The Pacific Division continues to be one of the most volatile, high-stakes divisions in the NHL. Teams at the top remain dangerous, middling squads are making some noise, and the lower tier is deep in transition or rebuilding. With several veterans moving on, youth stepping up, and some big offseason decisions, the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be a tight race from top to bottom, a change of pace for this division. Here’s a breakdown of where each team stands heading into the season, what they gained or lost, and who might surprise.

 

Vegas Golden Knights
Status: Cup Contender
2024–25 Record: 50-22-10
Head Coach: Bruce Cassidy

 

Offseason Recap
Vegas didn’t need to overhaul much after another strong season. Their focus was keeping the core intact, and they succeeded, retaining their defensive backbone and key forwards. While the Golden Knights did lose some depth scoring, they’ve built a reputation for finding plug and play players who thrive in their system like free agent signing Mitchell Marner. They also signed forwards Colton Sissons and Brandon Saad to fill out their depth up front and Jérémy Lauzon on the backend. Their stability makes them one of the most reliable teams in the NHL heading into 2025–26.

Strengths
Elite offense capable of rolling four lines

Deep, playoff-tested roster with championship pedigree

Consistent defensive structure anchored by skilled veterans

 

Concerns
Aging veterans could wear down over the grind of the full season

Special teams remain inconsistent at times, they will look to improve

Goaltending was shaky to end the year, Hill needs to find himself again

 

Breakout Candidate: Mitchell Marner
The former Maple Leaf is poised to play a bigger role offensively on the Golden Knights. I know this isn’t a true breakout candidate but the Golden Knights are not a young team at all. He may breakout in the sense that his style of play will better suit those around him south of the Canadian border, plus the pressure is off his shoulders now he can just play..

 

Storyline to Watch:
Will this be the year Vegas makes another Stanley Cup run?

 

Edmonton Oilers
Status: Cup Contender
2024–25 Record: 48-29-5
Head Coach: Kris Knoblauch

 

Offseason Recap
The Oilers reshaped their supporting cast around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Edmonton lost several depth pieces, including Corey Perry, Connor Brown, Viktor Arvidsson, and Jeff Skinner, but responded by bringing in Andrew Mangiapane, Matt Savoie and a young prospect in Isaac Howard. They also resigned Bouchard, Kapanen and Frederic. Their focus is clear: surround the two best players in the world with just enough scoring and stability to push them past their playoff ceiling. The roster remains dangerous but still carries question marks.

 

Strengths
McDavid and Draisaitl continue to dominate offensively

High calibre power play capable of carrying games

Core players entering their prime playoff window with revenge on their mind

 

Concerns
Goaltending remains the glaring question mark

Depth scoring outside the top six is shaky

Defensive lapses in big moments have haunted them before

 

Breakout Candidate: Isaac Howard
It’s pretty clear this is Edmonton’s breakout candidate, this young winger’s speed and energy could make him a surprise secondary scoring option if he earns consistent minutes this season.

 

Storyline to Watch:
Is it “third times the charm” for the Oilers this season?

 

Los Angeles Kings
Status: Playoff Push / Dark Horse
2024–25 Record: 48-25-9
Head Coach: Jim Hiller

 

Offseason Recap
The Kings had a revolving door open this summer, adding Brian Dumoulin, Joel Armia, Cody Ceci, Anton Forsberg, Samuel Bolduc and Corey Perry. These moves added grit, experience, and defensive depth to an already well-rounded roster. However, they also lost goaltender David Rittich, Tanner Jannot and Vladislav Gavrikov who brought a lot of toughness and speed on the back end. The Kings are banking on their blend of veterans and youth to carry them through a deep playoff run.

