Grading preseason bold predictions for all 32 NHL teams

Every NHL season begins with a flurry of predictions, and now that the 2025-26 campaign is in the books, it is time to grade how those preseason takes held up. Senior writer Greg Wyshynski recently conducted a full audit of the 32 bold claims made for each franchise, separating the hits from the misses.

Some results were straightforward. Predicting that Steve Yzerman would transition to a senior adviser role with the Red Wings proved accurate, as did the expectation that the Hurricanes would capture the Stanley Cup. Other projections missed the mark significantly. The expected breakout season for Kaiden Guhle in Montreal did not materialize as hoped, and the prediction that the Rangers would return to the playoffs fell apart during a difficult mid-season stretch.

From player performances like Macklin Celebrini exceeding his points target in San Jose to administrative moves such as the Islanders firing Patrick Roy, the accuracy of these predictions varied wildly across the league. In total, the final scorecard settled at a 14-18 record, resulting in a .438 success rate.

While some analysts might shy away from revisiting their preseason projections, this exercise offers a clear look at how the 2025-26 season defied expectations. Some teams that were pegged for high finishes struggled, while others surged when they were expected to rebuild. As the league prepares for a new cycle, these results serve as a reminder that the actual season rarely aligns with even the most calculated offseason projections.