the future Stanley Cup winner. Wayne Gretzky didn’t hesitate when asked to make his Stanley Cup pick on the NHL on TNT’s season-opening panel Wednesday night.

From MVP and Norris predictions to Stanley Cup picks, The Sporting News projects the biggest storylines for the NHL season.

Losing in the Stanley Cup Final the previous two seasons to the Florida Panthers, Edmonton still considers itself a championship contender. Once again, it’s Stanley Cup or bust in Edmonton.

T hat tantalizing aroma you smell is the scent of freshly zambonied ice because hockey is back, and so are the NHL Power Rankings. With the 2025-26 season just underway, our first rankings are here to set expectations for the 82 games ahead of us.

Mattias Ekholm has grown to love the city of Edmonton much more than he initially expected over these past few years.

The Edmonton Oilers executed their third key contract extension in as many days, signing veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm to a three-year, $12 million pact on Wednesday.

The Florida Panthers are the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champions, but they aren't the preseason favorites to take home the title during the 2025-26 NHL campaign.

Stan Bowman was named after the Stanley Cup by his legendary father Scotty. Stan and Scotty Bowman have a combined 17 Stanley Cup rings between the two of them, and the pressure to get the 18th may be the toughest one to achieve in the Bowman family.

Right now the Edmonton Oilers (0-0) have the top odds in the NHL to win the Stanley Cup at the end of the 2025-26 season, at +800. The Oilers will be home versus the Calgary Flames, at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 8.

The NHL commissioner said McDavid's team-friendly deal "is a testament to Connor's passion for the game and his commitment to Edmonton."