The NHL has confirmed the 16 teams participating in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the seeding and most first-round matchups are still to be determined. Only one playoff series is fully set as the regular season concludes.
Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
The NHL has officially locked in the 16 teams for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. While the playoff field is now set, seeding remains undecided over the final days of the regular season. In fact, almost all of the first round matchups havenât been determined yet. Only one playoff series has been fully set heading into the final games.
Hereâs a look at the confirmed NHL playoff teams and whatâs still at stake before the bracket is finalized.
Atlantic Division
Metropolitan Division
Wild Card Teams
Central Division
Pacific Division
Wild Card Teams
The 16 NHL playoff teams might be set, but there is still plenty of intrigue to close out the 2025-26 regular season. The Pacific Division is still up for grabs while playoff positioning will be the most important factor over the next few days. After all, the Stanley Cup Playoffs rewards teams that can earn home ice advantage.
While the Wild Card drama wonât exist in the final days of the NHL regular season, there is so much that must be determined before the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Read More: Full NHL Playoff Picture Today â Updated Standings & Stanley Cup Bracket
Related Headlines
The NHL has officially locked in 16 teams for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, though specific team names are not listed in the provided content.
The seeding and most first-round matchups remain undecided as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
Only one playoff series has been fully set heading into the final games of the regular season.
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