25 bold NHL predictions for 2026-27: The Hot Take O-Meter

Key Points:

• The 2026-27 NHL season features major offseason moves including blockbuster trades, trade requests, and record contracts, prompting a new predictive approach called the Hot-Take-O-Meter to grade forecasts.
• Key cold take predictions include Porter Martone winning the Calder Trophy, Logan Thompson claiming the Vezina Trophy, the Boston Bruins missing playoffs due to defensive issues, Brent Burns breaking the ironman streak, no expansion announcements for Texas or Atlanta, and Alex Ovechkin retiring after the season.
• Lukewarm takes highlight potential early coaching changes (Scott Arniel), major trade deadline moves (Alex DeBrincat, Erik Karlsson), Zach Werenski signing a long-term extension with Columbus, Lane Hutson winning his first Norris Trophy, and the Edmonton Oilers winning their division under Mike Babcock.
• Hot takes include Cutter Gauthier scoring 50 goals, the Utah Mammoth winning the Central Division, Colorado Avalanche firing coach Jared Bednar, the Winnipeg Jets winning the draft lottery and selecting Landon DuPont, and Connor McDavid signing a lucrative extension with Edmonton.
• Piping-hot takes foresee Auston Matthews being traded after another playoff miss by Toronto, Matvei Michkov being part of a blockbuster deal involving Matthews to the Flyers, and the Florida Panthers winning the Stanley Cup over the Utah Mammoth in five games, securing their third title in four years.