2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Players to Watch in Round 1

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are starting this Saturday, with 16 teams competing for the Stanley Cup, a highly respected trophy in sports.

The lineup for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs is now confirmed, and several strong teams are aiming for the championship this season. The NHL playoffs are known for their excitement, and this year is expected to be no different. The league is full of talented players who will be showcasing their skills over the next few months. Here’s a look at one key player from each of the 16 teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Nikita Kucherov | RW | Tampa Bay Lightning

Nikita Kucherov is a premier offensive playmaker in the NHL, demonstrated throughout the regular season. For the second year in a row, Kucherov is set to receive the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL`s leading scorer, marking his third time in seven seasons. He concluded the season with 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists) in 77 games. These statistics don`t fully capture his effectiveness in open play. Kucherov has a powerful shot and exceptional vision, enabling him to set up teammates. He is crucial to the Lightning`s success as they aim for another Stanley Cup.

Auston Matthews | C | Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews is arguably the most skilled goal scorer. The Maple Leafs` star recently achieved 400 career goals in just nine seasons. Despite scoring 32 goals this regular season and missing some games due to injury, Matthews 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 last seven seasons and haven`t won the Stanley Cup since 1967. For Toronto to change their playoff history, Matthews needs to lead the way.

Brad Marchand | RW | Florida Panthers

The Panthers are trying to win consecutive Stanley Cups, a challenging goal. Matthew Tkachuk, a key winger, was injured in February and hasn`t played since. Consequently, the Panthers acquired veteran Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins before the trade deadline. Marchand`s role becomes even more critical if Tkachuk is absent during the playoffs. While Tkachuk`s offensive capabilities are missed, his physicality and ability to disrupt opponents might be missed even more. Marchand brings this element to the game, along with his scoring ability. His playoff experience is a significant asset for Florida.

Alex Ovechkin | LW | Washington Capitals

This season has been remarkable for Ovechkin. He became the NHL`s all-time leading 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 league’s most dangerous one-timer shots and can lead Washington in a Stanley Cup pursuit. The Capitals contended for the Presidents` Trophy and had the best record in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. If Ovechkin replicates 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 before the deadline was a setback. Consequently, their top forwards need to step up for postseason success, starting with Sebastian Aho. Aho has an excellent shot and can be very effective from the slot. He is also a primary playmaker for Carolina, leading the team with 45 assists this season. If Aho dominates offensively, the Hurricanes could make a significant impact in the Eastern Conference.

Jacob Markstrom | G | New Jersey Devils

The Devils faced a major setback early in the season with a year-ending injury to star forward Jack Hughes. Hughes is New Jersey`s most talented offensive player, significantly impacting their playoff chances. For the Devils to succeed in the playoffs, goalie Jacob Markstrom must perform exceptionally. New Jersey has been searching for a top-tier 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 may need to deliver extraordinary performances to keep the Devils` playoff hopes alive.

Brady Tkachuk | LW | Ottawa Senators

Even with Matthew Tkachuk`s potential absence for the Panthers, another Tkachuk will be in the playoffs. Senators` star Brady Tkachuk, despite a late-season upper-body injury, played in Ottawa`s final regular-season game on Thursday. Similar to his brother Matthew, Brady Tkachuk is known for his aggressive play and high scoring ability, which was evident at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Tkachuk excels in tough areas and can score quickly. He leads a strong top-six forward group and is looking forward to his first playoff experience.

Lane Hutson | D | Montreal Canadiens

Before the season, the Calder Trophy race was expected to be between Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov. However, Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson has become a standout, particularly as a playmaker on Montreal`s defense. Hutson finished the regular season tied for second-most assists (60) among NHL defensemen. The rookie is an excellent puck-mover with great speed and vision. He also contributes defensively with 123 blocked shots and only 34 penalty minutes. Hutson will be crucial for the Canadiens as they start their playoff journey against the Capitals.

Connor Hellebuyck | G | Winnipeg Jets

While avoiding the most obvious choice, it`s clear that the Jets` Stanley Cup hopes depend heavily on Connor Hellebuyck. He aims to redeem himself after a poor 2024 playoff performance. In five games against the Avalanche last year, Hellebuyck allowed 7.10 goals above average with a .865 save percentage. After this career low, he had an outstanding regular season. If Hellebuyck maintains this level of play in the playoffs, the Jets can challenge any team.

Jack Eichel | C | Vegas Golden Knights

Few players impact their team as much as Jack Eichel. He played at a superstar level throughout the season and is a key reason the Golden Knights are Stanley Cup favorites. Eichel led Vegas to a Cup in 2023, but his 2024-25 performance might be even better. He set career highs in assists (66) and points (94), reflecting his brilliance. With Eichel on the ice at five-on-five, Vegas has strong expected goals and goal differentials. If this continues, Eichel could win his second Stanley Cup.

Thomas Harley | D | Dallas Stars

The Stars` forwards are often praised, but their defensive performance is crucial. 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 rely on young Thomas Harley. The 23-year-old achieved career highs offensively and was the only defenseman besides Heiskanen with a strong five-on-five impact. Harley`s ability to perform as a top defenseman in the playoffs is key for the Stars.

Cale Makar | D | Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche have many players to watch, but Cale Makar could be one of the most impactful in the postseason. Makar is coming off an exceptional regular season, especially offensively. He was the first defenseman to score 30 goals since 2009 and nearly reached 100 points. Makar drives play from the blue line, a rare skill among defensemen, making him an exciting player to watch.

Darcy Kuemper | G | Los Angeles Kings

When the Kings traded for Darcy Kuemper, it was unclear if it would benefit either team. However, both teams benefited, and Los Angeles received excellent goaltending from Kuemper. 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 key moments.

Leon Draisaitl | C | Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid is Edmonton`s main star, but Leon Draisaitl is a strong supporting player and a Hart Trophy contender for 2025. Draisaitl won the Maurice `Rocket` Richard Trophy with 52 goals, and the Oilers need his offense as other scoring additions haven`t performed as expected. Fortunately for the Oilers, Draisaitl`s performance doesn`t decline in the playoffs. With 41 goals in 74 playoff games, Edmonton needs him to maintain this pace to reach the Final again.

Kirill Kaprizov | LW | Minnesota Wild

The Wild are considered underdogs against the Golden Knights, especially offensively. Kirill Kaprizov might be the player to bridge this gap, being the most dynamic offensive threat on either team. Despite injuries limiting his regular season, Kaprizov can change games when at his best. In 2023-24, he scored 46 goals and 96 points. For the Wild to upset Vegas, Kaprizov needs to score significantly against a strong Vegas defense.

Jake Neighbours | LW | St. Louis Blues

With Dylan Holloway injured, another young forward must step up for the Blues. Jake Neighbours, with 22 goals and 46 points, could be that player. St. Louis needs offensive contributions against Connor Hellebuyck, and Neighbours will have a more prominent role with Holloway out. His ability to contribute alongside Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou will be important for the Blues to score timely goals in what is expected to be a low-scoring series.