The NHL’s Slippery Slope: Why Some Teams Are Poised for a Fall in 2026-27
The NHL offseason is a time of hope, hype, and high-stakes decisions. But for some teams, the moves made (or not made) this summer could spell trouble come next season. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of blockbuster trades and free-agent signings, the reality is that not every team is setting itself up for success. In fact, a handful of franchises seem destined to take a step backward in 2026-27. Let’s dive into why—and what it means for the league’s landscape.
The Ducks’ Dilemma: When Progress Hits a Wall
One thing that immediately stands out is the Anaheim Ducks’ precarious situation. After a promising 2025-26 season, the Ducks find themselves at a crossroads. Personally, I think their offseason has been a masterclass in how quickly things can unravel. The Leo Carlsson saga is the centerpiece here. If the Ducks don’t match the Flyers’ $90 million offer sheet, they lose their best young player—a move that would set the franchise back years. But even if they do match it, they’re left with a crippling cap situation.
What many people don’t realize is that the Ducks’ issues go beyond Carlsson. Pavel Mintyukov’s new deal and Cutter Gauthier’s impending contract will further squeeze their cap flexibility. Add to that a weak blue line that hasn’t been adequately addressed, and you have a recipe for regression. If you take a step back and think about it, the Ducks’ offseason has been all about subtraction and overpaying, not building for the future.
From my perspective, the Ducks’ only path forward is to match the Carlsson offer sheet and hope he takes another leap. But even then, they’ll need to make a bold move—like trading Troy Terry—to shore up their defense. It’s a high-wire act, and one misstep could send them tumbling.
Buffalo’s Balancing Act: Smart Moves, Uncertain Results
The Buffalo Sabres are an interesting case. On paper, they’ve made some smart, value-driven moves this offseason. Trading Bowen Byram for the No. 4 overall pick and flipping another pick for Olen Zellweger were solid decisions. Not overpaying Alex Tuch was also a wise call. But here’s the catch: while these moves might pay off in the long run, they don’t necessarily help the Sabres in the immediate future.
What this really suggests is that Buffalo is playing the long game, but at what cost? The team that made the playoffs in 2025-26 was fueled by talent that’s now gone or on the way out. Sure, Daxon Rudolph could be a future star, but he’s not going to carry the team next season. The Sabres still have a promising young core, but their ceiling for 2026-27 feels lower than it did just a few months ago.
In my opinion, the Sabres need to make one more big move to stay competitive. Connor Hellebuyck’s name keeps coming up, and for good reason. Their goaltending is a question mark, and Hellebuyck could be the piece that keeps them in contention. Without that kind of addition, I’m not convinced they’ll replicate last season’s success.
Ottawa’s Gamble: Trading Today for Tomorrow
The Ottawa Senators’ decision to trade Brady Tkachuk was always going to be polarizing. On one hand, they got a decent return—three first-round picks, one of which they flipped for William Eklund. On the other hand, Tkachuk was a cornerstone player, and his absence will be felt. What makes this particularly fascinating is that the Senators are essentially betting on the future at the expense of the present.
From my perspective, this trade will only look good if Eklund becomes a bona fide top-line player and at least one of those first-round picks pans out. But that’s a big if. The Senators also need Tim Stutzle to take a massive step forward and their goaltending to improve dramatically. If you take a step back and think about it, that’s a lot of moving parts that need to align perfectly.
Personally, I think the Senators are in for a rough season unless everything breaks their way. And in the NHL, that’s rarely how it works.
Vegas’s Aging Core: A Playoff Run Doesn’t Guarantee Future Success
The Vegas Golden Knights are a team that defies easy analysis. After a disappointing regular season in 2025-26, they turned it around in the playoffs, reaching the Stanley Cup Final. But here’s the thing: their roster is older, their goaltending is inconsistent, and they just traded away one of their best young forwards in Pavel Dorofeyev.
What many people don’t realize is that playoff success doesn’t always translate to future regular-season dominance. The Knights could finish with more points next season but still fall short in the playoffs. Or, worse, they could take a step back altogether. Their goaltending situation is particularly concerning—can Carter Hart or Adin Hill carry the load for an entire season?
In my opinion, the Knights need to make another blockbuster move to stay competitive. Whether it’s pursuing Connor Hellebuyck or another big name, they can’t afford to stand pat. But with their cap situation and aging core, that’s easier said than done.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the NHL
If you take a step back and think about it, the struggles of these four teams highlight a broader trend in the NHL: the fine line between building for the future and competing in the present. The Ducks, Sabres, Senators, and Knights are all facing different challenges, but they share one common thread—their offseason moves have left them vulnerable.
What this really suggests is that the league’s competitive balance could shift dramatically next season. Teams that were contenders in 2025-26 might find themselves on the outside looking in, while others could rise to take their place. It’s a reminder that in the NHL, success is never guaranteed, and one wrong move can set a franchise back for years.
Final Thoughts
As we look ahead to the 2026-27 season, it’s clear that some teams are better positioned than others. The Ducks, Sabres, Senators, and Knights all face significant challenges, and how they navigate them will determine their fate. Personally, I think we’re in for a season of surprises—both good and bad. But one thing is certain: the NHL never fails to keep us on the edge of our seats.
