We’re just about a month into the NHL season, and some teams are already flexing their muscles as we get into the long stretch of the season. These teams are doing it with more than just strong starts — these teams are showing the right mix of momentum, talent, and the necessary depth to go all the way. Just a few squads are looking sharper than ever, building on last year’s playoff lessons or offseason upgrades that are already paying off despite how early it is.
Do you think these teams stand a chance? The bookmakers sure do.
The Avs have made one thing very clear already — they’re not coasting on their 2022 Cup win, and with the talent out there this year, that wouldn’t be a smart move. They've been building more and more ever since. This year’s team is dialed in again, especially over their recent stretch. They've already gone 5-1-1 in their last 7 games. Their top stars are producing exactly as many expected, but the bigger story might be how they’ve patched up their weakest link from last year.
Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar continue to be the engine, and we all saw that coming. MacKinnon is doing MacKinnon things with 22 points in 14 games, while Makar is racking up helpers and driving play from the back end like few defensemen can. Add Gabriel Landeskog returning full-time and playing heavy offensive zone minutes, and the Avalanche’s top line is cooking. Just looking at those names, it’s easy to see why they’re favorites for the Cup.
Colorado’s biggest offseason win is without a doubt fixing their goaltending. Signing Mackenzie Blackwood has given this team a much-needed boost in the crease, and his .918 SV% simply underscores the difference. Last season, inconsistent goaltending crushed too many close games, and now, they’re getting timely stops to go along with their elite puck movement and pace.
They’re still 2nd in the league in high-danger chances and showing off their elite skating, sitting top-3 in players hitting 22+ mph in-game. This team thrives on pure chaos, especially in transition, and few can match them when they’re firing on all cylinders. They’re clearly playoff contenders.
Vegas is for real. They’re off to another hot start, sitting 9-3-2 and dominating with a 7-1-1 record over their last 9 games. The 2023 Stanley Cup winners didn’t sit still in the offseason, and their key move — adding Mitch Marner — already looks like a masterstroke from the front office.
Marner has added yet another gear to Vegas’ power play. Last season, they were at 28.3%, which was already impressive by itself, but now they’re pacing the league. His speed, playmaking, and ability to stretch defenses to their core are making a deep offensive unit even more dangerous. He’s already clocked a top speed of 23.5+ mph and leads the team in distance skated.
Jack Eichel looks as sharp as ever with 22 points, as we imagined he would, and the defense remains the deepest in the Western Conference. The Knights are once again leading the league in mid-range SOG, which speaks to their ability to generate clean entries and OZ time.
Adin Hill is still being quietly excellent in net with a 2.73 GAA. He doesn’t get the flashy headlines like some of the other netminders around the league, but he consistently gives the Knights the saves they need. Combine that with a PK unit that has jumped from 26th last season to a top-10 unit, and Vegas looks every bit like a team that can make a run for the cup.
The Hurricanes just keep finding ways to stay in the Cup conversation year after year. They’re not nearly as flashy, but they play some of the smartest hockey in the league. At 9-4-0 and 8-2 over their last 10 games, they’ve found a winning rhythm behind their classic puck-possession strategy and a quietly excellent roster.
Carolina’s system is all about controlling space and keeping pressure on. They lead the league in OZ possession at a whopping 47.2% and they’re the only team sitting top-5 in high-danger, mid-range, and long-range shots. That means they’re creating a wide range of quality chances and doing it across all game situations.
The offseason addition of Nikolaj Ehlers has added even more speed to their transition game, while Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho are setting the tone — again — with strong two-way play. Shayne Gostisbehere is helping quarterback a power play that’s still evolving but has shown plenty of potential.
Here’s what we think makes Carolina dangerous — 5 players are in the top-7 across the entire NHL in offensive zone time percentage. That’s absolutely absurd. They grind you down, shift by shift, and keep the puck where you can’t score. If they can keep getting reliable goaltending and their power play finds a little bit more consistency, they’re going to be a nightmare come playoff time.
The Oilers have started a little slower than the others here, but don’t let their 6-5-2 record fool you. They’ve won 5 of their last 10 and are clearly gaining steam. When Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl finally get going, there are very few teams that can keep up — and right now, they’re heating up.
McDavid remains the most dangerous skater on the planet as he’s racked up 22 points already, and his skating speed still leaves defenders frozen. His top burst this year hit 24.4 mph. Draisaitl, meanwhile, is one of the most clutch playoff performers of the last 5 years and is looking to secure another Rocket Richard Trophy. His 33 playoff points last season showed just how much of a load he can carry when it matters most.
Zach Hyman has come out as a force around the net, consistently creating high-danger scoring chances. Edmonton actually leads the NHL in high-danger shot differential at +184, which means they’re generating far more good chances than they’re giving up.
The biggest change from last year is that they’ve tightened things up defensively. They’ve allowed the fewest high-danger shots in the league, and goaltender Stuart Skinner has bounced back with a .900 SV% with a shoutout to his name already. That might be the stat that matters most. If Skinner keeps playing steady hockey, this team could go on a serious run.
The Panthers are in rare air right now as they’re trying to win their 3rd straight Stanley Cup. They look like they might have the legs for it.
Florida sits atop the Atlantic Division again with an 8-4-1 record, and they’ve won 6 of their last 9. Their key players are undoubtedly healthy, and more importantly, motivated. Sam Bennett, who won the Conn Smythe last year, continues to be a beast in high-leverage situations. His 15 playoff goals were no fluke. Sam Reinhart is back to scoring clutch goals, including the Game 6 clincher last year. The biggest takeaway is that they’re doing all of this without Matthew Tkachuk, who is expected to return in December.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky remains steady with a .899 SV% and 2.34 GAA, and the core of the team hasn’t changed. That consistency matters when you’ve been through 2 deep playoff runs. They know how to manage the grind and keep it going all the way through June.
Florida’s special teams are also strong, as their power play offensive zone time sits at 59.9%, good for 6th in the league. Their long-range shooting remains elite, sitting at #2 in the NHL, and Bennett continues to sit in the 97th percentile for high-danger goals scored.
They’ve done it before. In fact, they’ve done it twice. And unless someone knocks them off cleanly, the Panthers have the experience and firepower to do it all again. They’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
The sportsbooks don’t lie, and neither do the stats. Each of these 5 teams brings something different to the table — speed, skill, defense, star power, or just proven playoff pedigree. But what they all really share is the ability to control games, create chances, and bury teams when it matters.
Sure, there’s a long way to go, and injuries or cold streaks could change the picture, but if you’re looking for the most serious Stanley Cup threats as of early November, these are the ones to keep an eye on moving forward.