The National Hockey League (NHL) Preseason recently wrapped up on October 4, 2025. While some results seemed typical with well-accomplished teams and star players performing well, a few underdogs found their game.

The Detroit Red Wings ended the preseason as the top team in goals, assists, and points. Detroit rookie, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, was tied for 1st in goals and points for preseason players. Other teams including the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Washington Capitals, and the Colorado Avalanche also held top spots in preseason team leaders.

Besides Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, notable players from the offseason include Tage Thompson, a center for the Buffalo Sabres, Jakub Dobes, a goaltender from the Montreal Canadiens, and Devon Levi, a goaltender from the Buffalo Sabres. Thompson was tied with Brandsegg-Nygard for first in points and assists with each player racking up 4 goals and 7 assists during the preseason. Dobes and Levi tied for first in goals against average and save percentage for goaltenders with both players having 0 goals against average and a 1.00 save percentage.

It was expected that teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Washington Capitals, and the Colorado Avalanche would compete well during the preseason as they were all playoff contending teams in the most recent 2024-25 season. However, the Detroit Red Wings did not make the playoffs last season which raises the question of if their offseason additions will help them to secure a playoff spot this season.

The top goaltenders of the preseason are also a cause of surprise. To end last season, neither Jakub Dobes or Devon Levi were in the top 10 goaltenders with neither of their teams fairing well in playoff contention.

The 2025-26 National Hockey League season began Tuesday, October 7, 2025 with the opening scores of the season being the Chicago Blackhawks losing to the Florida Panthers 3-2, the Pittsburgh Penguins shutting out the New York Rangers 3-0, and the Colorado Avalanche beating the Los Angeles Kings 4-1.