Coaches and executives overwhelmingly pick Panthers to win Stanley Cup
The Athletic surveyed 22 head coaches and 13 team executives, and 20 of the 35 respondents chose Florida to win the Stanley Cup. Colorado received six votes, Edmonton got three, and defending champion Carolina received two. Florida missed the playoffs last season, but voters cited its healthy roster, physical style, and depth, while the team's goaltending after Sergei Bobrovsky's departure remains a concern.
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun asked 22 head coaches and 13 executives for a preseason Stanley Cup pick. Florida received 20 votes, while Colorado had six, Edmonton three, and Carolina two. The Panthers had missed the previous postseason, yet respondents pointed to a restored lineup, physical play, and depth, with Aleksander Barkov back.
Goaltending remains the main question. Sergei Bobrovsky left for Toronto, and Jacob Markstrom now fills that role. In a separate NHL.com player survey, 15 of 35 chose Florida; Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog was among them. Florida opens at Carolina, which will raise its banner.
This poll may shape fan expectations and media narratives around the NHL season, especially for Florida and Carolina supporters. Coaches’ and executives’ consensus could influence how teams are discussed, how players handle pressure, and how casual viewers choose games to watch. It may also amplify scrutiny on Florida’s goaltending and on Carolina’s title defense, affecting ticket demand, merchandise interest, and online debate.