The 2026-27 NHL season begins Tuesday with a tripleheader on ESPN: Florida Panthers-Carolina Hurricanes (5 p.m. ET), New York Rangers-Boston Bruins (8 p.m. ET) and Chicago Blackhawks-Vegas Golden Knights (10:30 p.m. ET). But we're looking beyond those games. Will the Hurricanes repeat as Stanley Cup champions? Which teams will finish atop the divisions? And which players will take home the major individual awards? We've gathered our cross-platform ESPN hockey family to predict the winners.

Atlantic Division: Canadiens (10) picks edge out Panthers (8) and Lightning (7). Metropolitan Division: Hurricanes (19) dominate, with Capitals and Devils at 3 each. Central Division: Avalanche (19) top Stars (4) and Wild (2). Pacific Division: Oilers (13) narrowly beat Golden Knights (10), with Sharks and Ducks at 1 each.

For the Stanley Cup, picks are split among Panthers, Avalanche, and others like Sabres, Golden Knights, Lightning, and Wild. The full list includes expert choices from Sean Allen, Roxy Bernstein, John Buccigross, and many more.

Dive deep on all 32 teams, a lapsed fan's guide, bold predictions, top rookies, and fantasy hockey coverage. The season promises intense competition and award races.