Maple Leafs' biggest opponent could be Lightning in 2025-26

"The Lightning still have one of the best cores in the NHL. Nikita Kucherov is one of the best scorers in the NHL, arguably the best. His back-to-back Art Ross Trophies have been impressive. There's also Victor Hedman. He's regarded among the best blueliners in the league. A former Norris Trophy winner, his elite-level performance remains high among the league's defensemen."

"The Lightning 's equally elite supporting cast, consisting of Brandon Hagel, Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, Jake Guentzel, and Ryan McDonagh, all have the talent to pace the Atlantic Division. In the crease, Andrei Vasilevskiy, once considered the best goalie in the NHL, can still be among the best when he's on his game. The biggest difference this season for the Lightning will be their improved depth."

"That situation has prompted The Athletic to pick the Lightning to finish second overall in the league with a projected 107.3 points. That's two full points ahead of the third-place club, the Colorado Avalanche, and nearly two points behind the top team, the Edmonton Oilers. That projection depends on everything going well for the Lightning. That situation means getting consistent scoring from Kucherov, Point, and Guentzel. It also depends on Hedman staying at an elite level, with Vasilevskiy proving no health issues linger."

The Toronto Maple Leafs will face strong challenges from two Florida teams, with the Florida Panthers leading the Atlantic Division while the Tampa Bay Lightning could present the toughest matchup in 2025-26. The Lightning retain an elite core that includes Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman, Brayden Point and an accomplished supporting group featuring Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli, Jake Guentzel and Ryan McDonagh. Andrei Vasilevskiy remains capable of elite goaltending. Improved depth from full seasons by Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand should bolster middle-six scoring. Projections place the Lightning second overall at 107.3 points, but that depends on consistent scoring, health and sustained elite play from the aging core.

Read at Editor In Leaf