NHL season opens as rosters and injuries reshape preseason forecasts

The 2025-26 NHL season opens Tuesday, October 7, and teams, bettors and analysts are making last-minute adjustments to preseason forecasts as rosters, injuries and contract moves reshape expectations across the league. With opening night less than a week away, analysts have released divisional rankings, player lists and suggested futures bets while podcasts and prediction contests challenge fans to make calls on outcomes ranging from playoff fields to individual awards.

Several high-profile transactions and injury developments are driving the debate. Kirill Kaprizov signed an eight-year, $136 million contract with Minnesota, a move that immediately boosts the Wild's ceiling. The Florida Panthers face a test after a key injury to center Aleksander Barkov that raises questions about the team’s ability to repeat as conference champions. Toronto enters the campaign without Mitch Marner, adding uncertainty to the Maple Leafs' offensive projections. Offseason movement elsewhere includes a major forward relocation that leaves the Colorado Avalanche entering a season without a longtime scoring leader.

Analysts have also identified players they expect to lead the league. Connor McDavid...