🏒 2025–26 NHL Western Conference Outlook & Predictions
By The Hockey Viking | TheHockeyViking.com
The battle for Western Conference supremacy is shaping up to be one of the tightest in recent years. There are a number of teams throwing their hat into the ring for the best in the West and ultimately a chance to hoist the almighty Stanley Cup. With powerhouse teams like Edmonton, Colorado, and Vegas all eyeing another deep playoff run, the ice out West is about to get crowded — and dangerous.
As the 2025–26 NHL season kicks into gear, the hockey viking is taking a deep dive into the top contenders, breakout players, betting odds, and bold predictions for how this campaign could unfold. This season is absolutely full of storylines and intrigue. So buckle up, because we’re talking about everything to look forward to in the Western Conference.
The puck’s about to drop on the 2025 NHL season, and if last year’s Western Conference action taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. Teams played with a level of intensity that had fans on the edge of their seats. The 2024 season left us with unforgettable moments and storylines, like the jaw-dropping comeback wins and the rise of new stars who rewrote the playbook on strategy and skill.
In 2025, the landscape promises to shake things up even further. The Western Conference is more than just a geographic label—it’s a battleground where the NHL’s fiercest competition unfolds. With teams eager to build on or redeem last year’s performance, there’s a spirit of reinvention in the air. Everyone’s looking to bring back a refined game no one saw coming.
There’s a buzz in the locker rooms and conference halls—players are pumped, the strategies are clear, and the fans? They’re geared up to witness a season that’ll add another chapter to NHL history. Get ready for a wild ride as the Western Conference storms the rink with fresh power plays and game-changing strategies. The excitement is in the air(at least where I’m sitting), because there is so much action about to unfold that we all have been waiting months for. Let’s start off with the expected frontrunners.
⚡ The Favorites: Battle for Western Supremacy
1. Edmonton Oilers
Odds to Win the West: +400
The Oilers enter the season as two-time defending Western Conference champions — and for good reason. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain the league’s most lethal one-two punch, capable of dismantling defenses in a matter of shifts. They have the elite talent, the veteran playoff experience, and coaching that sets them up to be successful. I think the real question is, are they hungry enough? The NHL hockey season is a grueling 8 months. Can they stay desperate enough to make it all the way to finally winning the Cup this year?
The re-signing of McDavid to a two-year extension ensures stability at the top, while depth pieces like Evan Bouchard and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be key in supporting another Cup push. The biggest weakness for this team is probably goaltending. Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell will need to stay healthy and consistent for Edmonton to dominate in the postseason. The offense is always dangerous, but it will be tough to win a Cup without decent depth play and goaltending.
X-Factors:
- Power Play: Edmonton consistently ranks in the top three in power-play efficiency. Maintaining that edge could be decisive in close playoff series. They have the scariest power play in the league, with McDavid and Draisatl wreaking havoc on defenders. I believe much of their success with be driven from their excellent special teams play.
- Secondary Scoring: Third-line contributors like Zach Hyman and Kailer Yamamoto must produce regularly to relieve pressure on McDavid/Draisaitl. If this team is going to go all the way, they need someone else other than the two all stars to step up. The Oilers must get secondary scoring from their depth players to go as far as they did last year.
The Hockey Viking Verdict: Still the team to beat in the West. Their offensive firepower gives them an edge in nearly every matchup. Even in games that they don’t always look stellar, you always feel like they have the talent and experience to come back in any situation. They weren’t the top seed in the West last year, but they were the best team in the playoffs. And just like last year, it doesn’t feel like it matters which seed Edmonton ultimately ends up as when entering the playoffs. Give Edmonton a best of 7 game chance to win and they can impose their will. If any other team is going to go through the Western Conference all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, they will have to prove that they can beat the Oilers in a 7 game series.
2. Colorado Avalanche
Odds to Win the West: +450
After a disappointing early playoff exit last season, Colorado is hungry to reclaim its throne. Nathan MacKinnon remains a relentless force up front, while Cale Makar continues redefining what an elite NHL defenseman looks like. In a way, they have a lot in common with the Oilers. Colorado has elite talent that will no doubt put up points this season, but the question lies in their depth and goaltending.
Depth scoring will be the key variable. If secondary contributors like Martin Necas, Artturi Lehkonen, and Gabriel Landeskog find their form, the Avalanche could surge back to dominance. Goaltending consistency will also play a major role in limiting high-danger chances. The Avalanche have two capable goalies who will probably split a good amount of time. I feel better about Colorado’s depth and goaltending than I do about Edmonton’s, so I feel like Colorado has a real shot at being a threat in the West. Could they be the team that can knock Edmonton off of their Western throne?
