The 2023-24 NHL season is almost here, and that’s when we start making predictions. Every NHL team has a fresh start and hopes for a successful season. After an eventful offseason, the Vegas Golden Knights will aim to defend their first-ever Stanley Cup, and other teams will try their best to challenge them. With that in mind, we have made our own predictions for the major awards and who we think will win the Stanley Cup in June.
Chris Bengel
Austin Nivison
Stanley Cup Predictions
Bengel
- Western Conference Final: Colorado Avalanche will defeat Vegas Golden Knights
- Eastern Conference Final: Carolina Hurricanes will defeat Toronto Maple Leafs
- Stanley Cup Final: Carolina Hurricanes will defeat Colorado Avalanche
The Carolina Hurricanes have made significant moves to compete for the Stanley Cup, and we believe it will pay off. The addition of Michael Bunting, in particular, has been overlooked and he will join a top six that already includes Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Martin Necas. Carolina could have reached the Stanley Cup Final last season if not for injuries to key forwards. The team’s success will largely depend on the health of goaltender Frederik Andersen. Even if Andersen is not available, we believe Pyotr Kochetkov can step up and fill the role. The Hurricanes will win their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Nivison
- Western Conference Final: Colorado Avalanche will defeat Edmonton Oilers
- Eastern Conference Final: Toronto Maple Leafs will defeat New Jersey Devils
- Stanley Cup Final: Colorado Avalanche will defeat Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a clear path to the top spot in the Atlantic Division and the opportunity to reach the Stanley Cup Final. The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning have uncertainties heading into the 2023-24 season, which gives the Maple Leafs a chance to succeed. However, the Avalanche are determined to bounce back from their disappointing playoff performance last year. Despite facing numerous injuries, the Avalanche still have a dominant roster with players like Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar leading the way. With some solid roster upgrades during the offseason, the Avalanche will bring the Stanley Cup back to Denver by defeating the Maple Leafs in six games.
