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Four teams that can challenge Panthers for 2026 Stanley Cup
After a 5-1 Game 6 win in the Stanley Cup Final over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, the Florida Panthers captured back-to-back championships. Gaining the lead just four minutes into the game, center Sam Reinhart netted the opening goal along with three others, and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 28 out of 29 shots.
Now, the focus turns to the 2025-26 season. The NHL Draft and free agency are on the horizon, and teams will look to upgrade to compete with the Panthers. Who can challenge them for the 2026 Stanley Cup? Let's take a look at four teams.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay faced Florida in the first round in a matchup many thought would go seven games. Unfortunately for the Lightning, the Panthers made quick work of their in-state rival, winning in five games.
Despite the loss, Tampa Bay will return almost everyone from its 2024-25 squad that finished seventh overall in the league. That includes 2025 Ted Lindsay and Art Ross winner Nikita Kucherov, 2025 Vezina finalist and former winner Andrei Vasilevskiy, 80-point forwards Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel and Brandon Hagel, and former Norris winner Victor Hedman.
With that roster, they should once again be a top team in the East and should go toe-to-toe with Florida in the Atlantic Division.
Dallas Stars
Dallas made a big splash at the trade deadline, landing superstar winger Mikko Rantanen and signing him to an eight-year contract. Unfortunately for the Stars, they lost to the Oilers in the Western Conference Final, and, following the loss, head coach Peter DeBoer was let go.
That doesn't mean that Dallas can't improve from this past season's results. In addition to Rantanen, they also return starting goaltender Jake Oettinger, top forwards Roope Hintz and Wyatt Johnston and defenseman Miro Heiskanen.
With just under $5 million in cap space, they'll have to do some maneuvering to resign top scorer Matt Duchene and captain Jamie Benn, but if the Stars can get it done, they'll come into 2025-26 with one of the best rosters in the NHL.
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas was a favorite in the West heading into the playoffs, but fizzled out in five games against the Edmonton Oilers in round two. The Pacific division champions should once again be in the running as a Cup favorite, now two years removed from their 2023 championship.
They should return a similar roster to this past season, which includes top 10 point finisher Jack Eichel, captain Mark Stone and defenseman Shea Theodore. Additionally, they're rumored to be a front-runner to sign top free agent forward Mitch Marner, who would boost an offense that already saw top-five numbers.
One snag? The health of top defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. If he is unable to play next season, Vegas' Stanley Cup hopes will take a big hit.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are one of the favorites heading into 2026 and for good reason. Despite trading Rantanen, their roster still includes former Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon, 2025 Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar and captain Gabriel Landeskog, who returned to hockey this postseason after missing three seasons due to injury.
They shored up their center depth, signing trade deadline acquisition Brock Nelson to a three-year deal in June.
Although they do play in the ultra-competitive Central division, with one of the league's best forwards in MacKinnon and a defenseman in Makar, the 2022 Stanley Cup Champions should once again be a threat to win it all.
More must-reads:
- Matthew Tkachuk's message to free-agent teammates won't please Panthers GM
- Brad Marchand directly addresses joining the Maple Leafs on social media
- The 'NFL mascot names' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
How will Sullivan set up the Rangers forward lines?
