When the puck drops on opening night of the NHL season, every fan base has hope. Some of that hope is irrational, but it’s there nonetheless because everyone can talk themselves into their team coming out of nowhere to go on a special run.
Having said that, it’s time to confirm some of those prior beliefs while also squashing the dreams of others. That’s because we’re looking at Stanley Cup contender tiers today. We’ve put every team in one of six tiers based on how realistic their Cup chances are. Those tiers are as follows:
Stanley Cup or bust: Teams that can (and need to) get the job done now.
Teams that can (and need to) get the job done now. Stanley Cup contenders: Realistic threats to win it all.
Realistic threats to win it all. Dark horses: A couple of things have to come together, but it’s possible.
A couple of things have to come together, but it’s possible. Squint and you can see it: A lot of things have to come together.
A lot of things have to come together. Try again next year: Some nice pieces in place, but not quite there yet.
Some nice pieces in place, but not quite there yet. Try again in 3-5 years: There is some real work to be done here.
Now let’s take a look at which teams are on the cusp of glory this and which ones are a few miles behind.
Stanley Cup or bust
Edmonton Oilers: They were one win away from the Stanley Cup last year, and the Oilers will try to finish the job this time around. On paper, Edmonton might be the best team in the league. It does help to have two of the top five players in the NHL, but this forward group is deeper, and Evan Bouchard has emerged as a legit No. 1 defenseman to complement Mattias Ekholm.
Toronto Maple Leafs: I’m not totally convinced the Maple Leafs’ roster makes them a clear Stanley Cup favorite, but the urgency needs to be at an 11 out of 10. Toronto decided to run it back with the