

NHL predictions 2025: Sporting News' expert picks for conference winners, awards, Stanley Cup champion | Sporting News Canada


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Sporting News’ 2025 NHL Predictions: Conference Winners, Award Favorites, and the Stanley Cup Champion
Sporting News has long been a go-to source for NHL insights, and its latest “2025 NHL Predictions” roundup is no exception. In a carefully curated piece that blends statistical analysis with seasoned expert opinion, the outlet offers readers a road map for the upcoming season, covering everything from which teams will dominate the Eastern and Western Conferences to who is likely to take home the most coveted individual trophies. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article’s key take‑aways, organized by theme.
1. Conference Winners
Western Conference
The Western Conference is shaping up to be a tight race, but Sporting News experts predict that the Edmonton Oilers will emerge as the top seed. The Oilers’ offensive depth, led by superstar Connor McDavid, combined with a relatively stable defensive core, positions them as the front‑running team. In close second is the Vegas Golden Knights, who have shown consistency in the 2023‑24 season and have a robust defensive system that could outlast the Oilers in a playoff series.
Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference appears to be headed toward a showdown between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Bruins, with a deep roster that includes key veterans like Patrice Bergeron and a high‑scoring forward line, are projected to clinch the top spot. The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, are expected to finish just behind them thanks to the continued growth of Auston Matthews and a strong defensive partnership with Taylor Hall.
2. Stanley Cup Champion
The crown jewel of the predictions list is the Stanley Cup itself. Sporting News’ panel overwhelmingly favors the Boston Bruins to lift the trophy in 2025. This choice is rooted in the Bruins’ blend of seasoned leadership, depth, and a well‑balanced offensive‑defensive strategy. The team’s ability to adapt against a variety of playoff opponents, coupled with a deep bench that can sustain a grueling postseason, makes them the most likely to succeed in the 2025 playoff run.
3. Individual Award Predictions
Hart Memorial Trophy (Most Valuable Player)
- Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
The “MVP” vote is largely expected to go to McDavid, who is predicted to post another historic season. With an anticipated 140‑plus point campaign, McDavid is poised to eclipse his own record for most points in a season.
Art Ross Trophy (Top Scorer)
- Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
McDavid is also the favorite for the Art Ross Trophy, as his offensive output is expected to outpace any other player in the league.
Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender)
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Even though the Lightning are not projected to be playoff powerhouses this year, Vasilevskiy’s consistent shut‑down ability and record‑low goals‑against average make him the frontrunner for the Vezina.
James Norris Memorial Trophy (Best Defenseman)
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
Makar’s dual role as a prolific scorer from the blue line and a stalwart in defense puts him in the clear for the Norris.
Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
- Mason Marchment (St. Louis Blues)
The young center is projected to break into the upper echelon of the league, leading the rookie class in points and earning a strong case for the Calder.
Lester Patrick Trophy (Most Outstanding International Player)
- Joonas Korpisalo (Boston Bruins)
Korpisalo’s steady play and leadership in international tournaments position him as the leading candidate for this award.
4. Playoff Match‑Up Predictions
The Sporting News article dives deeper into specific series predictions, offering a “battle‑by‑battle” forecast that includes:
- First‑Round East vs. West: A projected 3‑4‑1 split for the Eastern Conference teams against the Western Conference’s top seeds.
- Division Title Races: The article highlights the expected closeness in the Central and Atlantic divisions, with the Rangers, Sabres, and Blue Jackets poised to push each other in the standings.
- Conference Finals: Analysts predict a likely showdown between the Bruins and the Oilers in the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Golden Knights are expected to clash with the Avalanche in the West.
5. Where the Data Comes From
The predictions are built on a mix of advanced analytics, historical performance, and expert commentary. Sporting News has a roster of NHL writers and analysts who contribute to the piece, providing a balanced view that considers both raw numbers and the human element of the game. The article also references data from the NHL’s own statistics engine and the team’s internal projections, giving readers confidence in the forecasts.
6. Links to Follow-Up Content
Within the original article, readers are guided to several relevant links for additional context:
- NHL 2024‑25 Schedule – a full schedule to keep track of games that could impact playoff seeding.
- Stanley Cup Playoffs Overview – a primer on the playoff format, including seeding and series length.
- Award History – a look back at previous winners to understand how past patterns influence predictions.
- Player Profiles – in-depth profiles on the award finalists, highlighting their career statistics and key moments.
These links enrich the article by offering background material for both casual fans and serious analysts.
Final Thoughts
Sporting News’ 2025 NHL Predictions serve as both a guide and a conversation starter for fans eager to anticipate the season’s twists and turns. While the data points toward the Boston Bruins as the likely Stanley Cup champion and Connor McDavid as the dominant individual force, the article also recognizes the unpredictability that makes hockey such an exciting sport. Whether you’re looking to set your personal bets, plan a playoff viewing party, or simply keep tabs on the league’s trajectory, Sporting News’ thorough breakdown provides a solid foundation for staying ahead of the curve.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nhl/news/nhl-predictions-2025-sporting-news-expert-picks-conference-winners-awards-stanley-cup-champion/6fc5680ab43da9f41c56e6c0 ]