X-Factors:
- Coaching Adjustments: Jared Bednar’s ability to tweak defensive schemes and line matchups could be the difference between first-round exits and deep playoff runs. This whole team is experienced, so they shouldn’t have any problems playing on big stages in big moments.
- Injury Management: Colorado’s depth is strong but top-heavy. Keeping MacKinnon and Makar healthy will be paramount. They have some other players that are capable of helping out, but this is a whole different team without MacKinnon and Makar on the ice. They need to keep these two upright if they want to go far.
The Hockey Viking Verdict: Elite talent with championship potential, but durability and depth are crucial. I’ve mentioned before that this team feels like it’s a few injuries away from not being nearly as good; but as long as they stay healthy, Colorado should be a dangerous team come playoff time. I have them as one of biggest threats in the conference. There is no doubt they have elite talent, but they need to prove themselves in the playoffs when going up against the other top tier teams in the West. They could be the team that could dethrone the Oilers this year, but they still have to prove that they can even beat Dallas. Colorado needs to take charge and show that they are a force during the playoffs.
3. Vegas Golden Knights
Odds to Win the West: +450
Vegas continues to embody consistency and swagger. Their balance across all four lines — coupled with a veteran blue line and top-tier goaltending — makes them dangerous in any series. Jack Eichel’s health and offensive output will be pivotal. And now he has another elite teammate in Mitch Marner.
How far this team goes could very well depend on how much Marner brings to the table. Vegas is a talented and experienced team even without Marner, as they proved by winning their division last year. They don’t necessarily need Marner to be a good team, since Vegas was already one of the best teams in the West. But is he the final piece of the puzzle they have been looking for, the answer to taking this team to the top?
X-Factors:
- Goaltending Tandem: Adin Hill remains the starter, but if backup Akira Schmid struggles, the Knights could be vulnerable in a tight series. Hill has been good enough for the Golden Knights to win, so they just need Schmid to perform okay to keep stacking wins.
- Line Chemistry: Team depth has improved with offseason acquisitions, but integrating new forwards quickly is critical. Vegas has depth and quality players on both offense and defense. They just need to figure out where Marner fits in to get the most production out of their top 6.
The Hockey Viking Verdict: Proven, poised, and playoff-tested. Vegas could repeat as a dominant force if they maintain health and chemistry. There’s nothing that says they can’t be the best team in the West, other than possibly the Oilers. But this season is setting up to be a nice one for the Golden Knights. I have Vegas as the team to finally break the Oilers- Panthers streak and win the Cup. They have the quality players, good coaching, and experience to take it all the way. But they will most likely end up having to face Colorado or Edmonton at some point in the playoffs. All three of these teams have the playmakers, coaching, and experience. Therefore, they all have the potential to be champions. But the question is, which team is the hungriest?
⚔️ The Contenders: On the Cusp of Greatness
4. Dallas Stars
The Stars thrive on structure and defensive depth. Miro Heiskanen anchors a blue line that emphasizes puck control and gap management, while Jake Oettinger continues to emerge as one of the West’s elite young goalies. Dallas has veteran playmakers and young star talent, so they are a well rounded group.
Going all the way to the conference finals last year, the Stars seemed to be on the cusp of a championship. But then came Edmonton. And then came the firing of Pete Deboer. They now have questions surrounding their team. Sometimes it takes awhile for a coach to implement his schemes and make everything gel. Dallas still has a loaded roster, so they will most certainly stay competitive. But are they any better than they were last year?
X-Factors:
- Secondary Scoring: Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson lead the offense, but depth contributions from the bottom six could make or break Dallas’s season. How much does Jamie Benn still have in the tank? This team is starting to get older, so it will be interesting to see if there is any drop in play from their secondary scorers.
- Special Teams: Improving power-play efficiency may push them from solid to elite in the standings. They have the players capable of being a solid special teams group. But it comes down to coaching and strategy to determine how well they can perform on the powerplay.
The Hockey Viking Verdict: A strong, well-rounded team that could crack the top three in the West if everything clicks. Dallas has a quality roster with good players on both offense and defense. Heiskanen will be back from injury, and Harley looks like an up and coming star. They have proven they can win in important games, getting all the way to the Western finals. The goaltending is superb, and they have recent playoff experience and success. Everything is right in front of Dallas, and the chance is high for having another good season. But will new coaching make this team better or will their play taper off?
5. Los Angeles Kings
The Kings’ rebuild is officially over. With a strong two-way system and a maturing core, L.A. could surprise a lot of teams this season. Phillip Danault and Adrian Kempe provide scoring punch, while Drew Doughty anchors a veteran defense. It was announced that this is Kopitar’s final season, can he win the Cup before he goes?
The first year coach did an incredible job with this team. The Kings were excellent defensively and were almost as impressive statistically as the league leading Winnipeg Jets. They set the bar high for themselves last year, outperforming expectations as they finished number two in the division. Can they raise the bar even higher this year?