While a good deal of the Rangers core remains intact, there is a breath of new life surrounding the upcoming season. Looking to reload after a disappointing 2024–25, the Rangers turn to new coach Mike Sullivan to reconstruct the lineup. With a few new faces and a crop of young talent, Sullivan will have some options in his efforts to reinvigorate the team. Let’s take a closer look at some questions that will define the lineup. Who plays 3C? When it comes to the forward group, the biggest question might revolve around Mika Zibanejad. The Rangers tough season shone a particularly harsh light on Zibanejad’s individual totals, a decline that bemoans many Rangers faithful. Between his contract’s cap hits and clauses, getting a bounce back from Zibanejad seems necessary for the best version of this team. How to do so remains more of a mystery, as a growing contingent begins to contemplate a move to the wing. Vincent Trocheck’s strong chemistry with Artemi Panarin takes a top centre spot, as does J.T. Miller. This leaves Zibanejad with an apparent third-line role as a centre, where his production would hardly be optimized. A top-six winger role would seem flashier on paper, but would it make the team better? A look back at Sullivan’s Stanley Cup-winning rosters with the Pittsburgh Penguins reveals a belief in a strong top-nine forward group. Famously, star winger Phil Kessel helped power a dangerous third line. Perhaps this indicates how Sullivan might approach the situation. A strong centre group is always in vogue, and Zibanejad is a clear cut above other possibilities like Juuso Parssinen. Obviously, the decision will not be set in stone, but working out the rest of the forward group hinges on where to play Zibanejad. Outside of Igor Shesterkin’s hold on the crease, this centre group might be one of the defining strengths of the roster. Though none of Miller, Trocheck, or Zibanejad are thought of as Hart Trophy contenders, as a trio, they are impressive. They match up quite favourably against many top teams around the league. Perhaps playing to this roster’s strengths will require a focus on finding the right blend around their centres. Stepping up Thankfully for the Rangers, there are several young wingers pushing for more ice time. During the offseason, optimism is easy to come by, though in truth, younger players do not always trend positively. There are a number of players who might help fill out a top-nine, and wingers are often the least expensive to acquire if help is required in season. Alexis Lafreniere stalled last season after it seemed he had truly arrived in the 2023–24 playoffs. The Rangers owe it to themselves to move him into a top power play role, which will improve his baseline production rates and build confidence. The Rangers power play was well below league average last season, so clearly a jolt is needed. There are concerns, as last season saw a huge decline in his shot totals, to 153 from 217 the season prior. A spot alongside Miller might seem logical, giving the duo a chance to push Panarin and Trocheck in effectiveness. Meanwhile, Will Cuylle has become one of the Rangers best wingers, often sporting strong possession stats. Cuylle does a lot of hard work and finds shots from the net front. He will be a great help to whichever line he finds himself on, and could help highly skilled linemates convert their skills into offence. On merit, Cuylle deserves a chance in the top six, though he might be able to create a powerful tandem on the third line. In a copycat league, the cats are the meow of the moment, as the Florida Panthers use three separate forward duos to fill out their lineup. Line one has Sasha Barkov and Sam Reinhart, line two has Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk, leaving Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen on line three. The Panthers rotate wingers in and out of each spot among these duos. The Rangers are able to throw together a reasonable comparable with Miller and Lafreniere on line one, Trocheck and Panarin on line two, and Cuylle and Zibanejad on line three. While Cuylle and Zibanejad are both worthy of spots in the top-six, a more well-rounded lineup is often more stout in the playoffs. Filling in It is fair to say that the top of the forward lineup presents these strengths, but the bottom of the Rangers roster will need to pull its weight to pay off the strategy. In this case, the Rangers would need players to step up into elevated roster positions. These players might be burdened with certain responsibilities to make space for their more skilled linemates. Brennan Othmann is particularly interesting here. The former first-round pick seems poised to become a full time NHLer, and has the tools to be a very functional player. His forechecking abilities will be a welcome addition to most lines. Brett Berard is smaller, but can bring similar elements. Both have some offensive qualities, but their path to more ice time lies in intensity and legwork. Taylor Raddysh brings some offence, but could be overtaken by rookie Gabe Perreault. Perreault is a huge x-factor for the Rangers, as he could add talent to the top six. At the same time, he likely needs an important offensive usage to be at his