**Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars enter the 2026-27 season as the clearest frontrunners to reach the Western Conference second round, building on their dominant 2025-26 regular-season marks of 121 and 112 points.** The Avalanche's depth, goaltending stability, and Presidents' Trophy pedigree give them consistent edge in a projected top-heavy Central Division, while Dallas benefits from strong forward cores and home-ice potential in early matchups. Edmonton and Vegas remain competitive threats from the Pacific, though roster turnover and goaltending questions introduce variability. Offseason trades and cap adjustments across the conference have reshuffled depth charts, with Utah and Minnesota positioned as possible wild-card challengers. Preseason form, injury reports, and early schedule difficulty will shape trader consensus on implied probabilities as the regular season unfolds.