The 2025-26 NHL season is approaching; rosters are filling out, and coaching camps will quickly start. Because the clock winds down on yet one more thrilling offseason, there are many gamers chomping on the bit to get began.
Some have already solidified themselves as superstars, and others are nonetheless discovering their method. Which gamers have probably the most to show heading into the 2025-26 season? Let’s discover out.
Alexis Lafreniere, ahead, New York Rangers
Lafreniere was the primary general choose within the 2020 draft, however to this point hasn’t fairly lived as much as the hype, with gamers like Tim Stutzle (third general), Lucas Raymond (fourth general) and Jake Sanderson (fifth general) surpassing him.
The French Canadian had been steadily enhancing his level totals, reaching a profession excessive of 57 in 2023-24, however regressed to 45 factors this previous season.
With the Rangers lacking the playoffs in 2024-25, they’re going to look to bounce again with new head coach Mike Sullivan on the helm. Lafreniere, particularly, will probably be appeared to among the many ahead group. Now solidified in New York’s high six and projected to play on its high line, he’ll want a giant season to propel the Rangers again to the postseason and keep away from commerce hypothesis.
Elias Pettersson, ahead, Vancouver Canucks
Whereas it could appear odd to see Pettersson on this listing (he does, in spite of everything, have a 100-point season below his belt), the Swede posted career-worst stats (45 factors in 64 video games) in 2024-25 amongst commerce rumors that persevered the entire season.
Now, with middle J.T. Miller being shipped off to the New York Rangers, Pettersson would be the man for the Canucks’ ahead group. Fortunately for Vancouver, there may be purpose to consider that final 12 months was nothing however a fluke and unhealthy luck.
