Predicting the 2026-27 NHL season, from Stanley Cup contenders to bottom-feeders

A preview piece looks ahead to the 2026-27 NHL season, offering predictions on which franchises are positioned to compete for the Stanley Cup and which teams are expected to struggle at the bottom of the standings. The analysis likely examines roster strengths, recent draft capital, and organizational depth to rank contenders across the league. The piece provides fans and analysts with an early framework for evaluating the upcoming season's competitive landscape.