
Why The Maven says Atlantic Division is the powerhouse of the NHL?
In an ongoing debate over the NHL's toughest division, veteran hockey analyst The Maven is calling the Atlantic Division the league's powerhouse. It all started with the Florida Panthers winning back-to-back Stanley Cup victories.
Earlier reports suggest that the Tampa Bay Lightning claimed consecutive championships of their own.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs, despite their Cup drought, remain one of the league's most formidable rosters and its richest franchise. Meanwhile, the youthful Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens are viewed as emerging threats for years to come. Let's take a look at what the Maven has to say about the Atlantic division.
What did The Maven say about the Atlantic Division?
After asking The Maven about the best team in the NHL, he replied that the
Atlantic Division
is the best. He responded to the question, 'It has to be the Atlantic; no questions asked. Start with the fact that it's home to the two-time Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Not that long ago, the Atlantic's Tampa Bay Lightning won two straight Stanley.
He further added, 'While the Maple Leafs never win the prize – and may never - Toronto, the NHL's richest team, always delivers a formidable entry.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now
Tips and Tricks
Undo
Likewise, the youth-filled Senators and Canadiens threaten to become serious Cup challengers next season and for many seasons thereafter.'
NHL Tonight: Atlantic Division Outlook
Why The Maven says The Atlantic is the powerhouse of the NHL?
When it comes to the race for the runner-up position, The Maven sees it as a tie between the Central Division and the Pacific Division. Both divisions are packed with top-tier talent and have a history of championship success. The Pacific Division features the Edmonton Oilers, who are powered by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
These two have led their team to the Stanley Cup Finals twice in the last two years. Not to be overlooked, the Vegas Golden Knights are fresh off their own Cup victory in 2023, highlighting just how fierce the competition is in this division.
How does the Atlantic Division finish this year? | OverDrive Hour 1 | 04-02-25
On the other hand, the Central Division is no slouch either, boasting some heavy hitters. The Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, and Winnipeg Jets have all been formidable in recent seasons, consistently finishing at the top of the standings and making significant playoff runs.
This depth, as The Maven points out, keeps the Central Division firmly in the conversation among the league's elite.
As for the Metropolitan Division, The Maven emphasizes that its lower ranking doesn't indicate weakness; rather, it reflects recent performances. He added, 'Every division has talent, but winning is what counts the most,' The Maven remarked. 'And right now, no division is winning like the Atlantic.'
Also Read
:
Adam Fox's dramatic fall in the NHL Network's defensemen rankings
With Florida gunning for a historic third consecutive Stanley Cup and Tampa Bay still lurking as a potential threat, it's tough to argue against the Atlantic Division's claim to supremacy. However, the Maven asserts that the Atlantic will continue to reign as the NHL's powerhouse.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
"He wants to win the Cup": Connor McDavid might be planning something unexpected in his new contract with the Edmonton Oilers NHL insider hints
Connor McDavid is fully focused on winning the Stanley Cup in the next season.(Image via Sergei Belski-Imagn Images) Connor McDavid , the star player of the Edmonton Oilers, might have faced a heartbreaking loss two months ago when he lost out on the Stanley Cup but the Oilers' captain is in no mood to leave his team. After the Edmonton Oilers lost the Stanley Cup against the Florida Panthers for the second consecutive year, there were many speculations about Connor McDavid exiting the team as his contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. But now, it seems the Oilers' captain might just take a pay cut for his team. Connor McDavid might just take a pay cut to focus on winning the Stanley Cup for the Edmonton Oilers, NHL insider reveals A few days ago, NHL insider John Shannon appeared on the Oilers Now, where he spoke to Bob Stauffer about what Connor McDavid might be considering for his new deal with the Edmonton Oilers. NHL insider John Shannon said, 'I think it's a three or four-year deal…I think Connor is entitled to 20 percent, what does that put it at, 17 or 18 (million)?' But it is the reason behind such a potential decision that proves how much Connor McDavid cares about his team, the Edmonton Oilers. NHL insider John Shannon added, 'Connor is also smart enough to know that if he gets too much, that's less to acquire free agents and other players for this hockey club…That's what superstars do, who want to win the Stanley Cup.' John Shannon continued, 'I think Connor's going to come in lower than a lot of people (think).' However, neither Connor McDavid nor his team, the Edmonton Oilers, have confirmed these speculations yet and have remained silent amid all the rumours. What has Connor McDavid been up to in the offseason? While Connor McDavid generally maintains a low profile and prefers to spend time with his family during the offseason, he was recently spotted along with his wife, Lauren Kyle, at his teammate and long time friend, Leon Draisaitl's lavish wedding in Italy. Leon Draisaitl recently tied the knot with actress, Celeste Desjardins, and it seems both Connor McDavid and his wife, Lauren Kyle, had the time of their lives at the wedding. For now, it seems Connor McDavid's focus is on winning the Stanley Cup for the Edmonton Oilers' next season. Also Read: Lane Hutson extension: Why Noah Dobson isn't the right comparable Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Is Aaron Ekblad the next Florida Panther player to have his number retired?
