2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Players to Watch in the First Round

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to kick off this Saturday, with 16 teams competing for the most prestigious trophy in sports.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff field is now determined, and several top-tier teams are aiming for the championship this season. The NHL postseason is known for its thrilling action, and this year promises to be no different. The league boasts exceptional talent, which will be showcased over the next few months. Here’s a player to watch from each of the 16 teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Nikita Kucherov | RW | Tampa Bay Lightning

Nikita Kucherov is one of the most gifted offensive playmakers in the NHL, a fact highlighted throughout the regular season. For the second year in a row, Kucherov will receive the Art Ross Trophy as the league`s leading scorer. This is the third time in seven seasons that Kucherov has topped the NHL in points. He concluded the season with an impressive 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists) in 77 games. These numbers only hint at Kucherov’s dominance on the ice. His combination of a powerful shot and exceptional vision allows him to create opportunities for his teammates. Kucherov will be crucial for the Lightning as they pursue another Stanley Cup title this spring.

Auston Matthews | C | Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews is arguably the most naturally talented goal scorer in hockey. The Maple Leafs` star recently achieved the 400-goal milestone in just nine professional seasons. While Matthews scored 32 goals in the regular season, he missed several games due to injury. Nevertheless, he is a powerful forward capable of scoring from almost anywhere on the ice. The Maple Leafs have been eliminated in the first round in six of the past seven seasons and haven`t won the Stanley Cup since 1967. If Toronto hopes to change their playoff narrative, Matthews will need to lead the charge.

Brad Marchand | RW | Florida Panthers

The Panthers are looking to secure consecutive Stanley Cups, a challenging feat. Star winger Matthew Tkachuk sustained a lower-body injury in February and has been sidelined since. Consequently, the Panthers acquired veteran winger Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins before the trade deadline. Marchand’s role could become even more significant if Tkachuk is unavailable during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. While Tkachuk’s offensive presence is missed, his physicality and ability to unsettle opponents might be an even greater loss. Marchand brings this element to his game, along with being a consistent scorer. His extensive postseason experience could be invaluable to the Florida team at this crucial time.

Alex Ovechkin | LW | Washington Capitals

Ovechkin has had a remarkable season. The Capitals` star became the NHL`s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing Wayne Gretzky with his 895th goal earlier this month. At 39, Ovechkin remains a dynamic offensive force. He still possesses one of the league`s most lethal one-timer shots and has the potential to lead Washington on a deep Stanley Cup run. The Capitals contended for the Presidents` Trophy and held the best record in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. If Ovechkin can replicate his regular-season form in the playoffs, he will be a must-watch player this spring.

Sebastian Aho | C | Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have a strong group of forwards, but trading Mikko Rantanen before the deadline was a setback. Therefore, their top forwards must elevate their performance if they aim for postseason success, starting with Sebastian Aho. Aho has an exceptional shot and can be highly effective from the slot. He is also a primary playmaker for Carolina, leading the team with 45 assists this season. If Aho can dominate in the offensive zone, the Hurricanes have the potential to make a significant impact in the Eastern Conference.

Jacob Markstrom | G | New Jersey Devils

The Devils faced a significant setback when star forward Jack Hughes was lost for the season due to injury. Hughes is New Jersey’s most potent offensive weapon, so his absence is a major blow for their playoff aspirations. For the Devils to achieve postseason success, goaltender Jacob Markstrom will need to deliver outstanding performances consistently. New Jersey has been seeking a franchise goalie for years and seems to have found one in Markstrom. The veteran goalie had a solid regular season with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage, but he may need to be even better to keep New Jersey’s playoff hopes alive.

Brady Tkachuk | LW | Ottawa Senators

Even if Matthew Tkachuk is unable to play for the Panthers, a Tkachuk will still be competing in the postseason. Senators star forward Brady Tkachuk had been dealing with an upper-body injury late in the season but played in Ottawa’s regular-season finale. Similar to his brother Matthew, Brady Tkachuk is known for his aggressive style and notable scoring ability, demonstrated at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Tkachuk excels in high-traffic areas and can score quickly. He is a key player in a strong top-six forward group and will be eager to make his mark in his first playoff experience.

