Stanley Cup: My picks for the Playoffs in the Western Conference
Updated July 9, 2026
The 2025-26 Western Conference regular season was defined by the dominance of the Colorado Avalanche, who secured the Presidents' Trophy. However, the West remains a gauntlet featuring a revitalized Anaheim squad and the playoff debut of the Utah Mammoth. With Connor McDavid fresh off another Art Ross Trophy win and Vegas holding the Pacific’s top seed, the path to the Cup is as treacherous as ever.
Follow our daily NHL picks at ATS.io
Odds estimated based on current market projections.
The Presidents' Trophy winners are the heavy favorites. After a massive roster overhaul that brought in veterans like Brent Burns and Brock Nelson, plus a 100-point season from Martin Nečas, the Avs are deeper than their 2022 championship squad. Nathan MacKinnon remains the engine, and the defensive pair of Makar and Toews is still the league’s gold standard.
Coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, the Oilers are desperate to finally get over the hump. Connor McDavid just claimed another Art Ross, and Leon Draisaitl remains a playoff monster. The question remains: can Connor Ingram provide the elite goaltending needed to survive four rounds?
The Golden Knights reclaimed the Pacific Division throne this year. They continue to be the masters of the salary cap, entering the playoffs with a fully healthy (and massive) defensive corps. Their "heavy" style of play is built specifically to wear down teams like Colorado and Edmonton over a seven-game series.
This is a mismatch on paper. Colorado is the highest-scoring team in the league, while the Kings have struggled with consistency all year, barely squeaking into the second Wild Card spot.
A classic Central Division grudge match. Dallas remains a balanced threat, but Minnesota has become one of the league’s toughest teams to play against under their current system.
The first-ever playoff series for the Utah Mammoth. Salt Lake City will be electric, but they are facing a Vegas team that knows exactly how to win in the playoffs.
The Ducks are back in the dance with a core of young stars that have finally matured. However, facing McDavid (and possibly Draisaitl) in the first round is a "welcome to the big leagues" moment for Anaheim’s youth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDKvgrw2l0U
Check out our video breakdown of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs
The Wild have been the most improved team in the second half of the season. They have the goaltending to steal a series and a defensive structure that can frustrate even the most high-powered offenses. If they can get past Dallas, they have the physical profile to give Colorado trouble in the second round.
It is hard to bet against the Presidents' Trophy winners when they are this deep. The additions of Martin Nečas and Brock Nelson have fixed the second-line scoring issues that plagued them in previous years. While the goaltending tandem of Wedgewood and Blackwood is unproven in a deep run, the sheer volume of talent in front of them should be enough to secure a return to the Finals.
Western Conference Winner: Colorado Avalanche
Or will we be talking about the President's Trophy Curse in a few days?
Read my predictions for the Eastern Conference where I predict a few upsets.
