As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, pressure mounts for numerous players across the league. While every athlete faces scrutiny, certain individuals stand out due to heightened expectations, contract implications, or legacy considerations. Here are the twenty NHL players under the most pressure heading into the upcoming season.
Connor McDavid: The Quest for the Cup
At just under 30 years old, Connor McDavid is already regarded as one of the finest players in NHL history. He has led the Edmonton Oilers to two finals, but without a Stanley Cup victory, he risks being remembered as the best player to never win the championship. The urgency for McDavid to secure a title only intensifies as his window of opportunity narrows.
Stuart Skinner: The Goaltending Challenge
In a similar vein, Stuart Skinner carries substantial pressure as the Oilers’ goaltender. With the franchise seeking its first championship in years, Skinner’s performance will be under the spotlight. A lack of consistent goaltending has plagued the Oilers, and fans will likely hold Skinner accountable if their playoff aspirations falter again.
Mitch Marner: Living Up to the Expectations
After signing an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, Mitch Marner faces unique challenges. Leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team desperate for a championship, for a franchise that already boasts a Cup puts added pressure on Marner to deliver. The scrutiny from Leafs fans will follow him from afar.
Matthew Knies: The New Hope
With Marner’s departure, Matthew Knies is expected to fill a significant void for Toronto. As a promising young player, Knies must elevate his game to match Marner’s production. Coming off a season with 29 goals and 29 assists, expectations will be high for the 22-year-old as he steps into a crucial role.
Connor Hellebuyck: Playoff Performance Under Fire
Renowned as one of the best American goaltenders, Connor Hellebuyck is now scrutinized for his playoff performances. Despite winning three Vezina Trophies and the Hart Trophy, his postseason statistics have raised doubts. With a GAA above 3.00 in the last three playoffs, Hellebuyck must improve to solidify his legacy.
Dylan Strome: Supporting Ovechkin’s Final Push
With the Washington Capitals in a transitional phase, Dylan Strome holds critical responsibilities as the number one center. Tasked with setting up Alex Ovechkin for potential championship runs, Strome must demonstrate his ability to lead the team back to postseason success.
Martin Necas: Filling the Rantanen Void
Transitioning to the Carolina Hurricanes, Martin Necas faces pressure as he steps into a role once occupied by Mikko Rantanen. After three consecutive 20-goal seasons, Necas must prove himself capable of being a consistent scoring threat to ease concerns about his replacement capabilities.
Steven Stamkos: Proving Worth to Nashville
Having joined the Nashville Predators in his age-34 season, Steven Stamkos must show that he can still perform at a high level. The Predators made a significant investment in the veteran, and his performance this season will determine if they made a wise choice.
Charlie McAvoy: The Bruins’ Backbone
As the Boston Bruins shift from a championship contender to a rebuilding team, Charlie McAvoy faces expectations as a leader on defense. He must prove himself as a top defenseman and potentially the new captain, as the franchise looks to regain its competitive edge.
Dylan Larkin: Breaking the Drought
Captain of the Detroit Red Wings, Dylan Larkin is under pressure to end a nine-season playoff drought. With a storied history of success, the franchise’s recent struggles weigh heavily on Larkin, who will be scrutinized if the team fails to return to the postseason.
Owen Power: Justifying the First Overall Pick
As part of the Buffalo Sabres, Owen Power faces immense pressure to justify being the first overall pick. With the team seeking to end a fourteen-season playoff drought, Power must elevate his performance to avoid being seen as a disappointment.
Sam Montembeault: The Goaltending Solution
After a surprising playoff appearance, the Montreal Canadiens will rely on Sam Montembeault to provide reliable goaltending. With a career save percentage below .900, Montembeault must improve his game to help the team compete for a championship.
Jack Hughes: Health is Key
The New Jersey Devils require Jack Hughes to stay healthy if they hope to make a playoff run. Having missed significant time in previous seasons, Hughes’ ability to play a full season will be critical for the team’s success.
Elias Pettersson: Delivering After a Tough Season
After a disappointing season, Elias Pettersson must regain his form as the centerpiece of the Vancouver Canucks. With significant expectations on his shoulders, he needs to prove himself worthy of being a franchise player.
Adam Fox: Defensive Expectations
As a previous Norris Trophy winner, Adam Fox must continue to deliver for the New York Rangers. While he excels offensively, questions about his defensive capabilities will linger unless he helps propel the team to postseason success.
Connor Bedard: The Weight of Expectations
Despite Connor Bedard‘s promising performances, he faces high expectations as the cornerstone of the Chicago Blackhawks. Following a solid season, he must continue to develop and avoid comparisons to other recent first-overall picks.
Matty Beniers: Leading the Kraken to Success
As a previous Calder Trophy winner, Matty Beniers carries the burden of leading the Seattle Kraken to the playoffs. Expectations for his performance are high as the team looks to solidify its place among contenders in the league.
Trevor Zegras: Proving His Worth
Finally, Trevor Zegras, now with the Philadelphia Flyers, faces pressure to prove that he can deliver on his potential. After mixed reviews in his previous seasons, Zegras must show improvement to solidify his standing in the league.
As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, these players will be under intense scrutiny as they attempt to meet the high expectations set before them. Whether through individual accomplishments or team success, their performances will be pivotal in shaping their careers and the future of their franchises.
