2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Predictions, Schedule & Previews

NHL Playoff Predictions 2026: Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy Contenders The 2026 NHL playoffs are set to begin on April 18, marking the start of a 16-win journey to hoist the Stanley Cup. As teams prepare for the postseason, experts and analysts are weighing in on which clubs have the best chance to advance deep into the playoffs and which players could emerge as MVP candidates for the Conn Smythe Trophy. According to predictions from NHL.com staff writers and editors, the Colorado Avalanche are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup, with seven of the 16 staffers selecting them to win it all. Other teams receiving multiple votes include the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars and Carolina Hurricanes, each garnering two votes. The Vegas Golden Knights and Buffalo Sabres each received one vote. In addition to Stanley Cup predictions, the NHL.com staff likewise shared their selections for the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Amalie Benjamin, senior writer, predicted Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning as her choice for playoff MVP. Brian Compton, managing editor, selected Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars. These predictions reflect the importance of goaltending in deep playoff runs, as netminders often play a pivotal role in their team’s success. The Conn Smythe Trophy has been awarded 54 times to 47 players since its inception in the 1964–65 NHL season. It is named after Conn Smythe, the longtime owner, general manager, and head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Unlike some other major sports leagues’ playoff MVP awards, the Conn Smythe is based on a player’s performance throughout the entire postseason, not just the final game or series. The most recent winner of the trophy is Sam Bennett, who won it with the Florida Panthers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. As the playoffs begin, all eyes will be on the contenders vying for hockey’s ultimate prize and the individual honor of being named the most valuable player in the pursuit of the Stanley Cup. With a wide-open field according to expert predictions, the 2026 postseason promises to deliver compelling storylines and high-stakes competition.