{
  "id": 877205,
  "title": "Predicting every NHL teams leading scorer in the Western Conference",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/predicting-every-nhl-teams-leading-scorer-in-the-western-conference",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-14T14:12:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/predicting-every-nhl-teams-leading-141200742.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Leo Carlsson, a forward for the Anaheim Ducks, is expected to maintain his leading scoring role for the team in the upcoming NHL season. Artemi Panarin, also a Ducks player, will continue to be a key contributor for the Golden Knights. Macklin Celebrini, a rising star for the San Jose Sharks, had a stellar sophomore season with 115 points last year, and the Sharks are on a positive trajectory, with Celebrini as a major factor in their success.\n\nFor the Calgary Flames, Matt Coronato, who led the team in scoring with 45 points in the 2025-26 regular season, is expected to build on his impressive performance and take another significant step in his development. Elias Petterson, the Vancouver Canucks' lone leading scorer last season, needs to improve to match his previous output, as Vancouver's team talent around him is limited. The Edmonton Oilers are counting on Connor McDavid to have another stellar season, potentially returning to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Jack Eichel, a versatile center for the Vegas Golden Knights, is expected to continue his exceptional two-way play, supported by Mitch Marner and Mark Stone.\n\nSeattle Kraken's Matthew Beniers, a top-pick sensation, is expected to deliver a strong season, given the team's high expectations. The Winnipeg Jets, who struggled in the previous season, need a big bounce-back year, and with Kyle Connor as their leading scorer, they aim to elevate their performance. Robert Thomas, the St. Louis Blues' leading scorer, is expected to have a strong point-per-game season. Kiril Kaprizov, the Minnesota Wild's key player, has the potential for a point-per-game season as the Wild seek to overcome playoff challenges. Nathan MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche's leading scorer, is highly motivated after a disappointing playoff run and is expected to have another strong year. Filip Forsberg, the Nashville Predators' top scorer, should reach new heights with the team's recent additions. Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, despite being on a one-year, $12 million deal, is looking to have a breakout season to secure a significant contract extension. Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard, despite starting the season injured, is expected to make a significant impact despite minimal point contributions. Finally, Dylan Guenther, an underrated player for the Utah Mammoth, is predicted to have another productive season, contributing to the team's strong core and solid goaltending.",
  "summary": "McDavid and Celebrini should lead their teams in points, but who will score more?",
  "key_points": [
    "Leo Carlsson expected to lead Anaheim Ducks",
    "Matt Coronato aims to build on Calgary Flames success",
    "Nathan MacKinnon targets strong year for Colorado Avalanche"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}