The NHL season is set to kick off next month as summer winds down, bringing with it a fresh wave of team predictions and fan speculation. Analysts and pundits have already begun dissecting rosters and projecting standings, with expectations running high for several franchises. The offseason’s free agency moves have reshaped some lineups, adding new layers of intrigue ahead of the campaign. Whether longtime contenders can maintain their dominance or underdogs make a surprise push remains to be seen as teams prepare for another grueling campaign.

It’s that time of year again. The end of summer is closing in, marking the start of another NHL season next month. Predictions for many teams began just after free…