 

Strengths
Balanced roster with strong two-way forwards

Solid top-four defense anchored by veteran defenceman Drew Doughty

Systematic, disciplined team built for playoff hockey (if they don’t gas out their starters like in the 1st round last year… haha)

 

Concerns
Veteran additions could slow the teams pace of play down

Darcy Kuemper needs to own the net this season

Reliant on few key offensive players to put the puck in the net

 

Breakout Candidate: Quinton Byfield
The young forward has flashed offensive upside and could provide even more scoring depth this season playing in an established top-6 role. His shooting could earn him a definitive spot on the flank for the Kings powerplay

 

Storyline to Watch:
Will the Kings make Anze Kopitars last season one to remember?

 

Calgary Flames
Status: Fringe Playoff Team
2024–25 Record: 41-27-14
Head Coach: Ryan Huska

 

Offseason Recap
Calgary opted for a quieter offseason, avoiding splashy moves in favor of trusting their young core. The Flames locked up Dustin Wolf and other key RFAs while promoting top prospect Zayne Parekh, who should make an immediate impact on the blueline. With an eye toward the future, Calgary is attempting to stay competitive while letting their youth grow into bigger roles. It’s a tough balancing act in a loaded Pacific division. They did bring in Adam Klapka and Ivan Provestov to be the backup goalie after losing Dan Vladar..

 

Strengths
Solid defensive foundation with Andersson and Weegar

Emerging youth core ready to step into bigger minutes

Competitive team culture backed by a young goalie entering his prime

 

Concerns
Secondary scoring remains inconsistent

Special teams are unproven in high-pressure situations

Young player not being ready for a full NHL season

 

Breakout Candidate: Zayne Parekh
Parekh brings mobility and offensive skill from the back end, making him a potential Calder dark horse even. He played a crucial part in Saginaw’s success over the past few seasons, even capturing a Memorial Cup in 2024.

 

Storyline to Watch:
Can the Flames stay relevant in the playoff picture, or will they begin sliding toward a full rebuild by the deadline?

 

Vancouver Canucks
Status: Wild Card Hopeful / Rebuilding
2024–25 Record: 38-30-14
Head Coach: Adam Foote

 

Offseason Recap
After a frustrating 2024-25 campaign, Vancouver made changes behind the bench, replacing Rick Tocchet with Adam Foote. The Canucks also added veteran winger Evander Kane, aiming to stabilize their secondary scoring and replace some of the toughness they lost with Dakota Joshua being traded to the Maple Leafs. With Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, and Thatcher Demko leading the way, the core is strong, but the roster around them remains uneven. Vancouver is walking the line between pushing for a playoff berth and preparing for another retool if things go sideways.

 

Strengths
Star power with Quinn Hughes on the blueline

Good structure and penalty killing 3rd best at 82.6% last season

Young talent beginning to push for larger roles

 

Concerns
Reliable scoring depth remains a problem

Transition under a new coach could take time

Thatcher Demko is capable of stealing games, but will he be healthy?

 

Breakout Candidate: Jonathan Lekkerimäki
The Swedish prospect has the scoring touch Vancouver desperately needs from its middle-six forwards. His two way play will only improve upon playing more games, not to mention he was part of the roster who was crowned Calder Cup champions where he had 7 points in 16 games played staying +2 throughout the playoffs.

 

Storyline to Watch:
Can the Canucks finally break into the playoff picture, or will they drift further into rebuild territory?

 

Seattle Kraken
Status: Rebuilding / Wild Card Hopeful
2024–25 Record: 35-41-6
Head Coach: Lane Lambert

 

Offseason Recap
The Kraken stayed patient this offseason, resisting the urge to overspend and instead doubling down on developing their young players. The roster still lacks high-end talent, but with Matty Beniers and Joey Daccord maturing into leadership roles, the future is promising. Seattle’s defense remains thin, and real offensive consistency continues to be a sore spot, but they have the potential to surprise if everything clicks. This offseason they added Mason Marchment, Frederick Gaudreau and Ryan Lindgren.

 

Strengths
Strong work ethic and depth-by-committee approach

Young core starting to develop into NHL regulars

Goaltending that can steal divisional games.

 

Concerns
No true star power to match western rivals

Defensive depth is weak

Struggle to maintain consistency over long stretches of the season

 

Breakout Candidate: Shane Wright
After an inconsistent start to his NHL career, Wright is primed to reestablish himself as a go to option for the Kraken. The former 4th overall pick will look to establish himself this year.

