View of the Stanley Cup, the National Hockey League’s championship trophy, taken during the cup’s 100th year anniversary, New York, New York, November 1992. The cup is named after Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley. (Photo by Scott Levy/Getty Images)
These 10 teams are built to win the Stanley Cup in 2025, but will they play their best hockey when everything is on the line?
1. 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)
They are the best team in the league defensively and are near the top offensively. Winnipeg has been consistently dominant all season and they remain at the top of the standings heading into the playoffs. While there are many great teams and anything can happen, the Jets seem like the best bet to go all the way this year.
2. 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)
Ovi just surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s goal record and now has the most goals of any player ever. It will be really exciting to watch this team in the playoffs, and it would be really special to see them take home the 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 rolled with the punches this season and have managed to keep improving along the way. They are simply one of the best teams in the game and have a great shot at winning the cup.
4. 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 secret weapon is superstar defenseman Cale Makar. Makar has scored 30+ goals, as many as the likes of top offensive players like Auston Matthews and Sidney Crosby. The Avalanche have done a great job addressing their weaknesses this year and look primed to make a push for the cup.
5. 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 things considered, they are a rock-solid squad with no glaring weaknesses, and they could be a sneaky good pick to win the Stanley Cup this year.
6. 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)
Despite their recent struggles in early April, the Panthers have a great shot at winning the Stanley Cup again this year.
7. 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)
They certainly have the talent to win it all, so hopefully, they can carry this momentum forward, as this is the perfect time for them to fit all the pieces together.
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
Come playoff time, if the Lightning went on to win the cup this year, it wouldn’t be surprising in the least.
9. 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)
The Hurricanes are a well-rounded team that has been in the top 10 both offensively and defensively all season. If they are healthy come playoff time, they can go all the way.
10. Los Angeles Kings
MONTREAL, CANADA – OCTOBER 17: A closeup view of the Los Angeles Kings crest during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on October 17, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Their offense has been stepping up their game lately. Los Angeles is now a lock for the playoffs. As they say, defense wins championships! If they can keep their offense going, you never know.
