The Carolina Hurricanes enter the 2026-27 season as defending Stanley Cup champions with a nearly intact roster, positioning them as frontrunners for another playoff berth alongside the Colorado Avalanche, who posted the league's best regular-season record in 2025-26. Offseason additions for the Washington Capitals and Florida Panthers, including the Tkachuk brothers' reunion, have boosted expectations for Eastern Conference returns after recent misses, while Western teams like the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild build on prior postseason appearances. An expanded 84-game schedule, injury recoveries, and early-season form will shape the 16-team field, with several clubs facing tight races in competitive divisions.