best, and the bar is high. Raddysh might be able to buy Perreault some time if he is not yet ready for an important role on a playoff hopeful. Juuso Parssinen and David Edstrom are entering their mid-20s, and both might be able to step into bigger roles with the team this season. Their spots in the roster are far from guaranteed, and their upside is seen as more limited. Still, Parssinen and Edstrom could provide a great deal of support if they are able to take a step over the summer. There will be competition from veterans like Sam Carrick and Jonny Brodzinski. Mock lines Let’s put all this together to make some potential forward lineups for next season. Naturally, there will be adjustments throughout the season as the power vacuum of a new coach unfolds. Loading up the top six Panarin—Trocheck—Zibanejad Cuylle—Miller—Lafreniere Othmann—Parssinen—Raddysh Edstrom—Brodzinski—Berard Zibanejad is insulated by high quality linemates, helping him rediscover higher offensive totals. Lafreniere gets a new place in the top-six, provided with a good deal of grit and skill. This should help Lafreniere play a more skilled game. Othmann and Parssinen might form a reasonable checking duo, given Raddysh here for some offensive credibility. The Rangers would have to lean heavily on their top players for this to work, as their bottom-six might be overmatched on a regular basis. If the bench is shortened while the team is trailing, it might make sense to load up in a similar fashion. This setup shields Perreault from being thrown into the lineup before his time. Three lines Perreault—Miller—Lafreniere Panarin—Trocheck—Othmann Cuylle—Zibanejad—Berard Edstrom—Parssinen—Raddysh Meanwhile, a reliance on rookies and going with Zibanejad at centre offers a much deeper look. There is no guarantee the ruling players can live up to such lofty roles, but at least they would have the support of stronger linemates. Perreault is given a good dose of skill and size to work with, while still having elite offensive talent on his line. Othmann can do a lot of important dirty work for Panarin and Trocheck, a jolt of youthful energy. Zibanejad and Cuylle can form a strong duo on both sides of the puck, and Berard given a chance to join in without much stress on his size. Even the fourth line looks strong here, showing how much of an impact growth for Perreault, Othmann, and Berard can have.
New Jersey Devils in Talks to Trade Two Expensive Players With Luke Hughes Contract on the Horizon
Three potential landing spots for disgruntled Bills RB James Cook
Superstar pass-rusher Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys aren't the only ones involved in a contract dispute. Buffalo Bills star running back James Cook is seeking a pay raise as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract. When asked Sunday why he wasn't practicing, Cook responded: "Business." ESPN insider Adam Schefter noted on Monday the hold-in by Cook, the 2022 second-round pick (63rd overall) who is unhappy with his contract situation. For now, Cook's future with the Bills is in question, so let's look at three teams that should be lighting up general manager Brandon Beane's phone in an attempt to pry him from Buffalo. Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles must continue to add weapons around second-year QB Caleb Williams. Per NFL.com, Chicago ranked 25th in the league in rushing yards (102 per game) and 29th in yards per carry (four) last season, which is not good enough to support a young QB. RB D'Andre Swift (253 carries, 959 yards rushing, 3.8 yards per carry) is a solid option but was inefficient last season in the workhorse role. Cook, who rushed for 1,009 yards last season (4.9 per carry), is an efficient runner who could balance this offense. Chicago has the draft capital and salary-cap space (roughly $13M, per Over The Cap) to get a deal done, particularly if it were to send Swift back the other way. Arizona Cardinals Their offense could reach new heights with a dynamic running back like Cook. James Conner, who rushed for a career-high 1,094 yards last season, has been a solid lead runner in Arizona over the past four years, but the 30-year-old could use help. Conner is a power back. Speedster Cook would bring a different style and create an explosive one-two punch with QB Kyler Murray. Per Over The Cap, Arizona has roughly $35M in cap space and all its own draft picks to get a deal done. It's a move it must consider to compete in the loaded NFC West. Minnesota Vikings What better way is there to aid rookie QB J.J. McCarthy than by trading for a high-end running back? Minnesota has perhaps the best receiving groups in the NFL, so improving the run game could make this offense unstoppable. Running back Aaron Jones will turn 31 on Dec. 2, so Cook — who will turn 26 on Sept. 25 — would be an upgrade. Free-agent RB Dalvin Cook, who has a similar running style to James, his brother, rushed for 1,173 yards with the Vikings in 2022. The Vikings have draft picks to make a solid offer, and while their cap space will get tight in 2026, they can find ways to wiggle their way around it. Perhaps Buffalo would be interested in Jones being a part of the deal to help its backfield in the short term.
