The Atlantic Division could be the NHL’s most competitive group in the 2025-26 season. Several top-tier teams will be jockeying for position atop the bunch, while the rest could be mired in a season-long battle for playoff spots.
But one thing is certain. There will be no shortage of star power in the Atlantic. The sheer number of star players will be remarkable. These stars could be poised to have monster years, adding to the excitement in this division.
So, here’s a look at what could unfold in the Atlantic Division during the 2025-26 season. We’ll start the preview in reverse order, projecting the final standings and playoff seedings.
2025-26 Atlantic Division preview
#8 Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins had a disastrous 2024-25 season. The wheels completely fell off the club, leading to a massive selloff at the trade deadline. The moves brought back some useful assets. Plus, the Bruins landed the eighth-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. That pick turned into James Hagens.
However, the Bruins failed to make significant upgrades during the summer. They didn’t address the need for a bona fide top-six center. Instead, they’ll be relying on Elias Lindholm and Casey Mittelstadt to rekindle the promise they once showed. That’s no bueno for a Bruins team looking to convince fans they’re not headed for a rebuild.
While the core of David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman is nothing to sneeze at, it’s tough to envision first-year coach Marco Sturm making a dent in the world. The B’s could be out of it by Thanksgiving.
#7 Buffalo Sabres
The Bruins and Sabres could be neck-and-neck throughout the season, battling for the Atlantic Division cellar. The Buffalo Sabres were another team that didn’t do a whole lot to make the team better.
The JJ Peterka trade spoke volumes about the desire some players have to remain in Buffalo. Captain Rasmus Dahlin has also reportedly expressed his displeasure about the club’s lack of success. While he’s denied the reports, the chatter is telling, nonetheless.
The Sabres have a solid core. Jiri Kulich will have this season to prove he’s the real deal. Tage Thompson will also be looking to have a big year. If Josh Norris can stay healthy, the Sabres might have two good lines atop their lineup.
The blue line looks decent with Dahlin, a dark horse Norris Trophy candidate, and Bo Byram looking like a potential stud blue liner. If Owen Power can take the next step, the Sabres might have a shot at a playoff spot.
However, another 14-game losing streak could derail the club’s hopes of getting back into the playoff picture.
#6 Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings continue pushing forward with the so-called “Yzerplan.” The rebuild has yet to deliver on the promise of returning the Wings to greatness. The club is banking on its rising stars taking the next step.
Those stars include Marco Kasper emerging as a true second-line center with Lucas Raymond potentially hitting the 100-point mark. Michael Rasmussen and Elmer Soderblom will also hopefully continue their development into solid middle-six forwards.
On the blue line, Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson will be looking to solidify themselves as top-tier NHL defensemen. Similarly, Albert Johansson will have the chance to prove he’s got what it takes to be a regular.
But it’s the veteran depth that raises some questions. Captain Dylan Larkin, Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat are money in the bank. They can carry the club forward. But it will be the question marks on defense, like Ben Chiarot and Erik Gustafsson, who’ll need to step up.
Unless John Gibson can steal games for the Wings consistently, the Detroit Red Wings may fail to make significant headway in the Atlantic Division.
#5 Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens were somewhat of a surprise team last season. They came on strong down the stretch and squeaked into a playoff spot. They were overmatched by the Washington Capitals in the first round, but didn’t look entirely out of place.
Like the Red Wings, the Canadiens are banking on their internal pieces to make the leap. Ivan Demidov will be the most-watched prospect this season. He’s the presumptive Calder Trophy winner if he can translate his skills from the KHL to the NHL.
The blue line looks fantastic with Lane Hutson and newcomer Noah Dobson. Dobson is somewhat of a question mark after a down year with the New York Islanders in 2024-25. If he can rebound, the Habs could have two solid defensemen in the mix. Veterans Mike Matheson and Alexandre Carrier will be looking to maintain a solid presence throughout the season.
As for goaltending, Samuel Montembeault will look to prove he’s the real deal. Jakub Dobes showed some promise, but he won’t likely unseat him. So, if Montembeault can remain steady, he might buy enough time for captain Nick Suzuki and star winger Cole Caufield to lead a supporting cast headlined by Patrik Laine to a solid season.
The Habs might just squeak into the playoffs once again, but they’ll face significant challengers along the way.
#4 Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are the team that could regress the most in the Atlantic Division. The Lightning have an aging core that’s beginning to show wear on its tires. Captain Victor Hedman is still a world-class defenseman. Nikita Kucherov is still an elite scorer. Meanwhile, Andrei Vasilevskiy continues to chug along, though he’s no longer the stud he once was.
That veteran core could mean that Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel, and Anthony Cirelli will need to carry the load. Also, Jake Guentzel will need to be at the peak of his game to help the Lightning stay above water.
They’ll be in tough as their blue line is also another year older. Ryan McDonagh and Erik Cernak are solid pieces, but there’s no telling how another year of action could wear them down.
The Bolts could make it into the top three in the Atlantic if the team slated for the third spot doesn’t take the next step.
#3 Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators made the most progress last season. Travis Green’s influence was a deciding factor in turning the Sens from a rebuilding club into a legit playoff team. Unlike the Canadiens, the Senators don’t have many question marks. They’ll be in the mix for a playoff spot all season.
While the Senators may end up in a wild card slot, they could challenge for one of the top three seeds. Captain Brady Tkachuk will look to silence rumors of his desire to leave the Canadian capital. Tim Stutzle and Dylan Cozens will have a chance to prove their top-tier forwards.
Jake Sanderson, meanwhile, will be looking to insert himself into the Norris Trophy conversation. That bodes well for a solid starting goalie like Linus Ullmark. He’ll be looking to stay healthy and lead the Sens to their best finish in over a decade.
#2 Toronto Maple Leafs
Last year’s Atlantic Division champs will be due for a regression during the regular season. The loss of Mitch Marner will leave a dent in the team’s offense. However, it’s worth pointing out that the Maple Leafs are a much deeper club this season.
The additions of Matias Maccelli, Nic Roy, and Dakota Joshua give the Maple Leafs more of a Craig Berube vibe. The Leafs will be looking to resemble the talented blue-collar approach the Florida Panthers have espoused over the last half-decade.
The Leafs could repeat as division champs. But that will largely depend on captain Auston Matthews having a bounce-back year. Secondary scoring from William Nylander and John Tavares will be crucial.
If the club’s veteran blue line and relatively iffy goaltending tandem can stay intact, the Leafs could be a dangerous club come next spring.
#1 Florida Panthers
It’s tough to be against the Florida Panthers. They’re running it back with the same core that has won back-to-back Stanley Cups. Plus, they’ll have a full year of Brad Marchand and Seth Jones. Barring major injuries, Marchand and Jones will make the Panthers an insanely deep club.
Speaking of injuries, star winger Matthew Tkachuk will start the season on LTIR. Assuming he comes back to full strength at some point in late November or early December, the Panthers might have a cap crunch to deal with.
The loss of Tkachuk might set the Panthers back somewhat early in the season. But again, this team is the deepest in the NHL. They shouldn’t break a sweat locking up a playoff spot. They’re the odds-on pick for a three-peat in 2025-26.
So, it will be up to the Panthers to show they have enough tread on their tires for another deep run after three-straight Stanley Cup Final appearances.