The 2025-26 NHL season is approaching; rosters are filling out, and coaching camps will quickly start. Because the clock winds down on 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 means. 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 total choose within the 2020 draft, however up to now hasn’t fairly lived as much as the hype, with gamers like Tim Stutzle (third total), Lucas Raymond (fourth total) and Jake Sanderson (fifth total) surpassing him.
The French Canadian had been steadily bettering 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, shall be regarded to among the many ahead group. Now solidified in New York’s prime six and projected to play on its prime line, he’ll want an enormous season to propel the Rangers again to the postseason and keep away from trade speculation.
Elias Pettersson, ahead, Vancouver Canucks
Whereas it might appear odd to see Pettersson on this checklist (he does, in spite of everything, have a 100-point season underneath his belt), the Swede posted career-worst stats (45 factors in 64 video games) in 2024-25 amongst trade 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 imagine that final yr was nothing however a fluke and dangerous luck.
