1 Player on Every NHL Team to Get Excited About Ahead of the 2025-26 Season
The start of the 2025-26 NHL regular season is drawing closer. Training camps opened last week, and preseason action began on Sept. 20.
Whether your favorite team is the defending Stanley Cup champion, a playoff contender, or a rebuilding club, there is one player whose performance will delight and thrill even the most subdued hockey fan.
Some are their team's best players, some are rising stars, and some are promising youngsters who could break out this season.
Follow along as we spotlight one player on every NHL team to get excited about as we approach a new season.
Anaheim Ducks: Leo Carlsson
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Since hiring Pat Verbeek as general manager in February 2022, the Anaheim Ducks have been rebuilding with promising young talent, many of whom they drafted and developed. Entering 2025-26, their focus will be on clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2017-18.
Leo Carlsson could be the player leading the way for the Ducks. After netting 29 points in 55 games playing sheltered minutes during his 2023-24 NHL debut, the 20-year-old center tallied 20 goals and 45 points in 76 games last season, with 30 of those points coming in the final 41 games of the schedule.
The 6'3", 203-pound Carlsson is a skillful playmaker who can play center or wing. He's projected to center the Ducks' first line this season. If he picks up from where he left off last season, the Ducks could be challenging for a wild card.
Boston Bruins: David Pastrňák
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The 2024-25 season was a big disappointment for the Boston Bruins and their fans. Injuries to key players and a depleted lineup led to the team missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season, resulting in long-time Bruins star Brad Marchand being traded to the Florida Panthers at the March deadline.
Throughout it all, David Pastrňák maintained his high-scoring ways. With a team-leading 106 points, the 29-year-old winger finished fourth among all NHL scorers. An elite offensive star with a strong, accurate shot, Pastrňák sits sixth overall in the league (780 points) since his breakout performance in 2016-17.
The Bruins will start this season without naming a team captain, but Pastrňák could play his way into that role. He'll be expected to lead the way as his club attempts to regain its accustomed place among the playoff contenders. Another 100-point season isn't out of the question for the Bruins' superstar.
Buffalo Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin
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Named captain of the Buffalo Sabres last September, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin was among the bright spots in yet another disappointing season for this franchise. He finished with the second-highest points (68) in his seven-year NHL career, logging a team-leading 24:14 of ice time per game.
That performance saw Dahlin finish sixth among voters for the James Norris Memorial Trophy. The 6'3", 204-pounder continues to climb the ranks of the league's elite defensemen. A talented all-around blueliner, he's shaken off the inconsistency that plagued him earlier in his career.
Now 25, Dahlin is entering the prime of his NHL career and has settled well into the role of team captain. He's also drawing strength and inspiration from his fiancée's recovery from a heart transplant. Another Norris-worthy performance this season could help the Sabres finally end their 14-season playoff drought.
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Calgary Flames: Dustin Wolf
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The retooling Calgary Flames weren't expected to contend for a playoff berth last season. However, rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf played a key role in his club coming within a whisker of securing a playoff berth, tying the St. Louis Blues with 96 points but missing the final wild card with three fewer wins.
Wolf was the top goaltender of last season's rookie class. The 24-year-old finished with a record of 29 wins, 16 losses, and eight overtime losses, a 2.64 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage, and three shutouts. He was the runner-up for the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year.
Entering his sophomore season, Wolf will be under pressure to build on his solid rookie campaign. He has the potential to become an elite NHL starter. If he rises to the occasion, the Flames will have a terrific opportunity to clinch their first postseason spot since 2021-22.
Carolina Hurricanes: Seth Jarvis
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Since his 40-point rookie season in 2021-22, Seth Jarvis has garnered increasing attention with his versatility, his playmaking skills, his work ethic and his hockey smarts. Entering his fifth NHL campaign, the 23-year-old Carolina Hurricanes star remains a player on the rise.
Coming off back-to-back 67-point performances, Jarvis has become a fan favorite as he moves up the Hurricanes' depth chart, finishing second among their scorers last season. He also has a high pain threshold, playing through a nagging shoulder injury during the past two seasons.
Now fully healthy, Jarvis said he's open to head coach Rod Brind'Amour playing him at center again this season. He could be poised for bigger and better things in 2025-26, which could help the Hurricanes remain a Stanley Cup contender.
Chicago Blackhawks: Frank Nazar
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Connor Bedard remains Chicago's franchise player and is expected to take a significant step forward this season. However, Frank Nazar is another emerging young talent who could become a key part of this franchise's rebuilding process.
