The quest for the Stanley Cup begins this Saturday as 16 teams compete for the most coveted trophy in hockey.
The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff bracket is set, and numerous top-tier teams are vying for the championship this year. The NHL postseason is renowned for its thrilling drama, and this year promises to deliver once again. Expect exceptional talent to be showcased over the coming weeks. Here`s a look at a key player from each of the 16 playoff teams.
Nikita Kucherov | RW | Tampa Bay Lightning
Nikita Kucherov stands out as one of the NHL`s premier offensive playmakers, a fact underscored by his regular season performance. For the second straight year, Kucherov has earned the Art Ross Trophy as the league`s leading scorer, marking his third points title in the last seven seasons. He concluded the season with an impressive 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists) in 77 games. Beyond the numbers, Kucherov`s open-ice prowess is truly remarkable. His combination of a powerful shot and exceptional vision allows him to consistently set up his teammates. Kucherov will be pivotal to the Lightning`s success as they aim for another Stanley Cup.
Auston Matthews | C | Toronto Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews is arguably the most naturally gifted goal scorer in hockey today. The Maple Leafs` standout recently achieved the 400-goal milestone in just nine professional seasons. Despite a regular season tally of 32 goals, which was impacted by injury-related absences, Matthews remains a dominant force capable of scoring from anywhere on the ice. The Maple Leafs` history includes first-round exits in six of the past seven seasons and a Stanley Cup drought stretching back to 1967. For Toronto to break this pattern, Matthews must lead the charge.
Brad Marchand | RW | Florida Panthers
The Panthers are aiming for consecutive Stanley Cups, a challenging feat. The injury to star winger Matthew Tkachuk in February created a need, leading to the acquisition of veteran Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline. Marchand`s role becomes even more critical if Tkachuk`s absence extends into the playoffs. While Tkachuk`s offensive contributions are missed, his physicality and ability to disrupt opponents might be an even bigger loss. Marchand brings that element, along with consistent scoring ability. His extensive postseason experience is a valuable asset for Florida.
Alex Ovechkin | LW | Washington Capitals
This season has been momentous for Alex Ovechkin. He etched his name in history as the NHL`s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Wayne Gretzky with his 895th goal earlier this month. Even at 39, Ovechkin remains a potent offensive force, boasting one of the league`s most lethal one-timers and the capacity to lead Washington on a deep playoff run. The Capitals were contenders for the Presidents` Trophy and topped the Eastern Conference in the regular season. If Ovechkin can replicate his regular-season form in the playoffs, he will be a must-watch player.
Sebastian Aho | C | Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes possess a strong forward group, although the trade of Mikko Rantanen was a setback. Consequently, their top forwards, led by Sebastian Aho, must elevate their play for postseason success. Aho`s exceptional shot and ability to operate in the slot make him a constant threat. He also serves as Carolina`s primary playmaker, leading the team with 45 assists this season. If Aho can control the offensive zone, the Hurricanes have the potential to make a significant impact in the Eastern Conference.
Jacob Markstrom | G | New Jersey Devils
The Devils faced a major setback with the loss of star forward Jack Hughes for the season. Hughes is their most dynamic offensive player, creating a significant void. For the Devils to achieve playoff success, goaltender Jacob Markstrom will need to deliver exceptional performances. New Jersey`s long search for a franchise goalie ended with the acquisition of Markstrom. His solid regular season, marked by a 2.50 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage, may need to be surpassed with extraordinary play to sustain New Jersey`s playoff aspirations.
Brady Tkachuk | LW | Ottawa Senators
Even if Matthew Tkachuk is sidelined for the Panthers, a Tkachuk will still be prominent in the playoffs. Senators star Brady Tkachuk, despite a late-season upper-body injury, returned for Ottawa`s final regular-season game. Similar to his brother Matthew, Brady blends agitation with high-level scoring ability, demonstrated at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Tkachuk excels in high-traffic areas and can score quickly. He leads a strong top-six forward group and aims to make a mark in his first playoff experience.
