Avalanche Forecasted to Win 2026 Stanley Cup, Season Predictions Revealed

(Denver, Colorado) The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs are shaping up with the Colorado Avalanche as favorites to take home the trophy. ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski declared his pick during the player media tour in Las Vegas, where he shared his prediction with Avalanche star Cale Makar.

“I wanted to inform you that I’m picking you guys to win the Stanley Cup,” Wyshynski said. Makar responded, saying, “Well, we’ll prove that wrong, hopefully.” This marks the Avalanche’s return to championship aspirations after their previous postseason exits.

As the season begins, teams in the Atlantic Division are showing potential for intense competition. The Tampa Bay Lightning, despite not finishing first since 2019, are anticipated to recover their dominant form with a high-powered offense led by Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel. Their strategy seems focused on capitalizing on the weaknesses of rivals to secure a playoff spot.

The Ottawa Senators, returning to the playoffs after a long absence, are an emerging force. With a mix of veteran leadership and youthful talent, they are expected to challenge for playoff positions in a division that continues to evolve. However, key players need to step up, particularly captain Brady Tkachuk.

Other teams, like the Toronto Maple Leafs, face challenges with injuries and performance inconsistencies from star players. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers‘ attempts for a third consecutive championship could be hindered by injuries to key players such as Aleksander Barkov.

The season predictions hint at a fiercely contested race for playoff spots, with strong performances needed from each team to secure their place in the postseason. As the NHL regular season unfolds, every game will be critical as each team vies for a shot at the coveted Stanley Cup.

“There’s a lot to like here for coach Travis Green, who made major strides in giving this team some defensive structure last season,” Wyshynski concluded, as the anticipation builds for the coming season.