The 2026-27 NHL season's 84-game schedule and concentrated talent among contenders shape expectations for multiple 100-point teams. Preseason projections from models like The Athletic consistently highlight the Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild as the primary candidates, with several others near the threshold. Early October results show fast starts from the Rangers, Utah Mammoth, and Golden Knights, though sample sizes remain small. Key variables include goaltending stability, injury management across the expanded schedule, and how defending champion Carolina and high-projected clubs like Colorado sustain form amid a competitive Western Conference and Atlantic Division. Trader consensus reflects these depth-of-talent dynamics rather than any single outcome guarantee.