 

Storyline to Watch:
Can the Kraken stay close enough to stay within the payoff race or will they be offloading assets by the trade deadline?

 

Anaheim Ducks
Status: Rebuilding / Lottery Team
2024–25 Record: 35-37-10
Head Coach: Joel Quenneville

 

Offseason Recap
Anaheim made bold moves this offseason, bringing in veterans Chris Kreider, Mikael Granlund, Petr Mrazek and Ryan Poehling to mentor their young core. However, they parted ways with Trevor Zegras, a move that shocked many fans, and also lost goaltender John Gibson and forward Isac Lundestrom. The Ducks are betting that leadership and structure can guide their rebuild, but they remain at least a few years away from true cup contention, they may surprise if all goes right.

 

Strengths
Promising youth led by Dostal and Carlsson

Added much-needed veteran leadership

Some scoring punch in the top six

 

Concerns
Defense remains shaky and prone to breakdowns

Team lacks reliability but could be corrected under Quenneville

Risk of true growth if things don’t stat changing soon

 

Breakout Candidate: Leo Carlsson
With a larger role, Carlsson could cement himself as Anaheim’s franchise forward of the future. Flashy hands mixed with his speed will make him a lethal treat for years to come.

 

Storyline to Watch:
How quickly can Anaheim’s youth adapt to playing alongside the new veteran presence?

 

San Jose Sharks
Status: Lottery / Rebuild
2024–25 Record: 20-50-12
Head Coach: Ryan Warsofsky

 

Offseason Recap
San Jose continued to embrace its rebuild, fully committing to building around Macklin Celebrini. They signed some veterans but are still focusing on giving their prospects NHL ice time. The Sharks know another rough season is likely ahead, but the future is bright if their young core develops properly… remember this year is the McKenna sweepstakes… patience is the name of the game in San Jose. The new additions include Dimitry Orlov, John Klingberg, Alex Nedeljkovic, Nick Leddy, Philipp Kurashev, Ryan Reaves, Jeff Skinner.

 

Strengths
Celebrini gives the team a legitimate star to build around

Plenty of ice time for young players to grow

Low expectations provide developmental freedom

 

Concerns
Defense is porous and vulnerable

Lack of star players to support the kids

Scoring dries up beyond the top line

 

Breakout Candidate: Macklin Celebrini
The 2024 first overall pick is already the face of the franchise and is already one of the league’s brightest young stars. I think he will unlock another level this season with some confidence under his belt

 

Storyline to Watch:
How will the youngster group of Celebrini, Misa, Smith, Eklund grow this season?

 

Updated Projected Atlantic Division Standings (2025–26)

Rank	Team	Tier
1	Vegas Golden Knights	Cup Contender
2	Edmonton Oilers	Cup Contender
3	Los Angeles Kings	Playoff Push / Dark Horse
4	Calgary Flames	Fringe Playoff
5	Vancouver Canucks	Wild Card Hopeful / Rebuilding
6	Seattle Kraken	Rebuilding / Wild Card Hopeful
7	Anaheim Ducks	Rebuilding / Lottery Team
8	San Jose Sharks	Lottery / Rebuild

 

Key Matchups to Watch
Flames vs Oilers — battle of Alberta

Canucks vs Kraken — wild-card rivals with rebuilding pride on the line

Ducks vs Sharks — battle of California rebuilds and young cores

 

Final Thoughts
The Pacific Division enters 2025-26 with familiar favorites at the top and uncertainty in the middle. Vegas and Edmonton are once again built to contend, while Los Angeles lurks as a potential dark horse. Calgary, Vancouver, and Seattle make up the messy wild-card battle, while Anaheim and San Jose are firmly focused on the future.
The division may not be the deepest in hockey, but its volatility ensures drama from start to finish. One hot month could launch a fringe team into the playoff race, while one slump could sink a contender’s hopes.