The NHL's 2026-27 season is still in its early stages, but already, we can spot a few teams that may be headed for a decline. While it's not an exact science, these four teams could be in for a rough ride based on their current roster moves and strategies. Let's take a closer look at each and see if they can turn things around.
Anaheim Ducks: A Step Back or a Leap Forward?
The Ducks' offseason has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. After a promising 2025-26 season, they now face the prospect of taking a step back. The crux of the issue lies with Leo Carlsson. If they don't match the Flyers' offer sheet, they risk losing their best young player and center. This could be a huge setback, especially considering the team's recent progress. Even if they do match the offer, they've created a salary cap squeeze with Pavel Mintyukov's new deal and Cutter Gauthier's upcoming contract. The Ducks need to find a way to add depth on defense and keep their young stars happy. Trading Troy Terry might be necessary to free up cap space and bring in a new defenseman. It's a delicate balance, and the Ducks must act quickly to avoid a slide.
Buffalo Sabres: Building on Success or Stepping Back?
The Sabres have made some solid moves this offseason, but they still face questions. Trading Bowen Byram for draft picks was a smart move, but it also means less talent coming in. The team's push to the playoffs in 2025-26 was impressive, but with less talent on the roster, there's no guarantee it will happen again. The Sabres have $8 million in salary-cap space, and the obvious solution is to sign Connor Hellebuyck. With goaltending being a potential Achilles' heel, the Sabres should make a move to bolster their chances. However, they must be cautious not to overpay, as they've already made some big moves this offseason.
Ottawa Senators: A New Era or a Setback?
The Senators' trade for Brady Tkachuk was a necessary move, but it came at a cost. They received three first-round picks, including William Eklund, but the team now faces the challenge of developing these young players. Eklund must take a significant step forward and become a top-line player, while Tim Stutzle needs to unlock his full offensive potential. The Senators also need to address their goaltending issues, as better goaltending would solve many of their problems. With Tkachuk's departure, the Senators must find a way to build on their success and avoid a slide.
Vegas Golden Knights: Can They Repeat the Success?
The Golden Knights' 2025-26 season was a rollercoaster, but they managed to reach the Stanley Cup Final. However, there are concerns about their ability to repeat this success. The team is older, with many veterans who tend to miss time, and they've lost Pavel Dorofeyev. Goaltending was inconsistent last season, and the team must address these issues. Management has the resources to make blockbuster moves, and they may pursue big-name players on the trade block. The Golden Knights' roster is likely to change significantly by midseason, and they must find a way to avoid a step back.
In conclusion, these four teams face different challenges, but they all have the potential to turn things around. The Ducks must address their salary cap issues and find a way to add depth. The Sabres should make a move to bolster their goaltending, while the Senators need to develop their young players. The Golden Knights must address their goaltending and veteran injuries. With the NHL season still in its early stages, these teams have the opportunity to turn things around and surprise us all.