Called up in December, Nazar put up a respectable 26 points in 53 games last season. A speedy playmaking center with solid hockey smarts, the 21-year-old also played well for the United States gold-medal team at the 2025 IIHF World Championships, finishing sixth in scoring with 12 points.
Nazar's performance last season impressed Chicago's management, as they signed him to a seven-year contract extension starting in 2026-27. He and Bedard will provide significant depth at center among their top two lines, which will be key for this club's ongoing development.
Colorado Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon
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Coming off his third straight season with over 110 points (111), Nathan MacKinnon is firmly entrenched among the NHL's elite players. The 30-year-old center remains crucial to the Colorado Avalanche's Stanley Cup hopes this season.
A dangerous scoring threat with blazing speed and top-level skills, MacKinnon sits third among NHL scorers since 2022-23 with 367 total points. Winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award in 2023-24, he's the engine that drives the Avalanche's scoring machine.
MacKinnon remains in the prime of his NHL career heading into 2025-26. He should continue to dazzle hockey fans with his stellar play as he and his teammates strive to keep the Avalanche's Stanley Cup window open.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Adam Fantilli
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Despite the tragic death of star winger Johnny Gaudreau and injuries to several key players, the Columbus Blue Jackets remained in the thick of the 2024-25 playoff race last season, missing the cut by just two points.
Adam Fantilli played a significant role in the Blue Jackets' solid performance. Taking over as first-line center when Sean Monahan was sidelined at midseason by a wrist injury, the 20-year-old sophomore netted 31 goals and 54 points, with 22 goals and 35 points coming in the final half of the season.
The 6'2", 199-pound Fantilli possesses a strong shot and isn't afraid to use his size to get physically involved in the play. He's poised to emerge as the powerful offensive center the Blue Jackets have lacked for years, which could help carry them into the playoffs this season.
Dallas Stars: Mikko Rantanen
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Acquired by the Dallas Stars from the Carolina Hurricanes at the March 2025 trade deadline, Mikko Rantanen was less than two months removed from being traded to the Hurricanes by the Colorado Avalanche.
Despite the frequent moves last season, Rantanen still finished with 88 points. It was a testament to the 28-year-old right winger's offensive skills and adaptability, proving he could still produce despite no longer being on Nathan MacKinnon's wing after getting traded from Colorado.
Rantanen wasted little time establishing himself with the Stars, finishing with 18 points in 20 regular-season games and a team-leading 22 points in the postseason. Armed with an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $12 million, Rantanen will provide the Stars with a welcome boost of superstar scoring punch.
Detroit Red Wings: Lucas Raymond
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Detroit Red Wings fans haven't had much to get excited about with their team mired in a nine-season playoff drought. However, the play of Lucas Raymond should help them get their hopes up entering this season.
Raymond is among a group of rising young Red Wings that includes defensemen Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson and center Marco Kasper. The 23-year-old right wing has steadily improved, leading the Wings in scoring in each of the last two seasons, including a career-best 80 points in 2024-25.
A talented playmaker, Raymond's consistent development makes him the Red Wings' best offensive player. He should remain a threat to reach 80-plus points this season, and will be a key factor in the Wings' hopes of ending their long postseason drought.
Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid
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The Edmonton Oilers' best player and the face of the NHL, Connor McDavid reached the 100-plus plateau last season for the fifth straight time and the eighth time in his 10-year career. The 28-year-old Oilers captain also led his club to their second straight Stanley Cup Final.
Having come so close to winning hockey's holy grail, McDavid will be motivated more than ever heading into this season. He's also in his contract year, which could provide additional incentive to regain his place as the league's highest-paid player.
McDavid has won multiple individual NHL awards, but the Stanley Cup is all that matters to him now. The league's top playmaker, he intends to score more this season, wanting to prove that his previous career high of 64 goals was no fluke. The sight of McDavid filling the net more often should delight Oilers fans.
Florida Panthers: Anton Lundell
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Often overshadowed by teammates Aleksander Barkov and Sam Bennett, Anton Lundell has developed into a reliable, versatile two-way forward in his own right for the Florida Panthers. He earned his place among their core players and was a factor in their back-to-back Stanley Cup titles.
Lundell, 23, earned the nickname "Baby Barkov" because his style of play resembles that of the Panthers' captain. He's emerged as a significant contributor, especially in the postseason, with 17 points in 24 games during the 2024 playoffs and 18 points in 23 games in 2025.