X-Factors:
- Goaltending: Darcy Kuemper must maintain consistency to help LA reach the playoffs this season. The defense should be good once again, but the goaltending needs to be just as good. If Los Angeles can remain stout defensively and at the goalie position, they should find themselves towards the top of the conference come playoff time.
- Young Stars: Emerging talent like Alex Turcotte and Rasmus Kupari could provide unexpected scoring bursts. We already know the defense is good, and the Kings will get some plays from the likes Fiala and Kempe. But where will the rest of the scoring come from? They will need to answer that question if they are going to go far in the playoffs.
The Hockey Viking Verdict: A legitimate dark horse with the tools to challenge the top tier teams in the West. If they perform as well defensively as they did last year, then they will be a tough team to beat. With their defense and goaltending, this team could be a real force of nature. But Los Angeles will need more-than-stellar efforts from their stars in Kempe and Fiala if they want to take things even further. I believe the Kings will be a good team again, but how good, exactly? Can they find enough scoring from their secondary players to beat the likes of Edmonton or Colorado? This year will be a big one for the Kings to prove that they are a top tier team in the West. Can they rise to the challenge?
6. Winnipeg Jets
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. After finishing atop the West last season with a franchise-best record, the Jets came back to earth during an ugly playoff outing. They looked like an entirely different team in the postseason, and after getting ousted by Dallas it felt like getting the best record in the league was a long time ago. But the Jets are out to prove it wasn’t a fluke.
If Winnipeg wants to prove they can be a consistent contender, they need to have a repeat performance this year. Kyle Connor continues to be one of the most underappreciated scorers in hockey, while Mark Scheiffle is a top tier center that can make plays. They have some good talent on their team, but they also just lost one of their better forwards in Ehlers, and haven’t improved much in the offseason.
Hellebuyck is getting older too, so it makes you wonder how they are going to possibly repeat last year’s magic. I think the defense will be a tight unit still, but I also think the offense will take a step backwards. The Jets might be at the top half of the division, but I don’t see them repeating as league champs again.
X-Factors:
- Defensive Depth: Winnipeg’s blue line, led by Neal Pionk, must limit high-danger chances. It almost feels like this defense is going to have to pull off something magical to have a repeat performance of last year. They set themselves a pretty high bar, but can they live up to it?
- Goaltending: Connor Hellebuyck remains the backbone of their playoff hopes. He has been one of the best goalies in the league for years now, so there’s no need to think this year should be any different. But I do think he’s reaching a point where his age might start to show, and he’s going to have to shake off last year’s ghastly performance in the playoffs if Winnipeg stands a chance at going far this year.
The Hockey Viking Verdict: Expect Winnipeg to remain a playoff contender if they avoid injuries and defensive lapses. I can see them making the playoffs again, more likely as a lower seed this season. But which Winnipeg team will show up in the playoffs? The Jets have already shown they are capable with their stout defense and goaltending, But that disappeared once the postseason started, so it’s going to take a long time until I’m fully confident in this team. Winnipeg lost one of their better depth scorers in Ehlers, and Hellebuyck certainly isn’t getting any younger. Is it enough to have Kyle Connor and Mark Scheiffle do the scoring? They are still a quality team, but I don’t think they got any better this offseason. I have my doubts about this team after their disappearing act in the playoffs. Are the Jets that much better this year that they are going to win the league again and then beat the likes of Colorado or Las Vegas in the playoffs? Doesn’t look like it.
🧊 The Wild Cards: Boom or Bust
7. Minnesota Wild
Minnesota is always tough to play against, but offensive inconsistency keeps them from breaking into elite territory. Kirill Kaprizov continues to be a game-changer, and if their power play improves, they could surprise higher-ranked teams. Minnesota is a good team, but it seems they need to do a lot to prove still that they can be a great team. I think they will have a good season, but they’re going to have to beat a good team in the West such as Colorado or Dallas for people to take notice that they are indeed one of the best teams in the conference.
8. Vancouver Canucks
A talented roster that just can’t seem to put it all together. Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes anchor their offensive and defensive core, but goaltending questions remain. Stability in net could make Vancouver a sleeper playoff team. Quinn Hughes is one of the best defenders in the league, but this team is going to need more than that.
If Elias Petersson doesn’t have an outstanding year this season, it might be time for the Canucks to move on from him. So far he hasn’t proved he’s worth all of the drama, and this team still has a lot to figure out about themselves. But if this season starts to turn south halfway through the year, it might be time to make some big decisions. Vancouver needs to prove they can play cohesive and capable hockey early this season, otherwise things could get ugly fast.
9. St. Louis Blues
The Blues are in transition but not out of contention. Jordan Kyrou’s development and improved depth scoring could help them fight for a wildcard spot. The Blues had a great finish to their season, almost knocking off Winnipeg in what would have been a major upset. They got a great performance from their defense and pushed it all the way to a game 7.
