Assessing the 2025-26 NHL Season: Grades and Insights

As the 2025-26 NHL regular season approaches the 15-game mark, teams are beginning to show their true colors. With a little over a month into the season, we take a look at early grades that reflect each team's performance relative to its preseason expectations.

A - Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks are showing promising signs this season. While their defensive performance raises red flags, allowing the most expected goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5, their offense is thriving, leading the league with an average of over four goals per game. Young stars like Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier are making an impact, putting the Ducks in good shape for a playoff push.

C - Boston Bruins

The Bruins have had a rollercoaster season thus far, starting with three consecutive wins, followed by a six-game losing streak, and bouncing back with six wins in their next seven games. However, their inconsistent performance has left them hovering around the .500 mark, indicating issues with roster depth and defensive play.

F - Calgary Flames

The Flames are struggling significantly with offensive production, compounded by goaltending woes from Dustin Wolf, who has had a rough start with an .895 save percentage. Coming off a season as the league's worst offensive team, little has improved, resulting in one of the league's lowest records.

B - Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes are maintaining their usual solid gameplay, dominating in terms of scoring chances and territory. Despite questions surrounding their goaltending depth and offensive difference-makers, they’ve managed to win consistently, thanks to smart roster management and a solid game plan.

C - Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks have had a morale-boosting start to the season with young talents Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar stepping up. Goalkeeper Spencer Knight has been a highlight, boasting a .919 save percentage, although overall team depth remains a concern.

A - Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche lead the league despite average goaltending, benefiting from a powerful offense and the impressive play of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Their performance has set the standard as one of the top contenders this season.

D - Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets are underwhelming, particularly in terms of defensive play. The lack of production from Adam Fantilli has been disappointing, contributing to a poor defensive record and a need for their goalies to step up considerably.

B - Dallas Stars

While the Stars are securing points, their offense hasn't lived up to expectations. Mikko Rantanen's standout performance is a silver lining, but overall team production needs to improve for sustained success.

C - Detroit Red Wings

Off to their best start in years, the Red Wings are showing positive signs with youthful talents like Emmitt Finnie contributing significantly. Though better goaltending is needed, they are exceeding expectations thus far.

C - Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers face questions surrounding their identity as a team struggling offensively and defensively, compounded by subpar goaltending. Their slow start puts them closer to the bottom of the standings.

C - Florida Panthers

The Panthers are navigating challenges with key injuries affecting their star players. While they maintain a solid expected goal share, the absence of Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk is severely impacting their on-ice effectiveness.

D - Los Angeles Kings

The Kings have endured a rocky start, struggling on home ice and showing weaknesses in various areas of their game, including offense and goaltending. Their performance is far from where it needs to be.

D - Minnesota Wild

With only five wins in their first 15 games, the Wild are underperforming. While Kirill Kaprizov shines offensively, overall team play leaves much to be desired.

A - Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens are thriving with a core of young players locked into favorable long-term deals. Their development this season signals a promising future.

D - Nashville Predators

Lacking a clear direction, the Predators are struggling with both offense and defense, leaving many questions unanswered about their future.

A - New Jersey Devils

The Devils’ fortunes have shifted with a healthy Jack Hughes, but flaws still persist. Their high-scoring games overshadow defensive shortcomings as they secure wins.

D - New York Islanders

The Islanders face significant issues with their goaltending and lack of star players. While they have improved their prospect pool, performance on the ice remains a concern.

C - New York Rangers

Disappointments surround the Rangers as they struggle to turn strong underlying numbers into wins. Despite solid goaltending, they sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

B - Ottawa Senators

The Senators possess a solid offensive unit and best-in-the-league defense in terms of expected goals, yet struggles in goaltending are hindering their performance.

B - Philadelphia Flyers

Trevor Zegras is looking promising, and Dan Vladar has provided much-needed stability in net, positioning the Flyers favorably amidst overall offensive challenges.

C - Pittsburgh Penguins

Enjoying a strong start for the season, the Penguins' success can be attributed to veteran leadership and the emergence of young talent, although defensive issues remain an area for concern.

C - San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are showing signs of hope with young talent like Macklin Celebrini. Their recent wins provide some optimism despite a rocky start to the season.

D - Seattle Kraken

The Kraken face significant offensive struggles, and while goaltending has helped, it remains to be seen how they can improve with their current roster.

B- - St. Louis Blues

The Blues have encountered a troubling spell with a poor start and subpar goaltending. While they are known for bouncing back, roster adjustments may be necessary.

B - Tampa Bay Lightning

After a slow start, the Lightning are beginning to find their stride. Depth remains an area of concern, but continued improvement from their star players is expected.</h2>

A - Toronto Maple Leafs

Star performances from William Nylander and John Tavares have propelled the Maple Leafs without missing Mitch Marner’s contributions, but postseason success remains the ultimate goal.

D - Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks have underperformed overall, with key players not performing to expectations and a troubling long-term outlook as a team.</h2>

C - Vegas Golden Knights

The addition of Mitch Marner has raised expectations for the Golden Knights. With key players stepping up, they are performing well defensively, positioning themselves as Stanley Cup contenders this season.

B - Washington Capitals

Special teams struggles have hindered the Capitals, especially on the power play. Despite strong goaltending, they are working hard to turn momentum in their favor.

A - Winnipeg Jets

The Jets are defying poor defensive metrics with remarkable team grit and excellent goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck, posing questions about their playoff potential.