The 2025-2026 Western Conference playoffs were full of fresh faces and exciting upsets.
The best teams in the Western Conference have talented and experienced rosters. Fans can expect the 2026-2027 season to bring more competition, exciting games, and a fight for each and every playoff spot.
These four teams are undoubtedly the strongest in the conference, but one of them has the best chance of winning the West.
4. Moves for the Mammoth
The Utah Mammoth had a successful 2025-2026 season, ending in their first-ever playoff appearance. They were eliminated in the first round by the Vegas Golden Knights, who appeared in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Mammoth have a reliable forward group going into next season. Clayton Keller is a key part of Utah’s offense, scoring 26 goals and putting up 88 points last season. Centering Keller is Nick Schmaltz, who had a 74-point season, a career high. Schmaltz scored 33 goals, including nine game winners, and had a +17 rating on the season.
In addition, the Mammoth made some key additions this offseason. Utah acquired Vincent Trochek from the New York Rangers, who had a faceoff win percentage of 56.9 in the 2025-2026 season. In addition to Trochek, the addition of Anders Lee from the New York Islanders adds much-needed experience to the Mammoth forward group.
The Mammoth are in a great spot moving into the 2026-2027 season and will no doubt be one of the better teams in the Western Conference.
3. Scoring on the Stars
The Dallas Stars are coming off a successful 2025-2026 regular season where they finished second in the Western Conference. Despite a first-round exit, the Stars are in a great spot with their current lineup.
The Stars have one of the strongest top-nine forward groups in the league. Starting with center depth, the Stars have 45-goal scorer Wyatt Johnston driving their first line alongside Mikko Rantanen. Moving down, Roope Hintz centers a second line featuring Jason Robertson, who led the Stars in scoring with 96 points and 45 goals. Matt Duchene, who had nine points in six games in the first round, drives their third line.
The Stars also have several experienced defensemen. Esa Lindell finished fifth in the league in blocked shots with 179 in 82 games. Lindell’s defensive role is essential, especially when the Stars are on the penalty kill. Lindell led the league in shorthanded time on ice, alongside Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen, who also finished in the top 10 in shorthanded ice time and ended last season with 63 points.
The Stars are no doubt going to build on last season and have a real chance of winning their division in the 2026-2027 season.
2. Longevity in Las Vegas
The Vegas Golden Knights have the third-oldest average age of any team in the NHL. With this comes a wealth of experience on the roster.
The Knights have a deep forward group with expert playmaking ability. This group is led by Jack Eichel, who finished the season with 90 points, 27 goals and a +23 rating. In the playoffs, Eichel was essential to the Knights’ run to the final with 22 playoff points. Vegas also relies heavily on Mitch Marner during the regular season, who put up 80 points, and captain Mark Stone, who had 73 points in 60 games.
In addition to forward depth, the Knights have strong defensive metrics. Vegas is elite at preventing offensive teams from gaining zone time, spending only 39.3% of their time in the defensive zone, 2.2% lower than the league average. The Golden Knights’ defense is also physical. Vegas laid 1,713 hits and blocked 1,179 shots in the 2025-2026 season.
The Knights are a well-rounded team who are poised to perform well next season. After a Stanley Cup Final appearance, there is a lot to look forward to in Vegas in the 2026-2027 season.
1. Colorado’s Avalanche of Offense
The Colorado Avalanche have a deep roster of talent. The Avalanche have arguably the strongest offense in the league, finishing first in goals-for. This President’s Trophy-winning team is made up of several key players.
One of the most important players on this team is Nathan MacKinnon. MacKinnon is the defending Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner for most goals in the 2025-2026 season. MacKinnon scored 53 goals and put up 127 points. In addition to this incredible goal-scoring, the Avalanche witnessed Martin Nečas‘ first career 100-point season.
The Avalanche is also home to one of the most offensively minded defensemen in the league. Cale Makar ended the season with 20 goals and 79 points. Makar finished second in voting for the James Norris Memorial Trophy for best defenseman. Makar’s partner on defense, Devon Toews, had a plus-37 this season. This team is deep defensively, with players like Sam Malinski (+43) and Brent Burns (+33), who played all 82 games on their second and third pairs.
The Avalanche have one of the strongest, well-rounded rosters in the league. They are the best team in the Western Conference.
2026-2027 Season Projections
These four teams all have the tools necessary to succeed in the coming season, but Colorado is the best prepared. The Avalanche were strong last season and can only be expected to improve.
One thing is certain: the Western Conference will be entertaining all season. Tune in for puck drop on September 29.
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