NHL bold predictions 2025-26: Hurricanes win Eastern Conference, Mammoth win a playoff series

This article by CBS Sports presents five bold predictions for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season, analyzing potential breakout performances and surprising storylines across the league.

The piece examines how key injuries to Florida Panthers stars Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov could open the door for other Eastern Conference teams to make their mark. With the defending conference champions potentially weakened, teams like the Carolina Hurricanes appear positioned to capitalize on this opportunity and potentially reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in years.

• Carolina Hurricanes could dethrone the injury-depleted Florida Panthers to win the Eastern Conference after adding key players like Nikolaj Ehlers
• Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets has the potential to win the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer
• Utah Mammoth might achieve their first-ever playoff series victory after a strong inaugural season and key offseason additions
• Gabriel Landeskog could return to elite form for the Colorado Avalanche after missing two seasons due to knee injuries
• San Jose Sharks may double their win total from last season's disappointing 20 victories, driven by young talent like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith