That tantalizing aroma you smell is the scent of freshly zambonied ice because hockey is back, and so are the NHL Power Rankings. With the 2025-26 season just underway, our first rankings are here to set expectations for the 82 games ahead of us.

From MVP and Norris predictions to Stanley Cup picks, The Sporting News projects the biggest storylines for the NHL season.

The favorites to win the Stanley Cup are the usual contenders for the last few years, but injuries dropped the Florida Panthers a few spots.

Losing in the Stanley Cup Final the previous two seasons to the Florida Panthers, Edmonton still considers itself a championship contender. Once again, it’s Stanley Cup or bust in Edmonton.

Wayne Gretzky predicted how the 2025-26 NHL season will end in June, naming the future Stanley Cup winner. Wayne Gretzky didn’t hesitate when asked to make his Stanley Cup pick on the NHL on TNT’s season-opening panel Wednesday night.

The Florida Panthers are the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champions, but they aren't the preseason favorites to take home the title during the 2025-26 NHL campaign.

Right now the Edmonton Oilers (0-0) have the top odds in the NHL to win the Stanley Cup at the end of the 2025-26 season, at +800. The Oilers will be home versus the Calgary Flames, at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 8.

Mattias Ekholm has grown to love the city of Edmonton much more than he initially expected over these past few years.

"This team has gotten close, so that was a big part of staying and knowing that I still have a chance to win. I have a few more years here and that's all I'm looking to do," Mattias Ekholm said