NHL Urgency Index: Who Needs to Win the Stanley Cup Now?

1. Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers` chances of winning the Cup have decreased recently, affecting their contender rating. However, they still rank high on the Urgency Index. They have the oldest playoff roster, aiming for the first titles for star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in a passionate hockey market. The team hasn`t won a Cup since 1990 and is coming off a Game 7 Finals loss last season.

With contract extensions needed for McDavid and Evan Bouchard, Edmonton exemplifies a franchise in its prime. If they don`t win this season, the question is when will they?

Playoff outlook: Edmonton is likely to face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, a team they`ve beaten in the past three seasons.

However, injuries to McDavid and Draisaitl, and a lower win percentage against top teams (46.2%), present challenges. Another season ending without a Cup for McDavid would be disappointing.

2. Dallas Stars (tie)

The Stars are on this list due to a significant trade for Mikko Rantanen and their consistent playoff appearances without reaching the Finals since 2020. Despite playoff success with 45 wins between 2019 and 2024, they lack a championship.

Being a young team (12th youngest in the league), they have a promising future with players like Jake Oettinger and Jason Robertson. However, new contracts are needed for Robertson and Thomas Harley after 2025-26, and Jamie Benn`s contract is up this summer. After two conference finals losses, this might be their best chance for the Cup.

Playoff outlook: Dallas is competing with Winnipeg for the top spot in the Central Division and the Western Conference, which would determine their first-round opponent. Facing a wild-card team would be easier than facing Colorado in Round 1.

While metrics favor Dallas over Colorado, the possibility of an early exit increases the pressure.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs (tie)

Pressure to win is constant for the Leafs, who haven`t had a championship parade since 1967. Toronto`s market size and passionate fanbase make them top-ranked in `Cup drought` and `market pressure`.

Mitigating factors include a relatively young team with future opportunities and fans` tempered expectations due to past disappointments. However, Mitch Marner`s contract situation adds to the urgency to win now.

Playoff outlook: As the likely No. 2 seed in the East, Toronto may face the Ottawa Senators in the first round. Improved balance between offense and defense might improve their postseason chances.

However, the Leafs are always fighting against a history of disappointment.

4. Winnipeg Jets

Winnipeg has a strong chance to win the Cup this season. Despite questions about deep playoff runs, the Jets are well-positioned with the league`s top SRS, driven by goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

Their Cup drought calculation includes the Atlanta Thrashers history. Winnipeg`s market size is small, but fan support is significant, especially for a Canadian Cup win.

Playoff outlook: If they remain atop the Central, they will likely face Minnesota in Round 1, a favorable matchup. However, the Western Conference is tough.

Unlike Edmonton, the Jets have a high win percentage against strong opponents (73.8%).

5. Los Angeles Kings

The Kings face urgency due to repeated playoff losses to the Oilers. Can they finally overcome Edmonton in the 2025 playoffs?

Beyond this, uncertainty around the core, including Anze Kopitar`s era, and playing in a large market add pressure. Their recent resurgence needs to translate into playoff success.

Playoff outlook: The Kings` main challenge is beating Edmonton. Their strong defense is hindered by weaker offense (18th in goals per game). However, Warren Foegele`s 20-goal season could help.

The Kings enter the playoffs in better form than last year, offering hope for a breakthrough against Edmonton.

6. Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina, like Dallas, is a talented team seeking a Cup breakthrough. Despite similarities to Dallas, their urgency index is lower. They are strong contenders with playoff frustrations, having the second-most playoff wins (38) from 2018-19 to 2023-24 without a Finals appearance. Their roster is also older, ranking 7th in the league.

Raleigh`s smaller market reduces pressure, and smart management has secured key players like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov long-term, reducing contract urgency.

Playoff outlook: Carolina will face the New Jersey Devils in Round 1, a team with injuries but a strong defense. The Hurricanes are favored to advance, possibly facing Washington in Round 2. Another conference finals trip is likely, increasing the urgency.

7. Tampa Bay Lightning (tie)

The Lightning`s high ranking is partly due to being the fourth-oldest team. Despite adding players since their three straight Cup Finals appearances (2020-22), their core remains from those years.

Tampa Bay relies heavily on Andrei Vasilevskiy, Nikita Kucherov, and others from their dynasty era. This reliance creates urgency to win while this core group is still performing at their peak.

Playoff outlook: A likely Battle of Florida against the Panthers is anticipated. Despite Florida being the defending champion, Tampa Bay has better goal differential and health as playoffs approach.

Unless Florida`s key players return strong, Tampa Bay`s early playoff outlook is positive.

7. Minnesota Wild (tie)

The Wild are not typically seen as top contenders, but they face significant pressure. Despite a low chance of reaching the Final, they score high in other urgency categories. They are the league`s 8th oldest team and need to address contracts for key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Marco Rossi.

There`s growing pressure in Minnesota, a hockey-loving state, for playoff success. In 23 seasons, they`ve won only four playoff series, half in 2003. Success is overdue.

Playoff outlook: Playoff success in 2025 is unlikely. Expected to be a wild-card team, they will likely face either the Jets or Stars in Round 1 as underdogs. Kirill Kaprizov`s injury adds uncertainty.

Expectations are low for a deep run, but the need to win a playoff series is increasingly urgent.