Is the NHL More Competitive Than Ever? | 2025 Stanley Cup Contenders & Fading Powerhouses

Is the NHL better than ever or just filled with parity and mediocrity? Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) break down Pierre LeBrun’s latest column on the state of the league, debating which teams are true Stanley Cup contenders in 2025 and which ones are already past their peak. In this episode, the guys examine the five to seven real contenders across the NHL this season and question whether powerhouse teams like the Oilers, Lightning, and Avalanche are nearing the end of their competitive windows. They also explore why emerging teams such as Utah, Montreal, and New Jersey are poised to take over the league and what truly separates contenders from mere competitors in today’s NHL. From front-office strategy and goaltending depth to roster construction and timing, Nick and Hunter dig into what it really takes to build — and sustain — a Stanley Cup-caliber team.

2:25 Five to seven true contenders debate

7:49 NHL playoff format is terrible

10:30 Window of contention reality check

14:47 Franchise players are the foundation

18:34 GMs balancing self-interest versus team success

21:39 Buffalo, Ottawa, Anaheim struggling to progress

26:09 Montreal, New Jersey, Utah breaking through

29:49 Rebuilds shouldn't take eight years

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