Entering his fifth NHL season, Lundell's best seasons remain ahead of him. He might not match Barkov's offensive abilities, but his solid two-way game and clutch postseason play could one day see him join Barkov as the second Panther to win the Frank J. Selke Trophy.
Los Angeles Kings: Quinton Byfield
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Chosen second overall in the 2020 NHL draft, Quinton Byfield has steadily developed into a solid two-way center for the Los Angeles Kings who can also play on the wing. With team captain Anze Kopitar retiring at the end of this season, the 23-year-old Byfield could become his heir apparent.
Byfield reached a career-best 55 points in 2023-24 and was one shy of that pace last season, though he finished with a career-high 23 goals. A skillful playmaker with tremendous speed, the 6'5", 225-pound center could be ready to take his game to another level this season.
Projected as the Kings' second-line center this season, Byfield could reach new offensive highs while continuing to improve his defensive play. He should be among their key contributors as they attempt to maintain their place among the playoff contenders in the Western Conference.
Minnesota Wild: Kirill Kaprizov
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The most exciting offensive star in Minnesota Wild history, Kirill Kaprizov is entering the final season of his five-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million. Expected to become one of the highest-paid players in NHL history, the 28-year-old winger could have his best season yet.
Kaprizov's best performance was in 2021-22 when he set the single-season franchise records with 47 goals, 61 assists, and 108 points. Though hampered at times by injuries, he's still one of the league's superstars, possessing tremendous speed and brilliant offensive ability.
Wild fans hope Kaprizov stays with their club for the long term. In the short term, a strong performance on his part will secure another playoff berth, and perhaps a deep postseason run that this club has been lacking for some time.
Montreal Canadiens: Ivan Demidov
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After four years of rebuilding, the Montréal Canadiens have talented young stars such as Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovský, and 2024-25 Calder Memorial Trophy winner Lane Hutson in their lineup. However, most of the buzz in Montréal this season is centered on Ivan Demidov.
Canadiens fans got a tantalizing glimpse of Demidov's potential when the 19-year-old winger joined the club late last season. He handled the pressure well, netting two points in two regular-season games and two assists in five playoff games.
Demidov's slick offensive skills and creativity dazzled Montréal fans. If the youngster plays up to expectations this season and earns a full-time spot on their second line, he could help the promising Canadiens clinch their second straight playoff berth, and perhaps earn himself the Calder Trophy.
Nashville Predators: Filip Forsberg
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The 2024-25 season was a spectacular dud for the Nashville Predators. Despite the splashy offseason additions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, the club finished with the third-worst record in the league with just 68 points.
Filip Forsberg's performance was among the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season. While his production was down from his career-best 48 goals and 94 points in 2023-24, the 31-year-old winger still finished with a team-leading 31 goals and 76 points.
The Predators will attempt to bounce back as playoff contenders. They should have a good chance with Forsberg still among the league's elite wingers and motivated to atone for the club's disappointing performance last season.
New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes
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For the second straight season, injuries limited Jack Hughes to 62 games, which adversely hampered the New Jersey Devils' performance. Without their most talented scoring forward, they were bounced from the opening round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.
When healthy, the 24-year-old Hughes is among the league's elite stars. His franchise-record 99-point performance in 2022-23 led the Devils to a team-best 112-point performance. Had he not been waylaid by injuries, he likely would've been within range of 90 points in each of the last two seasons.
Hughes is expected to be fully healthy when this season begins. He's only 49 points away from reaching 400 for his NHL career, and should regain his 90-point form, which will be crucial for the Devils' hopes to take the next step toward Stanley Cup contention this season.
New York Islanders: Ilya Sorokin
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It's been a year of change for the New York Islanders, replacing general manager Lou Lamoriello with Mathieu Darche and trading forward Brock Nelson to Colorado and defenseman Noah Dobson to Montréal. After missing the playoffs last year, they hope to bounce back as a postseason contender.
Ilya Sorokin will play a significant role in the Islanders' playoff hopes. The 6'4", 211-pound goaltender put up solid numbers for his struggling club last season, sporting a record of 30 wins, 24 losses, and six overtime losses, with a 2.71 goals-against average, a .907 save percentage, and four shutouts.
A finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2022-23, Sorokin is listed by NHL.com as the sixth-best goaltender entering this season. The Islanders will always have a chance to win whenever he's between the pipes, and a strong effort on his part this season could propel them back into the postseason.
New York Rangers: Will Cuylle
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After missing the playoffs last season, the New York Rangers will attempt to regain their 2023-24 Presidents' Trophy form. Left winger Will Cuylle could play a significant role in that effort.