Surprising Marlins earn MLB first in sweep of Yankees
The Miami Marlins achieved a franchise first on Sunday. In doing so, they carved out an interesting place in MLB history. With a 7-3 victory over the Yankees, the Marlins swept New York for the first time in a series of three or more games. In doing so, the Marlins became the only team to have a winning record, including the postseason, against the Yankees. The Yankees now have a 22-21 record against the Marlins in the regular season. However, the Marlins won the 2003 World Series against the Yankees in six games, giving the Fish a 25-24 record all-time. The Marlins' victory on Sunday meant more than a unique place in baseball history. That victory evened the Marlins' record at 55-55, the first time they have been at .500 or better since April 15 (8-8). The Marlins are 30-14 in their last 44 games, tying the 2003 championship team for the best stretch (last done from June 18-Aug. 9) in franchise history. The Marlins defied expectations at the trade deadline, holding on to pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera. Their only trade involved sending outfielder Jesus Sanchez to Houston, acquiring pitcher Ryan Gusto and a pair of prospects. Expectations were that the Marlins were simply waiting for the offseason to trade those pitchers, as there may be a larger market. Instead, the generally inexperienced Marlins roster is growing and improving by the day. They have clawed back from a 24-40 start to the season to pull themselves into the NL wild-card conversation. Although a lot would need to go right for the Marlins to reach the playoffs this season, they could be a dangerous team over the rest of the season and beyond. The Yankees found that out the hard way.
Zero RB Strategy Explained: Top Fantasy Football Targets for 2025
If you’ve participated in fantasy football for a few years, chances are you’ve heard discussions about “Zero RB.” But what does the zero running back strategy actually mean, and how might it benefit fantasy managers on draft day? The following is a comprehensive look at the Zero RB approach, as well as players suited to this draft philosophy whom you can consider targeting for the upcoming season. Don't forget to sign up for your fantasy football league on Yahoo Sports! What is Zero RB Strategy? Although its name suggests otherwise, the Zero RB strategy doesn’t require fantasy football managers to entirely disregard the running back position during drafts or leave those roster spots empty. Typically, the Zero RB approach involves focusing on other positions in the early rounds, building a strong group of wide receivers and locking in top options at quarterback and/or tight end. While opinions differ on the exact round where Zero RB draws the line, the strategy generally means waiting until at least the fifth round or beyond to select your first running back. Running back is one of the most unpredictable positions throughout the season, largely due to injuries. Backup players often step into starting roles and deliver significant fantasy production, no matter their perceived talent. By spending minimal draft capital on premium running backs and instead targeting late-round options with breakout potential, the Zero RB strategy aims to capitalize on this volatility. Use promo code YARD20 for $20 off your FantasyLabs fantasy football subscription! Pros of Zero RB Strategy There are several appealing advantages to the Zero RB strategy, making it especially popular among bold fantasy football drafters. One clear benefit is the opportunity to build greater strength at other positions when running backs are bypassed early. This approach lets fantasy managers more easily prioritize the single starting spots at quarterback and tight end. Instead of struggling to fit high-upside players like Brock Bowers in the second round or elite quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, or Jalen Hurts into your early draft plan, the Zero RB method actually encourages you to target these difference-makers. The positional edge provided by top quarterbacks and tight ends is tempting, but many fantasy players hesitate to spend early draft capital on them. Zero RB, however, expands your flexibility and allows you to load up on these potential game-changers. Injuries are another key factor in favor of this strategy. Running backs are more prone to injuries than most other positions. Every season, several first-round backs land on injured reserve, sinking their fantasy managers’ title hopes along the way. Even elite talents like Christian McCaffrey have endured significant mid-season injuries in multiple years. Zero RB aims to avoid the risk of early picks being wasted on running backs and instead focuses on investing in positions with fewer injury risks. The strategy also aims to take advantage of the inherent volatility at running back—when injuries happen, backups often