The 2025-26 NHL season is just around the corner, and Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) break down which teams can take the next step. From rebuilding squads like the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, and Chicago Blackhawks, to bubble teams like the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks, to contenders like the Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, and Montreal Canadiens — we sort all 32 NHL teams into tiers: rebuilding, bubble, playoff, or Stanley Cup contender.
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