The Athletic reassures the Golden Knights are fine with the latest Stanley Cup window map

The biggest debate isn't whether pineapples go on pizza or not. It's also not whether or not the "dress is blue or gray". It's about whether the Vegas Golden Knights' Stanley Cup contention window is about to close. Believe it or not, there's an answer.

Dom Luszczyszyn and Scott Wheeler of The Athletic showed where all 32 teams currently stand in the NHL contention cycle, with the Golden Knights currently in "Win Now" mode. Of course, that also came with the window closing, giving way for teams like the Edmonton Oilers and the Anaheim Ducks to take the Pacific Division.

No Pacific Division teams landed in the "No Man's Land" category, which is relatively shocking, given the state of teams like the Seattle Kraken and the Vancouver Canucks. In fact, not a single Western Conference team landed in this dubious category. Instead, the Boston Bruins, the New Jersey Devils, the New York Rangers, and the Toronto Maple Leafs landed here.

Looking at the overall map should inspire Golden Knights to unforseen levels. The team is still rocking, despite an aging core. They also have superstars such as Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner in tow, giving them an unprecedented advantage over numerous competitors.

But Vegas's placement also reinforces the idea that they're not going anywhere. After all, why would you say that they're bound to collapse like you're a bellhop at the Pleasanton Marriott? Looking at the map, here are a few reasons why the Vegas Golden Knights will be fine.

Why The Athletic's Stanley Cup contention map with the Vegas Golden Knights actually shows that things will be alright

The Golden Knights actually moved further away from the "Time to Rebuild" designation, thanks to their surprising Stanley Cup Final run. While they're still in "Win Now" mode, the move away from rebuilding is a promising sign for Vegas.

But that's not the only reassuring thing that the Golden Knights can lean on. The Pacific Division has more than half of its teams in rebuilding mode. In fact, only three are out of that status: the Ducks, the Golden Knights, and the Oilers.

Yes, the San Jose Sharks are looking to take the next step this upcoming season. That's especially true given who they acquired during the offseason. However, teams like the Calgary Flames, the Seattle Kraken, and the Vancouver Canucks are already hitting the reset button.

That's not even mentioning how the Los Angeles Kings are firmly in the "Time to Rebuild" area. An aging group and a lack of true standout stars makes the Kings ripe for the picking, giving the Golden Knights more room to stand.

Of course, the Golden Knights can't only rely on their foes to keep them upright

I've said this numerous times before, yet it bears repeating. The Golden Knights will benefit greatly from a weak Pacific Division, giving them countless chances. Teams like the Kraken, the Flames, and the Canucks will be stuck in neutral for a while, putting themselves in worse positions. Let's not forget that the Anaheim Ducks typically fumble their negotiations with their restricted free agents, causing problems in their Stanley Cup contention window.

However, that doesn't automatically make the Golden Knights a lock for the Stanley Cup. The team still has its own problems, including an aging group. Don't forget that Vegas is tied for the third-oldest group heading into the 2026-27 season (average age of 30). The team will have plenty of key stars past the 30-year-mark, leaving some fans skeptical that the team will keep on truckin'.

Still, The Athletic is reassuring the belief that Vegas is firmly in win-now mode. A stable front office and an ownership group committed to winning always makes for a Stanley Cup contender and that's no different here. That's especially true when you're in the mix for the league's best players.

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