2025-26 NHL: Metropolitan Division Preview

As the puck drops on the 2025-26 NHL season, the Metropolitan Division once again shapes up as one of the league’s toughest battlegrounds. With perennial contenders, rising powers, and veteran squads trying to hold off decline, the race promises to be entertaining. The betting markets show a clear pecking order at the top, but the middle tier is crowded enough that surprises are very much in play.

Team-by-team outlook (odds courtesy DraftKings):

Carolina enters as the betting favorite, and for good reason. The Hurricanes remain one of the league’s most disciplined and structured teams under the guidance of head coach Rod Brind'Amour, boasting a balanced forward group, deep defense, and the type of consistency that makes them hard to bet against. Offseason additions, including some extra scoring punch, only strengthen their chances. If their goaltending tandem stays healthy—a recurring concern in recent years—Carolina looks well-positioned to take another division crown and go on a deep playoff run.

Odds to win division: +280

New Jersey’s young core has matured into one of the most dynamic in the NHL. Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Dougie Hamilton headline a roster built for speed and skill. The big question is in net: goaltending struggles have haunted the Devils in the past, and BetMGM’s odds reflect both their upside and their volatility. If the crease holds up and their stars stay healthy, New Jersey has the firepower to push Carolina all season long but this is a team that has fought inconsistency for a number of years. 

The Capitals continue to defy age and regression, a microcosm of face of the franchise Alexander Overchkin, hanging around as a legitimate threat. Their veteran core provides leadership and scoring, and the power play remains a weapon. Washington’s offseason tweaks addressed depth concerns, giving them a more balanced lineup heading into the campaign. The risk, as always, is durability—if injuries pile up for their older stars, they could slide. But if things break right, Washington has enough experience and high-end talent to contend for the top spot.

Odds to win division: +550

Always one of the league's biggest spenders, the Rangers are a bit of a wildcard. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin gives them an edge most nights, and there’s still star power up front with plenty of skill on defense. The issue has been inconsistency: stretches of brilliance followed by puzzling lulls. Secondary scoring and defensive lapses have cost them in big moments. If their younger players take a step forward and the supporting cast delivers, New York has the upside to outplay its odds.

Odds to win division: +3000

The Islanders remain a defensive-minded squad anchored by elite goaltender Ilya Sorokin. After cutting ties with a number of players last season, Noah Dobson was the most recent departure in the Summer. Their structure makes them a tough out, but a lack of scoring depth continues to hold them back. In a division this deep, the margin for error is slim, and the Isles will need breakout performances from their young forwards to surprise. As things stand, they look more like a wild-card hopeful than a true division threat.

Odds to win division: +3000

Columbus once again projects in the lower tier. The Blue Jackets have intriguing young talent, including Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Kirill Marchenko, but they’re still several steps away from contention. Defensive structure and special teams have been major issues, and improvement in those areas will determine whether they climb the standings at all. For now, they remain a perennially-rebuilding club in a difficult division.

Odds to win division: +4000

Philadelphia is firmly in rebuild mode, but optimism is building. Matvei Michkov has injected excitement into the lineup, and the Flyers’ young core is starting to take shape. Still, this season is likely about progress rather than contention. Defensive depth and goaltending remain big question marks, and consistency will be an issue. The Flyers are better positioned for the future than the present, but they could play spoiler throughout the season, especially if some curious offseason acquisitions, including Trevor Zegras, pan out.

Odds to win division: +10000

The Penguins are clinging to their veteran core, but the window looks narrower than ever. Sidney Crosby still sets the tone, but depth has eroded, and the defense can be exposed by quicker Metro rivals. Goaltending will need to be sharp for Pittsburgh to hang around. At these long odds, the market reflects a team that may still compete night-to-night but is unlikely to sustain a division-winning pace across 82 games. A pre-trade deadline fire sale is always an option should things go south.