ESPN's Greg Wyshynski grades preseason bold predictions for all 32 NHL teams. In the Atlantic Division, the Bruins kept Pavel Zacha despite a 100-point season, while Rasmus Dahlin became a Norris Trophy finalist with 74 points for the playoff-bound Sabres.

Steve Yzerman "failed upward" as Red Wings GM, transitioning to senior adviser after seven playoff misses. The Panthers traded for Jacob Markstrom instead of re-signing Sergei Bobrovsky to a long-term deal. Kaiden Guhle's breakout was limited by injury, and Dylan Cozens fell short of career highs with 59 points.

The Lightning missed the Atlantic title by three points despite a late surge, while the Maple Leafs retained Nick Robertson until his July trade. In the Metropolitan, Rod Brind'Amour's Hurricanes won the Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup behind new scoring depth and goaltending. Jet Greaves emerged as Columbus' starter over Elvis Merzlikins.