As the 2025 NHL calendar year comes to a close, all 32 teams are navigating the pivotal stretch toward the 2025–26 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here’s a breakdown of where each franchise stands in its postseason quest, categorized into ‘playoff locks,’ ‘teams with work to do,’ and ‘long shots.’ Additionally, each team’s most valuable player (MVP) through this point in the season has been highlighted.
The ‘playoff locks’ category features teams that have built a strong foundation from the start of the season, holding comfortable leads in their divisions or maintaining consistent play. These clubs have demonstrated both depth and durability, with standout performances from key players. Notably, offensive leaders and top goaltenders have played significant roles in securing early postseason confidence for their teams.
In the middle tier, the ‘teams with work to do’ segment contains clubs that are currently either just outside the playoff spots or are hovering around wildcard contention. Consistency remains an issue for several of them, and performances in the coming weeks will be critical. For these teams, the margin for error is slim, and contributions from their MVPs will be especially pivotal if they hope to gain ground in tight divisional races.
Finally, the ‘long shots’ grouping includes teams that have struggled throughout the season due to a variety of challenges—ranging from injuries and underperformance to rebuilding transitions. While postseason hopes are still mathematically alive for some, the path ahead is difficult. Even within these teams, individual standouts have continued to make an impact, offering reasons for optimism.
Across the league, the playoff race remains dynamic as January nears. With inter-division matchups and back-to-back games ahead, every point becomes more valuable. Coaches will be looking for consistency, while front offices start weighing trade decisions ahead of the deadline. As the second half of the season begins, fans should expect an intensifying race fueled by competitive parity across both conferences.
