Stanley Cup contender tiers: Where do all 32 NHL teams fit in?

ESPN has ranked all 32 NHL teams into six competitive tiers ahead of the 2026-27 season, assessing their Stanley Cup contention prospects. The analysis is part of a broader preview period that also includes fantasy hockey draft coverage and league news. Additional NHL headlines include the Anaheim Ducks naming Granlund as the team's 10th captain and the Dallas Stars signing forward Sam Steel to a four-year, $14 million contract.