Cuylle's performance was among the few positives in an otherwise tumultuous 2024-25 campaign for the Rangers. The 6'3", 212-pounder made significant strides in his sophomore season, finishing fifth among his teammates with 20 goals and sixth with 45 points in 82 games. He was their leader in hits with 301.
Now 23 and entering his third full NHL season, Cuylle's size, shot, and physical style should make him an effective power forward for the Rangers. His production could soar if he locks down a spot among their top-six forwards.
Ottawa Senators: Jake Sanderson
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Having ended a seven-year playoff drought last season, the Ottawa Senators will try to move up in the standings and challenge the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The ongoing development of Jake Sanderson should boost those efforts.
Sanderson, 23, has blossomed into a big-minute, all-around defenseman in just three NHL seasons. The 6'2", 204-pounder is the linchpin of their blue line, logging a team-leading 24:27 of ice time per game in 2024-25 along with a career-high 57 points, finishing third among Senators scorers.
That performance resulted in Sanderson finishing 10th in voting for the James Norris Memorial Trophy. Having yet to reach his playing prime, the best is still to come for the young Senators rearguard.
Philadelphia Flyers: Matvei Michkov
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Finishing fourth among voters for the 2024-25 Calder Memorial Trophy, Matvei Michkov had a solid NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers. The 20-year-old winger led the Flyers and all NHL rookies with 26 goals and finished second among his teammates with 63 points.
Flyers fans have every reason to be excited about what Michkov could be capable of in 2025-26 and beyond. The 5'10", 172-pound winger is a strong-skating, offensively creative forward with the potential to become a scoring superstar, something this club hasn't had for years.
The Flyers are currently rebuilding their roster, transitioning toward younger players. Michkov will be among their foundation pieces. He's projected to skate on the club's top line, allowing him to put up bigger numbers this season.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby
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The Stanley Cup championship years are fading into the past for the Pittsburgh Penguins, leaving their fans without much to be excited about this season as management rebuilds the roster. Nevertheless, they can still count on Sidney Crosby for leadership, competitiveness, and elite skill.
Now 38, Crosby continues to play at a high level that belies his age. The Penguins captain reached the 30-goal plateau for the 13th time last season and led his club with 58 assists and 91 points. He remains among the league's best players.
The Penguins may be rebuilding, but Crosby remains determined to lead them into the playoffs. He should continue to make them competitive, even if their postseason odds remain long.
San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini
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Chosen first overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft, Macklin Celebrini wasted no time establishing himself as a future star. Despite missing 12 games with an early-season injury, the 19-year-old center led the Sharks with 63 points and finished third among voters for the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Celebrini is a gifted center with exceptional skills and hockey sense. He's already become the first-line center on the rebuilding Sharks, and his impressive performance last season has the club's followers looking forward to what he can accomplish going forward.
Stocked with promising youngsters, the Sharks hope to make progress by moving up the Western Conference standings and within striking distance of a wild-card berth. A strong performance by Celebrini will be crucial to those plans.
Seattle Kraken: Kaapo Kakko
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The New York Rangers chose Kaapo Kakko with the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. After struggling for almost six seasons to establish himself as a scorer with the Rangers, the 6'1", 215-pound winger was traded last December to the Seattle Kraken.
That change of scenery did Kakko a world of good. After managing only 14 points in 30 games with the Rangers, the 24-year-old had 30 points in 49 games with the Kraken. Entering this season, he's projected to play on their top line.
Approaching his seventh NHL season, Kakko is still young enough to reach his full potential as a scoring forward. If he carries over last season's promising performance into 2025-26, the big winger could play a significant role in the Kraken's efforts to contend for the playoffs in the Western Conference.
St. Louis Blues: Jimmy Snuggerud
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Following his third season with the University of Minnesota, Jimmy Snuggerud joined the St. Louis Blues late in the 2024-25 campaign. The 21-year-old winger made a positive impression in a short time, with four points in seven regular-season games and another four in seven playoff contests.
That performance suggests bigger things could be in store for Snuggerud this season. If the youngster builds on last season's promising effort, he could play himself into contention for the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year.
Snuggerud is projected to play alongside Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich on the Blues' first line. His play this season could have a positive effect on their efforts to return to the playoffs.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Nikita Kucherov
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It's been four years since the Tampa Bay Lightning won the second of back-to-back Stanley Cup titles. While their roster is not as deep as it once was, they still possess the elite offensive skills of superstar winger Nikita Kucherov.
