2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Key Players in Round 1

The quest for the Stanley Cup begins this Saturday, with 16 teams competing for the most coveted trophy in hockey.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff bracket is set, and several top teams are vying for the championship. The NHL playoffs are known for their intense and exciting action, and this year promises to be no different. Expect to see incredible talent on display over the next few months. Here’s a look at one player from each of the 16 playoff teams who could make a significant impact in the first round.

Nikita Kucherov | RW | Tampa Bay Lightning

Nikita Kucherov is an elite offensive force in the NHL, a fact he proved throughout the regular season. For the second year in a row, Kucherov has won the Art Ross Trophy as the league`s leading scorer. This is his third time leading the league in points in the last seven seasons. Kucherov racked up 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists) in 77 games this season. These numbers don`t fully capture his dominance in open ice. He has both a powerful shot and exceptional vision, allowing him to set up his teammates effectively. Kucherov will be central to the Lightning`s success as they aim for another Stanley Cup.

Auston Matthews | C | Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews is arguably the most naturally gifted goal scorer in hockey. The Maple Leafs` star recently scored his 400th career goal in just nine seasons. While he scored 32 goals this regular season and missed some games due to injury, Matthews is a powerful forward who can score from almost anywhere. The Maple Leafs have been eliminated in the first round in six of the past seven playoffs and haven`t won the Stanley Cup since 1967. If Toronto hopes to change their playoff history, Matthews must lead the way.

Brad Marchand | RW | Florida Panthers

The Panthers are aiming for consecutive Stanley Cups, a challenging feat. Star winger Matthew Tkachuk was injured during the 4 Nations Face-Off 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 critical if Tkachuk is unavailable during the playoffs. While Tkachuk`s offensive skills are missed, his physical presence and ability to agitate opponents might be an even bigger loss. Marchand brings that element to the game, in addition to being a strong scorer. His playoff experience is a valuable asset for Florida at this crucial time of year.

Alex Ovechkin | LW | Washington Capitals

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

Sebastian Aho | C | Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have a strong group of forwards, but trading Mikko Rantanen at the deadline was a setback. As a result, their top forwards, especially Sebastian Aho, must elevate their play for postseason success. Aho has an excellent shot and is dangerous from the slot. He is also Carolina`s top playmaker, leading the team with 45 assists this season. If Aho can dominate offensively, the Hurricanes could be a force in the Eastern Conference.

Jacob Markstrom | G | New Jersey Devils

The Devils suffered a major setback when star forward Jack Hughes was injured for the season. Hughes is New Jersey`s most talented offensive player, so his absence is a significant blow. For the Devils to succeed in the playoffs, goaltender Jacob Markstrom will need to be exceptional. New Jersey has been searching for a franchise goalie for years and seems to have found one in Markstrom. He had a solid regular season with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage, but he may need to deliver some extraordinary performances to keep the Devils` 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 playoffs. Senators star forward Brady Tkachuk, despite a recent upper-body injury, played in Ottawa`s regular-season finale. Like his brother Matthew, Brady Tkachuk is known for his agitating style and impressive scoring ability, which was evident at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Tkachuk excels in scoring from high-traffic areas. He leads a strong top-six forward group and will be eager to make an impact in his first playoff experience.

Lane Hutson | D | Montreal Canadiens

Before the season, Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov were considered the frontrunners for the Calder Trophy (NHL`s top rookie). However, Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson has emerged as a standout, particularly as a playmaker from the blue line. Hutson finished the regular season tied for second-most assists (60) among NHL defensemen. The rookie is a skilled puck-moving defenseman with great speed and vision. He also contributes defensively, with 123 blocked shots and only 34 penalty minutes. Hutson`s performance will be crucial as the Canadiens begin their playoff journey against the Capitals.

Connor Hellebuyck | G | Winnipeg Jets

While avoiding the most obvious choice is tempting, the Jets` Stanley Cup hopes truly rest on Connor Hellebuyck. He is considered the best goalie in the world and is looking to redeem himself after a poor 2024 playoff showing. In five games against the Avalanche last year, Hellebuyck had a -7.10 goals saved above average and a .865 save percentage, according to Natural Stat Trick. This was uncharacteristically poor for Hellebuyck, who bounced back with an excellent regular season. Whether he can maintain that level of play in the playoffs will determine the Jets` fate. If he does, the Jets can challenge any opponent.

Jack Eichel | C | Vegas Golden Knights

Few players have had as much impact on their team as Jack Eichel. He performed at a superstar level throughout the season and is a key reason why the Golden Knights are Stanley Cup contenders. Eichel led Vegas to a Cup in 2023, but he may have played even better in 2024-25, setting career highs in assists (66) and points (94). With Eichel on the ice at five-on-five, Vegas has a 52.9% expected goals share and a plus-27 goal differential, according to Natural Stat Trick. If this continues, Eichel could be adding his name to the Cup again.

Thomas Harley | D | Dallas Stars

The Stars` forwards are often praised, but their defensive performance will be crucial for playoff success. Since Miro Heiskanen`s knee surgery in January, Dallas`s defense has struggled. Heiskanen might return later in the series against the Avalanche, but until then, the Stars will rely heavily on young Thomas Harley. The 23-year-old had career highs in all offensive categories and was the only defenseman besides Heiskanen to have a positive impact at five-on-five. 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 players to watch, but Cale Makar could be one of the most impactful players in the entire postseason. Makar is coming off an incredible regular season, especially offensively. He was the first defenseman to score 30 goals since 2008-09 and nearly reached 100 points. Makar`s ability to drive play from the blue line is rare and makes him an electrifying player every game.

Darcy Kuemper | G | Los Angeles Kings

When the Kings traded Pierre-Luc Dubois for Darcy Kuemper last summer, it seemed like a risky move for both teams. However, it turned out to be beneficial for both, and Los Angeles has benefited from Kuemper`s strong goaltending. His 26.9 goals saved above average rank third in the league, according to Natural Stat Trick. If the Kings are to overcome their playoff rivals, Kuemper will need to make crucial saves in key moments.

Leon Draisaitl | C | Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid is the primary star in Edmonton, but Leon Draisaitl is a vital co-star and a Hart Trophy contender. Draisaitl won the Maurice `Rocket` Richard Trophy with 52 goals, and the Oilers will need his offense, especially since depth scoring additions haven`t performed as expected. Fortunately for the Oilers, Draisaitl elevates his game in the playoffs. In 74 career playoff games, he has 41 goals, and Edmonton will need him to maintain that pace to reach the Final again.

Kirill Kaprizov | LW | Minnesota Wild

The Wild are considered underdogs against the Golden Knights, especially offensively. Kirill Kaprizov, the Wild`s most dynamic offensive player, might be the one player who can close the gap. Injuries limited Kaprizov in the regular season, but at his best, he can change games. In 2023-24, Kaprizov scored 46 goals and 96 points. If the Wild are to pull off an upset, Kaprizov will need to score against Vegas`s strong defense.

Jake Neighbours | LW | St. Louis Blues

Speedy forward Dylan Holloway is injured, at least for the start of the series, so another young forward will need to step up for the Blues. Jake Neighbours, who scored 22 goals and a career-high 46 points, could be that player. St. Louis needs all the offense they can get against Connor Hellebuyck, and Neighbours will have a more significant role in the top lines with Holloway out. Whether he can contribute timely goals alongside Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou in what`s expected to be a low-scoring series remains to be seen.