NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is no stranger to bold takes, but his latest prediction is turning heads across the hockey world. During a live broadcast on TNT, Barkley revealed his 2025 Stanley Cup bracket—and it’s raising eyebrows for all the right reasons. According to the outspoken basketball legend, the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs are headed for an epic all-Canadian showdown in the Stanley Cup Final.
That’s right: Barkley is going all-in on Canada this year, calling for a long-awaited return to glory for hockey’s homeland. And at the heart of his prediction? A belief in Edmonton’s redemption arc, fueled by the brilliance of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and a deep respect for the Maple Leafs’ resurgent squad.
While he’s best known for his basketball analysis—and often hilarious commentary—Charles Barkley has never been shy about showing love to hockey. Over the years, he’s become a fan-favorite crossover figure in the NHL world, praising the speed, toughness, and excitement of the sport. He’s even developed a friendship with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, and he’s shown genuine passion for the game during past playoff seasons.
But this year, Barkley’s commitment to hockey took center stage when he unveiled his Stanley Cup picks live on national TV. His bracket showed two familiar logos staring each other down in the final round: the Oilers and the Maple Leafs.
“Canada’s due,” Barkley said with a grin. “It’s been too long. You’ve got two loaded teams, great stars, and hungry fanbases. I’m telling y’all—Oilers vs. Leafs is going to be must-see TV.”
For Edmonton fans, Barkley’s vote of confidence is more than just flattery—it feels like a lifeline after last season’s bitter disappointment. The Oilers came painfully close to reaching the Final in 2024, only to fall to the Florida Panthers in a series that left a lasting sting.
Despite having two of the most electrifying players in the world in McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers couldn’t break through Florida’s defensive wall and consistent goaltending. The loss sparked questions about depth, goaltending consistency, and whether Edmonton’s championship window was closing.
But if Barkley is right, that window is still wide open.
“They’ve got the best player on the planet in Connor McDavid,” Barkley said. “And Draisaitl? That man is a machine. They’re not letting that heartbreak go to waste—they’re coming back stronger.”
Indeed, the Oilers entered the 2025 season with a renewed sense of urgency. General Manager Ken Holland made key moves in the offseason to bolster the blue line and add reliable secondary scoring. Players like Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have continued to produce at a high level, while young depth pieces are stepping up at the right time.
And perhaps most importantly, goaltending has steadied with the emergence of a confident tandem that’s holding up under pressure. It’s the kind of well-rounded roster that’s built for a deep playoff push.
On the other side of Barkley’s dream matchup are the Toronto Maple Leafs—perhaps the most storied and scrutinized franchise in hockey. And also, the most snakebitten.
Toronto hasn’t hoisted the Stanley Cup since 1967, a drought that has become legendary in NHL lore. Year after year, Leafs fans have watched their team exit the playoffs early, often in heartbreaking fashion. But according to Barkley, 2025 is the year the ghosts go quiet.
“This Leafs team has grown up,” he said. “They’ve been through the wars, they’ve taken their lumps, and now they’re ready to win. You’ve got Matthews, Marner, Nylander—all those guys—they’re tired of the jokes. This is their time.”
Under the leadership of head coach Sheldon Keefe and backed by a front office that finally found the right balance between star power and grit, the Leafs are playing a more complete brand of hockey. Auston Matthews continues to be one of the league’s most lethal goal-scorers, while Mitch Marner’s two-way game has hit new heights. William Nylander, ever the underrated weapon, has developed into a consistent game-changer.
Toronto also addressed its long-standing need for playoff-level defense and added key veterans with Cup experience to guide the locker room. The result is a team that isn’t just talented—it’s resilient.
And if Barkley’s bracket holds up, it could all come together in a historic final.
If the Oilers and Leafs do meet in the Final, it would mark the first all-Canadian Stanley Cup showdown since 1989, when the Calgary Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens. That year remains a fond memory for many Canadian hockey fans, but it’s been a long wait for a repeat.
The drought has become a talking point every postseason. Despite Canada’s rich hockey tradition and passionate fanbases, no Canadian team has won the Cup since the Canadiens did it in 1993. Multiple franchises have come close—Vancouver in 2011, Ottawa in 2007, and Edmonton in 2006—but the final hurdle has remained elusive.
An all-Canadian Final in 2025 wouldn’t just be a ratings bonanza—it would be a cultural moment. Bars would be packed, jerseys would flood the streets, and every city from coast to coast would be buzzing with playoff fever.
“You’re gonna have the whole country watching,” Barkley said. “From Toronto to Edmonton, coast to coast. It’s gonna be wild.”
Of course, Barkley’s prediction is more than just a flashy bracket—it’s a testament to the growing crossover between sports cultures. His embrace of hockey, especially as an NBA personality, helps bridge fanbases and brings fresh attention to the NHL.
He’s also offering something else: hope. For fans in Edmonton and Toronto, who’ve endured their fair share of heartbreak, Barkley’s bracket is a rallying cry. It’s a belief that yes, this could finally be the year.
And let’s be honest—when Sir Charles speaks, people listen.
Charles Barkley has never been one to follow the crowd, and his all-Canadian Stanley Cup Final pick proves it once again. With Connor McDavid’s Oilers and Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs in the spotlight, Barkley sees 2025 as the year Canada reclaims hockey’s holy grail.
Whether it plays out or not, one thing’s for sure: Barkley’s bracket has injected some serious excitement into the playoff conversation—and fans across North America will be watching to see if his hockey prophecy comes true.
