Panthers Emerge as Players' Choice to Win Next Stanley Cup
A survey of 35 NHL players by NHL.com gave the Florida Panthers 15 votes to win the 2026-27 Stanley Cup. The Carolina Hurricanes, who won the title last season, received six votes. Some players pointed to Florida's offseason additions, including Brady Tkachuk, and the return of Aleksander Barkov from a knee injury.
A league website survey of 35 players at offseason media events in Munich and Las Vegas asked for a 2026-27 champion prediction. Florida received 15 votes, while defending Carolina got six. The Panthers’ outlook includes Aleksander Barkov returning after a knee injury cost him the previous season, plus Brady Tkachuk arriving from Ottawa in a trade involving three first-round picks and a second-rounder.
Other support was scattered: Colorado and Ottawa each got two votes, and Dallas, the Rangers, Philadelphia, Vegas and Washington each received one. Carolina, which won its first championship in two decades, planned to raise its banner before opening against Florida.
This poll may shape fan conversation and media narratives before puck drop, affecting supporters, players, and local businesses tied to hockey markets. A favorite label could raise expectations for Florida and pressure for Carolina, potentially influencing ticket demand, merchandise interest, and online debate. Yet as one player noted, preseason predictions may mean little once playoffs begin, so any social or economic effect is likely modest and short-lived.