MIAMI, FL – JUNE 10: Joe Sakic #19 of the Colorado Avalanche takes the Stanley Cup from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after the Avalanche defeated the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the 1996 Stanley Cup Finals on June 10, 1996 at the Miami Arena in Miami, Florida. (Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images)
These 10 teams are best built to win the Stanley Cup in 2025:
1. Washington Capitals
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 23: A general view of the Washington Capitals jersey logo during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Capital One Arena on October 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Washington has the best-performing offense in the NHL and is right where they want to be as we move closer and closer to the playoffs. They have earned this ranking and are absolutely capable of winning the whole shebang this year.
2. Winnipeg Jets
MONTREAL, QC – MARCH 04: A close-up detail of the Winnipeg Jets logo seen during the second period at the Bell Centre on March 4, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
The Jets are rocking the best defense in the league and it can carry them all the way to a Stanley Cup.
3. Dallas Stars
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 15: A general view of the Dallas Stars jersey logo during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on December 15, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
They have a lot of depth and talent and will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.
4. Florida Panthers
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 30: A detail of the Florida Panthers logo during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on October 30, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad have dealt with recent injuries. All 3 are expected back in time for the playoffs (Ekblad will miss the first 2 playoff games), and this could be exactly what it takes for the defending champs to seize the cup once again.
5. Colorado Avalanche
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 23: Samuel Girard #49 of the Colorado Avalanche skates on the ice during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Their lineups are really clicking, with most of their players healthy now, and of course, Cale Makar is performing at the top of his game as the best defensive talent in the NHL, which all bodes very well for Colorado come playoff time.
6. Carolina Hurricanes
MONTREAL, CANADA – APRIL 01: A closeup view of the Carolina Hurricanes’ logo during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on April 1, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Their play right now indicates that they are coming for that cup, and they will be underestimated at the peril of anyone foolish enough to do so.
7. Vegas Golden Knights
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 15: A general view of the Vegas Golden Knights jersey logo during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on October 15, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
All in all, the Golden Knights look very good- as they have all year- and ready to make their push for the Stanley Cup.
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
You can bet they will be a formidable force in the playoffs and I doubt anyone would be too surprised if they heat up to finish the regular season and end up going on to win it all.
9. Edmonton Oilers
MONTREAL, CANADA – FEBRUARY 12: A detailed view of the Edmonton Oilers’ logo during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on February 12, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Edmonton has played well in March, so we will see if they can carry that into April. Edmonton’s main issue is clearly their defense. However, also like Toronto, the Oilers definitely have the talent to challenge for the cup.
10. Toronto Maple Leafs
SUNRISE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 19: The Toronto Maple Leafs logo is seen on a jersey during the third period of a game against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on October 19, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Maple Leafs haven’t played good hockey in March. Defense is clearly an issue for Toronto that needs to be addressed if they hope to make a serious push to win the Cup. That said, they do have the talent to do so.