NHL-Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers (Credit: Getty Images) The Florida Panthers have truly excelled in crafting a roster that not only led them to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships but also set them up as strong contenders for many years ahead. With three straight appearances in the Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers are considered of the heavy champions in the entire hockey league. For this achievement, a lot of the credit goes to the team's impressive coordination and the management's dedication to securing their core players. Over the years, certain individuals have emerged as key pillars of this achievement and one of them is defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who has been remarkable since he has joined the Florida Panther team. But is Aaron Ekblad the last Panther to wear the No. 5 jersey? Let's find out. Will Aaron Ekblad have his number retired? With the Panthers achieving so much success over the years, there is growing talk about which players might one day have their jersey numbers retired by the franchise. For Aaron Ekblad , who has spent his entire career in Florida Panthers, this looks like a real possibility. His dedication, long-term commitment, and big impact on the team, makes him a strong candidate for the honor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kafr Hamam: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo As per reports, THN Florida recently shared a list of players who might one day have their numbers retired, and it's no surprise that Ekblad made it to the list. It is very certain that Aaron Ekblad is going to spend his entire career with the Panthers, directing towards his legacy that will extend far beyond just championships and All-Star appearances, as his jersey will be etched forever in the history of the league. Aaron Ekblad 2024-25 Season Highlights 🔥 Aaron Ekblad's legacy with the Florida Panthers Aaron Ekblad was the first overall pick by the Florida Panthers in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft , where he made quite a splash right from the start. In his rookie season, he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the Rookie of the Year in 2015. As the years went by, Ekblad evolved into one of the NHL's most trusted defensemen. However, his journey was marred by concussions and a serious leg fracture in 2021. Despite these challenges, he kept hitting significant milestones, including becoming the franchise leader in points and games played by a defenseman. Aaron Ekblad: Florida Panthers Repeat as Stanley Cup Champions In 2016, he inked an eight-year, $60 million contract and earned the title of alternate captain. He played a pivotal role in Florida's ascent as a championship contender, helping the team clinch the Stanley Cup in both 2024 and 2025. Also Read : Who is Logan Paul's wife Nina Adgal? Exploring the personal life of the former WWE United States Champion In March 2025, Ekblad faced a 20-game suspension for breaching the NHL's performance-enhancing drug policy. But, Ekblad bounced back to assist Florida in winning their second consecutive Stanley Cup in 2025. This year, he also signed a new contract worth $48.8 million to remain associated with the Panthers and keep chasing championships. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Nazem Kadri voices frustration after the 2026 Winter Olympics camp snub
Nazem Kadri voices frustration after the 2026 Winter Olympics camp snub(Image Via Twitter) The buzz is now around Hockey Canada's arrangements for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, with a lineup of stars getting set for the orientation camp in Calgary. However, the exclusion of Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames has been a matter of discussion in hockey circles. At age 34, Kadri is a player with an important offensive presence, but not having been called to camp might be the biggest and immediate threat to his Olympic dream. The seasoned center sees this as an opportunity lost to don the Maple Leaf for hockey's biggest stage. Nazem Kadri's consistency is unrecognized by Hockey Canada Nazem Kadri Olympic Snub? Flames Star Says 'I Deserve a Chance!' Since the 2022–23 season was his first with the Flames, Nazem Kadri appeared as one of the most steady contributors for the team. In his last campaign, he had 35 goals and 67 points in every one of the 82 regular-season games. His uninterrupted offensive production stood out, indeed, in the absence of a playoff berth. Being a perennial scorer of 50-plus points throughout the years and only a few games shy of the 1,000-number mark in his NHL career, his exclusion from the 42-man camp selection by Hockey Canada has become a talking point for some; Kadri himself said that he was surprised that he was not provided a fair look, citing his current form as deserving. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Health and comfort: the comfiest slip-on shoes of the year Ultra-Comfortable Shoes Undo Every Nazem Kadri 2023-24 Regular Season Goal (ALL 29 GOALS) | NHL Highlights The star-studded orientation camp, from August 26–28, will feature the likes of Connor McDavid and all of the players from the 4 Nations Face-Off victorious roster. While Kadri gets to watch familiar names prepare for Olympic contention with an empty liquor bottle in hand, thus distilling his frustration, he says that he stands in top physical shape, ready with the mindset, eager to prove himself should the chance arise. Still, it looks like the selectors opted to sideline him. Kadri is focusing on community impact beyond the ice While the Olympics remain a personal goal, Kadri has turned to working toward hockey inclusivity with the Hockey Diversity Alliance to see that marginalized youth are granted opportunities to enter the sport. Before the HDA SummerFest in Toronto, Kadri said he felt proud watching these kids play hockey, many of whom are now into competitive hockey. The athlete is committed to leaving a legacy beyond goals and assists, his impact extending far beyond Team Canada selection. Also Read: Lane Hutson extension: Why Noah Dobson isn't the right comparable Presently, Nazem Kadri remains the one who was passed over for the convocations for the 2026 Winter Olympics, but his presence in the sport remains unquestionable. He continues to perform for Calgary on the ice as he promotes causes for diversity and accessibility in hockey. Whether Hockey Canada decides to go for him or not, it is his dedication that will inevitably carve a niche for him in the sport. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!