Lane Hutson | D | Montreal Canadiens

Before the regular season began, Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov were considered the frontrunners for the Calder Trophy for the NHL`s best rookie. However, Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson has emerged as a standout player, especially as a facilitator on Montreal’s defense. Hutson finished the regular season tied for the second-most assists (60) among NHL defensemen. The rookie is an excellent puck-moving defenseman with great speed and exceptional on-ice vision. Hutson is also strong defensively, with 123 blocked shots and only 34 penalty minutes throughout the season. The Canadiens’ young star will be crucial to their playoff performance as they face the Capitals in the first round.

Connor Hellebuyck | G | Winnipeg Jets

Despite trying to avoid the obvious choice, the Jets` Stanley Cup aspirations heavily rely on Connor Hellebuyck. He is considered the best goalie in the world and seeks redemption after a poor 2024 playoff showing. In five games against the Avalanche last year, Hellebuyck allowed 7.10 goals above average with a .865 save percentage. This was uncharacteristically weak goaltending for Hellebuyck, who rebounded with one of his best regular seasons. The question is whether he can maintain this level of play in the postseason. If he can, the Jets are capable of defeating any opponent.

Jack Eichel | C | Vegas Golden Knights

Few players have had as significant an impact on their team as Jack Eichel. He performed at an elite level throughout the season and is a major reason why the Golden Knights are among the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Eichel led Vegas to a Cup in 2023, but he may have played even better in the 2024-25 season. He achieved career highs in assists (66) and points (94), highlighting his brilliance. With Eichel on the ice at five-on-five, Vegas has a 52.9% expected goals share and a plus-27 goal differential. If this level of dominance continues, Eichel could be adding his name to the Cup for a second time.

Thomas Harley | D | Dallas Stars

The Stars’ forward group is often praised, but their defensive performance will be key to their success. Since Miro Heiskanen`s knee surgery in January, Dallas has struggled defensively. Heiskanen might return later in the series against the Avalanche, but until then, the Stars will depend significantly on young Thomas Harley. The 23-year-old set career highs in all offensive categories and was the only defenseman besides Heiskanen to have a strong five-on-five impact. The question is whether Harley can handle the pressure of being a top defenseman in the playoffs.

Cale Makar | D | Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche have many notable players, but Cale Makar could be one of the most impactful stars in the entire postseason. Makar is coming off an exceptional regular season, particularly offensively. He was the first defenseman to score 30 goals since 2009 and nearly reached 100 points. Makar can drive play from the blue line, a rare ability among defensemen, and he is known for his electrifying style of play.

Darcy Kuemper | G | Los Angeles Kings

When the Kings traded Pierre-Luc Dubois for Kuemper last summer, it seemed like a risky move for both teams. However, it turned out to be beneficial for both, with Los Angeles benefiting from Kuemper`s excellent goaltending. His goals saved above average rank third in the league. If the Kings are to overcome their rivals, Kuemper will need to make crucial saves in critical moments.

Leon Draisaitl | C | Edmonton Oilers

While Connor McDavid is the central figure in Edmonton, Leon Draisaitl is a key supporting star and a contender for the 2025 Hart Trophy. Draisaitl won the Maurice `Rocket` Richard Trophy with 52 goals, and the Oilers will need his offensive output, especially since depth scoring additions have underperformed. The positive for the Oilers is that Draisaitl elevates his game in the postseason. In his playoff career, he has 41 goals in 74 games, and Edmonton will need him to maintain this pace to reach the Final again.

Kirill Kaprizov | LW | Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild face a tough matchup against the Golden Knights, particularly offensively. Kirill Kaprizov is the Wild`s best chance to bridge this gap and is arguably the most dynamic offensive player on either team. Despite injuries limiting his regular season, Kaprizov can be a game-changer at his best. In the previous season, he scored 46 goals and 96 points. For the Wild to pull off an upset, Kaprizov will need to score significantly against Vegas’s strong defense.

Jake Neighbours | LW | St. Louis Blues

With Dylan Holloway injured, at least at the start of the series, another young forward will need to step up for the Blues. Jake Neighbours, who scored 22 goals and 46 points, could be that player. St. Louis needs all the offensive support they can get against Connor Hellebuyck, and Neighbours will have a more prominent role in the lineup with Holloway out. The question is whether he can contribute timely goals alongside Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou in what is expected to be a low-scoring series.