The NHL's 2026-27 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one, with several teams poised for a potential decline. Here's an in-depth look at four teams that might take a step back, along with expert analysis and commentary.
Anaheim Ducks: The Offseason Mess
The Ducks' offseason has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. After a promising 2025-26 season, they now face a challenging situation. The key issue revolves around Leo Carlsson's future. If they don't match the Philadelphia Flyers' offer sheet, they risk losing their top center and best young player, which could set the franchise back years. Even if they do match the offer, they've created a cap squeeze with his $18 million AAV and Pavel Mintyukov's new deal. The situation is further complicated by the need to sign restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier, which will eat up salary cap space. The Ducks' blue line, already one of the weakest among playoff teams, has been further weakened by free agency. To avoid a decline, the Ducks must match the Carlsson offer sheet and find a way to add a defensive player, possibly trading Troy Terry.
Buffalo Sabres: The Talent Drain
The Sabres have made some impressive moves this offseason, but they still face challenges. Trading Bowen Byram for future picks and Daxon Rudolph is a solid move, but it means a lot of talent is leaving the organization with little coming back. The team's push to the playoffs in 2025-26 was impressive, but the current roster may not be enough to sustain that success. The Sabres have $8 million in salary-cap space, which they should use to make a blockbuster move. Connor Hellebuyck, a top-tier goalie, is a potential target. The team's goaltending situation is a concern, and Hellebuyck's availability could be a game-changer. The Sabres need to make a move to stay among the league's top contenders.
Ottawa Senators: The Tkachuk Trade
The Senators' trade for Brady Tkachuk was a necessary move, but it comes with risks. Tkachuk's desire to join the Florida Panthers and the potential decrease in his trade value make it a challenging situation. The Senators received three first-round picks, including William Eklund, who must now live up to expectations. The team's salary-cap space has been impacted by the trade, and the addition of Andre Burakovsky's contract doesn't help. The Senators' goaltending issues are a significant concern, and a return to form from Ullmark could be a game-changer. The team also needs Eklund and Tim Stutzle to take significant steps forward in their development. The Senators' future depends on these key players and the team's ability to make strategic moves.
Vegas Golden Knights: The Inconsistent Goaltending
The Golden Knights' 2025-26 season was a rollercoaster, with inconsistent goaltending and a strong playoff run. The team's future is uncertain, with questions about Carter Hart and Adin Hill's performance. The Golden Knights' roster is aging, and the loss of Pavel Dorofeyev is a concern. The team's success in the playoffs was a result of John Tortorella's leadership, but can they replicate that success? The Golden Knights' management has a history of making blockbuster moves, and they may pursue a big-name player. The team's ability to make the salary cap work and their future draft pick capital make them a force to be reckoned with. However, the current roster may not be enough to avoid a step back, and the team's future is uncertain.
