Now that NHL training camps are about to begin, rosters are solidified, and free agent frenzy has settled, it’s time to delve into some NHL predictions for the 2024-25 season. Who will lift the Stanley Cup in 2025? Let’s analyze projected standings and explore some intriguing teams.
Eastern Conference
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be at the top of the Atlantic Division, accumulating a high number of points. However, the perennial question remains: Can their core four players finally lead them to a playoff series victory? The Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings are predicted to engage in a fierce battle for the final wild-card spot. The Metropolitan Division appears to be less competitive this year, with only three teams expected to clinch playoff berths.
Western Conference
The Edmonton Oilers are the favorites to reach the Stanley Cup final. Led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, their offensive firepower is unparalleled. However, the Colorado Avalanche, boasting a deep and talented roster, will challenge them for Western Conference supremacy. The Dallas Stars, with a strong defense and goaltending, are also contenders. In the Pacific Division, the Vancouver Canucks‘ fate rests on the health of their goaltenders. If healthy, they could make a deep playoff run; otherwise, an early exit is likely.
Teams to Watch
Keep a close eye on the Ottawa Senators. They regressed last season, but expectations are high. Failing to reach the playoffs would be a major disappointment. In the Western Conference, the Utah Hockey Club, entering its inaugural NHL season, is an exciting team to follow.
Personal Insights
While the Oilers are the favorites, I believe the Colorado Avalanche will represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Final. Their experience and depth give them an edge. In the East, don’t underestimate the New Jersey Devils. They have the potential to surprise everyone and make a deep playoff run.
As always, injuries and unexpected events can derail even the best predictions. However, this analysis provides a solid starting point for your fantasy hockey draft strategy.
View our NHL point projections for the 2024-25 season and see if any player will pass Connor McDavid this season? How many goals will Auston Matthews score?
NHL Predictions 2024-25 season | NHL Projected Standings 2024-25
MP = missed playoffs | WC = wildcard
Eastern Conference
Metropolitan Division
New Jersey Devils
Carolina Hurricanes
New York Rangers
Pittsburgh Penguins (MP)
New York Islanders (MP)
Washington Capitals (MP)
Philadelphia Flyers (MP)
Columbus Blue Jackets (MP)
Atlantic Division
Toronto Maple Leafs
Florida Panthers
Tampa Bay Lightning
Boston Bruins (WC)
Ottawa Senators (WC)
Detroit Red Wings (MP)
Buffalo Sabres (MP)
Montreal Canadiens (MP)
Western Conference
Central Division
Dallas Stars
Colorado Avalanche
Nashville Predators
Winnipeg Jets (WC)
Minnesota Wild(MP)
Utah Hockey Club (MP)
St. Louis Blues (MP)
Chicago Blackhawks (MP)
Pacific Division
Edmonton Oilers
Vegas Golden Knights
Vancouver Canucks
LA Kings (WC)
Seattle Kraken (MP)
Anaheim Ducks (MP)
Calgary Flames (MP)
San Jose Sharks (MP)
NHL Playoff Predictions 2025
Eastern Conference
Playoff Round 1
#1 seed Toronto Maple Leafs vs #8 seed Ottawa Senators Toronto wins (4-1)
#2 seed New Jersey Devils vs #7 seed Boston Bruins New Jersey wins (4-3)
Atlantic Division Match-up
#2 seed Florida Panthers vs #3 seed Tampa Bay Lightning Florida wins (4-2)
Metropolitan Division Match-up
#2 seed Carolina Hurricanes vs #3 seed New York Rangers Carolina wins (4-3)
Playoff Round 2
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers Toronto wins (4-3)
New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes New Jersey wins (4-2)
Eastern Conference Finals
Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils Toronto wins (4-2)
Western Conference NHL Playoffs 2025 Predictions
Playoff Round 1
#1 seed Edmonton Oilers vs #8 seed LA Kings Edmonton wins (4-1)
#2 seed Dallas Stars vs #7 seed Winnipeg Jets Dallas wins (4-2)
Central Division Match-up
#2 seed Colorado Avalanche vs #3 seed Nashville Predators Colorado wins (4-2)
Pacific Division match-up
#2 seed Vegas Golden Knights vs #3 seed Vancouver Canucks Vancouver wins (4-3)
Playoff Round 2
Edmonton vs Vancouver Edmonton wins (4-2)
Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche Avs win (4-3)
Western Conference Finals
Edmonton Oilers vs Colorado Avalanche Edmonton wins (4-3)
Stanley Cup Finals Prediction 2025
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Edmonton Oilers Toronto wins 4-3
The Toronto Maple Leafs finally win their first cup since 1967 with Auston Matthews winning the Conn Smythe.
