The last time a team from the Metro (Metropolitan) Division won the Stanley Cup title or the Eastern Conference was in 2018. That was when the Washington Capitals had their run to win it all. It’s been seven seasons since the division has reached the Final, the longest drought of any division in the NHL.
Will the drought continue in 2025-26? Probably. But, let’s look at the teams that can finally break through and win the Eastern Conference. Because it’s the summer, let’s also look at the odds (courtesy of ESPN) for each team to win the conference, and with that in mind, determine if it’s a good bet or not. Let’s start with the team least likely to win the division.
Longest Odds in Metro: Pittsburgh Penguins (+6000)
The Penguins are the only team in this division actively trying to tank. They might trade Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, or both by the time the trade deadline rolls around. It would be a miracle if this rebuilding team were anywhere close to a playoff spot, much less winning the Eastern Conference.
New York Islanders (+4000)
The Islanders having the second-longest odds in the Metro Division is a bit of a surprise considering how well their offseason has gone. They have a new general manager (GM) with Mathieu Darche leading the way, they landed the top pick in the draft and selected Matthew Schaefer, and have a roster good enough to make the playoffs and possibly some noise.
Of the long shots, they are a hot pick. Then again, they are still a long shot. Their ceiling with the Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, and Ilya Sorokin core is making the playoffs but not doing much more. So, they are a good bet with the odds they are getting, and if the young talent is already on their roster and making a big impact, their odds will only increase. However, don’t expect them to be in the contention conversation yet.
Philadelphia Flyers (+3300)
The Flyers had a strong offseason and are one of the sleepers in the Eastern Conference. They are a rebuilding team that made significant strides this summer. With Matvei Michkov only getting better in his second season in the NHL and some prospects poised to make an impact, the Flyers might be in the playoffs by the end of the season. That said, they are at least a season away from contending with the best in the conference, especially after Porter Martone committed to Michigan State, keeping him off the roster until late this season.
Columbus Blue Jackets (+3300)
The Blue Jackets made significant strides last season and were a borderline playoff team, coming just a few points shy of a spot. With Zach Werenski emerging as a game-changing defenseman and a forward unit that’s tough to stop, they look like they can take another step and not only make the playoffs but make noise once they are in.
There are two problems with the Blue Jackets. The first is an underwhelming offseason, which they had. The other is the lack of difference-making talent outside of Werenski, which will keep them from going far in the playoffs. The Blue Jackets have good odds but they aren’t a good bet to win the conference.
New York Rangers (+1600)
Igor Shesterkin is always one of the goaltenders who can take over a series and go on a run. That alone is enough of a reason to buy into the Rangers. The problem is it’s the only saving grace for this team, which otherwise is in dire need of a reset. The forward unit and defense don’t look great heading into the season, and unless Mike Sullivan somehow gets the most out of this group, they’ll miss the playoffs for a second season in a row.
Washington Capitals (+1400)
There’s some surprise to see the Capitals with these odds. They won the division last season and have a similar group that can do it again. It’s why they are one of the good bets, especially since the moves needed to get them over the hump aren’t far-fetched.
The Capitals have a great group in place, one that can lead them back to the playoffs with Alex Ovechkin, Tom Wilson, and Dylan Strome leading the forwards, while Jakob Chychrun leads the defense. The two things missing for them to go on a run are physicality and depth scoring. If they make a move for Casey Cizikas or another bottom-six forward, they can set themselves up to win the Eastern Conference.
New Jersey Devils (+850)
The Devils are one of those teams that impress in the regular season but come up short in the playoffs. With Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier leading the top six, they will always have an exciting forward group and an offense that can run up the score. The problem is, the playoffs are when spaces are tighter and physical play stands out, leaving the Devils with no answers.
To change the conversation, the Devils must make a big move of some kind. They need to add a power forward to the top six to round out the roster for a playoff run. If they can do that, and stay healthy come playoff time, then they’ll be a team to watch. Otherwise, this is a trap bet.
Top odds in Metro: Carolina Hurricanes (+300)
If there’s any team that’s set up to win the Eastern Conference from this division, it’s the Hurricanes. They were in the Eastern Conference Final last season and in 2023, only to lose handily against the Florida Panthers. This offseason, they made some significant upgrades to get over the hump notably by acquiring K’Andre Miller and Nikolaj Ehlers.
The Hurricanes don’t have the best odds (for all you bettors out there). However, they are the team best set up to go on a run. With a forward unit that has Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and Ehlers leading it while the defense is still anchored by Jaccob Slavin, they don’t have a glaring weakness (some might say goaltending although that’s all dependent on whether Rod Brind’Amour finally believes in Pyotr Kotchetkov). The Hurricanes are the team that can and probably should snap the seven season drought that hangs over the Metropolitan Division.
What makes you think that? They haven’t been close for a number of years. Last year, the Montreal Canadiens pushed the 1st place Washington Capitals. I don’t see a marked improvement on the teams in the Metro, compared to the Atlantic. Their point totals are skewed, thanks to beating teams in their own division, who aren’t nearly as competitive as the similar teams in the Atlantic.
It’s not about whether a team from this division will win the Eastern Conference but which teams within this division are the most likely. It’s worth adding that the Hurricanes acquired K’Andre Miller and Nikolaj Ehlers with the hopes of closing the gap on the Panthers, while the Devils added Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov. So, it’s possible one of these teams does win the East
Flyers strong offseason? rofl. They added 2 forwards that COMBINED for just over 60 points and a backup goalie with an .898 sv percentage. Not really anything to move the needle. The flyer on Zegras is understandable in the hopes he regains his form from several years ago but the team is not significantly better than last year.
Just good enough that the Flyers can get the fans to buy tickets and not bad enough to draft the players they really need. The 1C and 1D they need aren’t even in the system.
The reason I’d push back against that is that their talent from within will be better next season. Michkov is already a game-changing forward and is only getting better. The farm system also has a few skaters to watch that can change the dynamics of the NHL team. If Rick Tocchet puts all the pieces together, this team might surprise some people.