As August arrives, NHL fans are just over a month away from the beginning of training camps. Most of the significant offseason moves have been executed, allowing teams to finalize their rosters and giving spectators an early glimpse of what the 32 franchises might look like this coming season. With that context in mind, bold predictions are made for each team, focusing on potential team outcomes and individual player performances.

The Anaheim Ducks have taken steps to bolster their roster by acquiring veteran forwards such as Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund. However, the success of the team will heavily depend on the development of their younger players. Notably, Cutter Gauthier emerged as a key player during his rookie campaign, netting 20 goals. Given his upward trajectory and likely increased ice-time, a leap to 30 goals is a legitimate expectation for him this season.

After a successful period at the top of the NHL, the Boston Bruins faced a downturn in the 2024-25 season, culminating in one of the league's poorest records and an absence from the playoffs. The challenges facing the team are substantial, with pressing issues such as a lack of a top-line center, insufficient scoring depth beyond David Pastrnak, and a defense weakened by injuries to key players Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm. Unless goaltender Jeremy Swayman can return to form, the outlook does not seem optimistic, especially with other Atlantic Division teams stepping up their game.