ESPN publishes bold predictions for all 32 NHL teams ahead of new season

ESPN has released a set of "bold predictions" covering all 32 National Hockey League teams as the 2026-27 season approaches, according to the outlet's preview package.

The feature frames its forecasts as speculative, with ESPN itself noting that not every prediction is expected to come true, while suggesting that several could.

A league-wide preview

Rather than focusing on a single team or storyline, the package spans the full league, touching on potential surprise contenders for individual awards as well as other developments that could shape the season.

Previews of this kind have become a preseason staple for major sports outlets, giving fans a team-by-team lens on storylines to watch as training camps give way to regular-season play.

ESPN did not attach specific statistical projections or win totals in the portion of the preview made available; the full breakdown for each of the 32 teams is presented in the outlet's original article.

The predictions arrive as NHL teams finalize rosters heading into the 2026-27 campaign, with award races and playoff positioning among the storylines fans and analysts will track once games begin.