step into sizable workloads, which rarely occurs at wide receiver. Late-round backs can produce major fantasy value, and with enough lottery ticket picks, you could land on a league-winning player at a bargain. For example, last year Chase Brown emerged from a crowded backfield in Cincinnati to deliver a top-10 PPR season. Of course, there are drawbacks. For starters, you’ll need those late-round running backs to outperform expectations to have a real shot at a fantasy championship. Relying on backups and timeshare players fills your bench with potential options—or weekly headaches as you try to decide who to start. Often, a Zero RB draft means your week one running backs look weak on paper. That’s part of the plan: you hope your other positions are stacked and that, as injuries strike, you’ll be able to improve your running back situation. The greatest risk may come if your top quarterback or tight end suffers a major injury. Since Zero RB teams use early picks to secure stars at these positions rather than focusing on depth, losing one can be devastating—especially if your late-round running backs can’t pick up the slack. With this approach, your path to victory relies on both health for your top picks and luck in finding running back breakouts as the season unfolds. Dominate your Best Ball and season-long fantasy football leagues with FantasyLabs’ brand-new app that's available in the Apple App Store and on Android! Cons of Zero RB Strategy For a strict Zero RB approach, many fantasy managers recommend holding off until at least the fifth round before selecting your first running back. Of course, there isn’t a fantasy football overlord who will punish you for choosing someone like Kenneth Walker III in the third or fourth round. Ultimately, the smartest draft strategy is to capitalize on whatever value is available during your draft. If an outstanding running back falls into the early rounds, it’s perfectly reasonable to abandon the Zero RB philosophy. However, for those committed to following the strategy no matter what, the usual guidance is to build out your starting wide receivers, quarterback, and tight end before targeting a running back. Top Zero RB Targets in 2025 By the fifth or sixth round, there are still several starting running backs on the board who can offer steady production, even if they aren’t likely to deliver elite numbers. Here are some mid-round options to consider as potential RB1s when using a Zero RB strategy: Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs Returning from an injury-filled 2024, Isiah Pacheco enters this season healthy and looks significantly undervalued as a sixth-round pick in fantasy drafts, considering the upside he’s shown during his career. After being chosen in the seventh round of the NFL draft, Pacheco finished 15th in PPR scoring in 2023 and appeared poised for a breakout campaign last year before injuries struck. He’s in a strong position to outpace backfield competitors Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie running backs are appealing Zero RB selections in the mid-rounds thanks to their potential for a wide variety of outcomes. Former Iowa back Kaleb Johnson is expected to step right into the early-down role left open by Najee Harris and has a chance to challenge Jaylen Warren for more involvement in the passing game. Best Ball rankings from some of the top industry experts are also available on FantasyLabs. Late Round RB Targets in 2025 Keep in mind, the objective is to fill your bench with high-upside running backs in the later rounds of the draft. Here are several late-round fliers who could develop into weekly RB1 options as the season progresses: Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants Yet another rookie back with significant upside, Cam Skattebo has earned rave reviews out of Giants training camp. The Arizona State alum was known for his ability to punch in touchdowns near the goal line in college and seems likely to step into valuable scoring situations right away. If Skattebo can also contribute as a receiver, he has the potential to be an outstanding late-round find. While Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary have both shown flashes during their careers, neither should deter fantasy managers from taking a chance on Skattebo. Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings Jordan Mason, once a backup for the 49ers, could see improved touches now that he’s with Minnesota. While Aaron Jones currently leads the Vikings’ backfield, Mason stands to claim a larger role, especially with Jones Sr. now 30 years old. Minnesota bolstered their offensive line in the offseason and is expected to rely more on the ground game as rookie J.J. McCarthy steps in as starting quarterback. Should Jones miss time, Mason would have the chance to break out as a top fantasy running back.
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