The Lightning may have faded as perennial Cup contenders, but Kucherov remains in his prime as a scoring star. The 32-year-old won the Art Ross Trophy for the second straight season (and the third of his career) with 121 points, and won his second Ted Lindsay Award.
Kucherov is among the greatest players of his generation. He's poised to become only the second player in franchise history to reach 1,000 career points and has shown no sign of slowing down. The Lightning star should be considered the favorite for the Art Ross Trophy this season.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews
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The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their quest to end their long Stanley Cup drought. They'll be looking to team captain Auston Matthews to lead them to hockey's holy grail, and he'll have to do it without long-time teammate Mitch Marner, who departed for the Vegas Golden Knights in the offseason.
Matthews, 28, has already established himself among the Leafs' greatest players, winning the Maurice Richard Trophy three times, the Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award in 2021-22, and the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2016-17. He's also poised to become the franchise leader in goals.
Hampered by a nagging wrist injury last season, Matthews is finally healthy as the new season approaches. If he regains the form that netted him 69 goals in 2023-24, the Leafs should remain among the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Utah Mammoth: Logan Cooley
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Entering their second season in Salt Lake City, the Utah Mammoth could be poised to become a playoff contender after last season's promising 89-point performance. Logan Cooley could help them take that big step forward.
Cooley, 21, followed up his promising 44-point rookie performance in 2023-24 with 65 points in 75 games as a sophomore, finishing second in points among his teammates. The 6'0", 191-pound center's speed and offensive creativity have made him the Mammoth's first-line center.
After several years of rebuilding, the Mammoth are emerging as a potential playoff club in the Western Conference. Should Cooley continue to develop and improve his game, he could prove to be a key player in their quest for a postseason berth.
Vancouver Canucks: Quinn Hughes
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A bounce-back performance is expected from the Vancouver Canucks after failing to reach the 2024-25 playoffs. They'll look to Quinn Hughes to lead the way as they attempt to put last season's difficulties behind them.
The first player in franchise history to win the James Norris Memorial Trophy, Hughes is among the NHL's elite defensemen. A strong skater with outstanding offensive talent, the 25-year-old Canucks captain finished third among all blueliners with 76 points despite being sidelined for 14 games by injury.
A healthy Hughes should once again be among the league's high-scoring defensemen and should be in the running for the Norris Trophy. His performance and leadership will be crucial for the Canucks as they try to regain their promising form of 2023-24.
Vegas Golden Knights: Mitch Marner
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A lack of offensive depth contributed to the Vegas Golden Knights' second-round playoff exit last spring. To address it, they acquired Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs with a sign-and-trade deal on June 30.
Marner, 28, spent the past nine seasons with the Leafs, becoming one of the NHL's top two-way forwards. Since 2018-19, he's exceeded 90 points four times, including a career-high 102 points last season. His slick playmaking should make him a good fit alongside center Jack Eichel on the Golden Knights' top line.
This is a fresh start for Marner, who was often the scapegoat by Toronto fans for the Maple Leafs' inability to stage a Stanley Cup run. Playing in Vegas could help him relax and refocus during the postseason, and perhaps achieve the dream of becoming a champion that eluded him in Toronto.
Washington Capitals: Aliaksei Protas
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Alexander Ovechkin's pursuit of the NHL's all-time goal-scoring crown was the focus of excitement for Washington Capitals fans last season. That achievement overshadowed the performance of several of his promising younger teammates, such as Aliaksei Protas.
The 6'6", 247-pound right wing had a breakout performance in his fourth NHL season, tallying 30 goals and 66 points to sit third among the Capitals scorers. He also had a team-leading plus/minus of plus-40.
Protas' size, reach, two-way skills, and improved skating contributed to his improvement last season. If he builds on that effort, he could emerge as a star in his own right this season.
Winnipeg Jets: Kyle Connor
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An established star with the Winnipeg Jets, Kyle Connor has impressed fans with his offensive skills since his first 30-plus goal season in 2017-18. The 28-year-old left wing has been a scoring machine for the Jets, including a career-high 97 points in 2024-25.
This season could be Connor's best. Not just because he's in his playing prime, but also because this is a contract year for the Jets star. Another 90-plus point performance will earn him a lucrative long-term deal.
The desire to win the Stanley Cup will provide additional motivation for Connor. After winning the Presidents' Trophy last season, he and his teammates will be determined to finally put their disappointing playoff performances behind them and stage a championship run.
Stats, standings, and trophy info via NHL.com, line combinations via Daily Faceoff, salary info via PuckPedia.
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