The NHL season kicks off with a fresh slate of teams aiming to build on past successes or bounce back from disappointing campaigns. Coaches and players are adjusting to new rosters, with key trades and free-agent signings reshaping lineups across the league. Early predictions highlight a few teams as potential contenders, while others face challenges in rebuilding or maintaining consistency. Analysts weigh in on which divisions could see unexpected surprises and which veterans might lead their squads to playoff pushes.