They have to feel like they have their coach in Jim Montgomery, so they are in a good position for consistent production. St. Louis needs to take the next step and win a playoff series and, like Minnesota, can prove that they should be mentioned in the conversation of best in the West. I predict they will have another strong season. But the problem is that the West is loaded with good teams, and while the Blues are trying to climb the ranks, other teams in the West are trying to get better too.
🛡️ The Long Shots
Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, Utah Mammoth
Each team has intriguing pieces, but none looks ready to challenge the West’s elite just yet. The Flames boast depth scoring, but inconsistent goaltending limits them. Out of these three teams I believe they have the best chance of making the playoffs. But as I just mentioned, the West has a number of really good teams. If Calgary were to get in the playoffs, it would most likely be one of the last teams to get in. But just getting to the playoffs should be considered a success, because I don’t see them beating any of the other playoff contenders.
Seattle continues to make puzzling decisions that seem to have them destined to wind up towards the bottom of the conference. They have gotten some quality play from a few of their young talents on the squad, but Seattle just doesn’t have the talent on their roster to compete with the big boys. The Kraken have gone through two coaching changes in their last two years, and they have traded away all of their best depth skill players. I’m not exactly sure what their gameplan is, but it’s beginning to look like to me that this team is going to be a bottom feeder in the West for years to come.
Utah had a solid season for all the big changes that comes along with starting a new franchise. They showed flashes of potential with their fast paced offensive playmakers, and have a lot to build on as they look to the future. The Mammoth already seem to be a better team than say Anaheim, San Jose, or Seattle, so they are a step above the bottom tier teams in the conference. But the fight for a playoff spot is going to be tight in the West, and Utah might need to play out of their bodies to get a spot. But if they find a way to sneak in, that will be a great step forward for this young franchise.
🌟 Top Western Conference Players to Watch
- Connor McDavid (EDM) – Still the standard for elite forwards.
- Cale Makar (COL) – Dominates games from the blue line.
- Leon Draisaitl (EDM) – Deadly on the power play alongside McDavid.
- Jason Robertson (DAL) – Emerging superstar with consistent scoring ability.
- Jack Eichel (VGK) – Motivated and healthy, could lead Vegas offensively.
- Kirill Kaprizov (MIN) – Wild card scorer with game-breaking speed.
- Elias Pettersson (VAN) – Franchise cornerstone for Vancouver’s playoff hopes.
The Hockey Viking Note: Depth wins championships, but these players will shape the narrative of the Western Conference. Each of these players listed has a great chance of affecting the Western Conference playoff picture. Should any of these players step up in a big way, it could mean the difference in the possible outcomes of the season.
🧭 Predictions & Playoff Outlook
Expect the Oilers, Avalanche, and Golden Knights to dominate headlines, but Dallas and Winnipeg are capable of postseason upsets. Minnesota and St. Louis are great bets to make the playoffs, but can they knock off any of the other contenders? The West has many possibilities as there are a number of teams that are close to being able to go all the way. Which team is going to rise to the occasion and make a run all the way to the finals?
The Hockey Viking’s Bold Call: I predict that the conference isn’t represented by Edmonton in the finals this year. I think other teams have gotten better and that one of them will knock off the Oilers in the playoffs. And really it comes down to three teams that could possibly do it: Colorado, Dallas, or Las Vegas. I think that one of these teams will take out Edmonton and be the top team to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. While I believe that all of these teams have a chance, my gut is telling me that Las Vegas will be that team. The Golden Knights have the depth, experience, and coaching to take it all the way. I think they will be one of the top seeds in the West in the regular season again, and that they will be able to handle the other elite teams in the conference all the way to winning the Stanley Cup.
📈 Advanced Insights
- Power Play & Penalty Kill: Edmonton and Colorado are expected to top league metrics in special teams efficiency. Vegas remains strong but slightly behind in PK.
- Goaltending Matchups: Edmonton’s Skinner vs Dallas’ Oettinger could be a preview of the Western Conference Final if the stars align.
- In-Season Trades: Keep an eye on teams like Colorado or Vegas and Dallas; a deadline acquisition could tilt playoff opportunities.
🗣️ Final Word from The Hockey Viking
The 2025–26 Western Conference isn’t just stacked — it’s a total battlefield. Every night feels like a playoff clash, and the margin for error is razor-thin. Whether it’s McDavid’s brilliance, Makar’s magic, or the relentless discipline of Vegas, the road to the Stanley Cup still runs through the West. There is so much good hockey to look forward to this season, and it’s going to be incredibly interesting to see which of the top teams can rise above the rest in the great race to the Stanley Cup.
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Stay sharp — the ice is only getting hotter.