Panthers, Hurricanes and Celebrini headline early 2026‑27 NHL award picks

La Presse’s hockey columnists have unveiled their forecasts for the 2026‑27 NHL season, laying out who they see lifting the Stanley Cup and sweeping the league’s major individual awards. Their picks highlight a familiar group of powerhouse teams along with a new generation of stars, led by Macklin Celebrini.

Panthers and Hurricanes seen as Cup frontrunners

In the Stanley Cup race, the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes clearly stand out. Some pundits back Carolina to repeat as champions, pointing to a roster that has largely stayed intact and a division viewed as more forgiving, which could offer a smoother path to the final four.

Others favour Florida to capture a third championship in four years. The addition and steady play of goaltender Jacob Markstrom are portrayed as a crucial factor: if he delivers consistent work in net, the Panthers are seen as still having all the pieces to win again. The Colorado Avalanche also receive support, with their deep lineup expected to rebound after a disappointing campaign.

Celebrini, McDavid and MacKinnon atop Hart and scoring debates

For the Hart Trophy, Sharks centre Macklin Celebrini is front and centre. Coming off a 115‑point season at age 19 and a central role in pushing San Jose into the playoffs, several writers project that he will continue to drive the franchise and emerge as the league’s most valuable player. His influence is described as so significant that it belies how young he still is.

Connor McDavid remains another popular choice, with some observers insisting he is still the NHL’s best player until proven otherwise. Nathan MacKinnon is also named as a contender, given his continued dominance on a strong Avalanche squad. If the Sharks stay competitive because of Celebrini’s production, many believe his Hart case will be difficult to ignore.

The Maurice Richard Trophy projections feature a tight race between Celebrini and Leon Draisaitl. Celebrini is coming off goal totals of 25 and then 45, fuelling expectations that he can surpass the 50‑goal mark. Draisaitl, who already owns multiple 50‑plus‑goal seasons, is again seen as a favourite, while Dallas Stars sniper Jason Robertson, entering his final season before unrestricted free agency, is also cited as a prime candidate to lead the league in goals.

Logan Thompson drives Vezina talk as young talent emerges

In goal, Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals is the overwhelming pick for the Vezina Trophy. After finishing fourth in voting in each of the past two seasons, he is widely viewed as ready to make the leap to winner status, especially behind what is described as a solid, experienced roster in Washington. Several columnists go so far as to label him one of the league’s most underrated netminders.

On defence, opinions are more divided in the race for the top defenceman award. Lane Hutson is touted by some as a breakout candidate capable of producing elite offensive numbers and surpassing Zach Werenski. Others stay with proven star Cale Makar, already a two‑time winner, while Quinn Hughes, Rasmus Dahlin and Moritz Seider are highlighted for their all‑around impact and recent playoff performances.

For the rookie of the year, attention turns to several young forwards. Anton Frondell is cited for his strong 9‑points‑in‑12‑games finish with the Chicago Blackhawks and the opportunity created by Connor Bedard’s early‑season absence. Gavin McKenna in Toronto, Porter Martone with the Philadelphia Flyers and Ivar Stenberg in San Jose are also mentioned as newcomers poised to step into meaningful roles and make an immediate impact in the NHL.