Lane Hutson | D | Montreal Canadiens
Before the season, Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov were considered the frontrunners for the Calder Trophy. However, Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson has emerged as a standout rookie, particularly as a facilitator on Montreal`s defense. Hutson finished the regular season tied for second among NHL defensemen with 60 assists. He is an exceptional puck-moving defenseman with speed and vision. Defensively, Hutson is also strong, with 123 blocked shots and disciplined play, accumulating only 34 penalty minutes. The Canadiens` young star will be crucial to their playoff journey against the Capitals.
Connor Hellebuyck | G | Winnipeg Jets
While avoiding the most obvious choice, the Jets` Stanley Cup hopes undeniably rest on Connor Hellebuyck. Considered the league`s best goalie, Hellebuyck seeks redemption after a poor 2024 playoff performance. Against the Avalanche last year, he allowed 7.10 goals above average and had a .865 save percentage, according to Natural Stat Trick. After one of his worst playoff showings, he rebounded with an exceptional regular season. His postseason performance will determine the Jets` fate.
Jack Eichel | C | Vegas Golden Knights
Jack Eichel`s impact on the Golden Knights is undeniable. He performed at a superstar level throughout the season and is a key reason Vegas is a Stanley Cup favorite. Eichel led Vegas to a Cup in 2023 and may have elevated his play even further in 2024-25, setting career highs in assists (66) and points (94). At five-on-five with Eichel on the ice, Vegas has a 52.9% expected goals share and a plus-27 goal differential (Natural Stat Trick). Continued dominance could lead to another Cup for Eichel and Vegas.
Thomas Harley | D | Dallas Stars
The Stars` forwards are rightly praised, but their defensive performance is crucial. Since Miro Heiskanen`s knee surgery in January, Dallas`s defense has struggled. While Heiskanen might return later in the Avalanche series, the Stars must rely on young Thomas Harley. The 23-year-old set offensive career highs and was the only defenseman besides Heiskanen with strong five-on-five impact. Harley`s ability to handle the pressure of a No. 1 defenseman in the playoffs will be tested.
Cale Makar | D | Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche boast numerous players to watch, but Cale Makar could be the most impactful star in the entire postseason. Makar is coming off an outstanding regular season, particularly offensively. He became the first defenseman to score 30 goals since 2009 and nearly reached 100 points. Makar`s ability to drive play from the blue line is rare and makes him an electrifying player.
Darcy Kuemper | G | Los Angeles Kings
The trade that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to Washington and brought Darcy Kuemper to Los Angeles appeared risky for both teams. However, both teams benefited, with the Kings receiving excellent goaltending from Kuemper. His 26.9 goals saved above average ranks third in the league (Natural Stat Trick). To overcome their playoff rivals, the Kings will need Kuemper to make crucial saves in critical moments.
Leon Draisaitl | C | Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid leads Edmonton, but Leon Draisaitl is a vital co-star and a Hart Trophy contender. Draisaitl won the Maurice `Rocket` Richard Trophy with 52 goals, and his offense is essential due to underperforming depth scoring additions. Fortunately for the Oilers, Draisaitl elevates his game in the postseason, with 41 goals in 74 playoff games. Edmonton needs him to maintain this pace to reach the Final again.
Kirill Kaprizov | LW | Minnesota Wild
The Wild face a tough matchup against the Golden Knights, particularly offensively. Kirill Kaprizov, the Wild`s most dynamic offensive threat, might be the key to leveling the playing field. Injuries hampered Kaprizov in the regular season, but at his best, he can change games. In 2023-24, he scored 46 goals and 96 points. For the Wild to pull off an upset, Kaprizov must break through Vegas`s strong defense.
Jake Neighbours | LW | St. Louis Blues
With Dylan Holloway injured, young forward Jake Neighbours needs to step up for the Blues. Neighbours tallied 22 goals and 46 points this season. St. Louis needs offensive contributions against Connor Hellebuyck, and Neighbours will have a larger role with Holloway out. His ability to contribute alongside Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou could be crucial in a potentially low-scoring series.
Elton Marrow