EA Sports has once again utilized its NHL video game franchise, specifically NHL 25, to simulate the outcome of the ongoing Stanley Cup playoffs and predict which team will ultimately hoist the coveted trophy. This method has a track record, having correctly forecast Canada`s win over the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off final.
The NHL 25 simulation points to the Toronto Maple Leafs as the prospective champions. According to the game`s prediction, their playoff journey would involve defeating the Ottawa Senators 4-1, overcoming the Florida Panthers 4-2, and sweeping the Montreal Canadiens 4-0 in the semifinals. The simulation envisions a dramatic final series against the Colorado Avalanche, with the Maple Leafs clinching the Stanley Cup in a thrilling seven-game victory (4-3). This prediction carries significant weight for Maple Leafs fans, as the team has famously not won the Cup since 1967.
Beyond playoff predictions, the developers also recently finalized the roster for NHL 25`s Team of the Season (TOTS), highlighting the top-performing players from the league. The final group of standout players includes:
- Jake Oettinger, G, Dallas Stars (94 OVR)
- Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers (94 OVR)
- Josh Morrissey, D, Winnipeg Jets (94 OVR)
- Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils (94 OVR)
- Mikko Rantanen, RW, Colorado Avalanche (94 OVR)
- Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights (94 OVR)
With the full Team of the Season revealed, the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets lead in representation, each featuring three players on the list. They are followed by the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, each with two players.
Interestingly, the Toronto Maple Leafs have only one player featured in the Team of the Season – Mitch Marner, who was announced in an earlier batch. However, according to the NHL 25 simulation, a single TOTS player is apparently no obstacle to ending a decades-long Stanley Cup drought.
Callum Darby 
Finley Holt