2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Offseason Outlook for Eliminated Teams
As the anticipation builds for the start of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, half of the NHL’s 32 teams are turning their attention to the offseason, reflecting on their seasons and strategizing for next year. Sixteen teams, now out of contention, face critical evaluations to determine what changes are necessary as they prepare for trades, free agency, and the draft this summer.
This piece will explore the performance of each of these teams and their outlook as they enter the offseason. Teams that get eliminated will be added to this analysis throughout the playoffs, so keep this guide handy for ongoing updates.
Calgary Flames
Projected Cap Space: $19 million
2026 Draft Picks: Two first-rounders (one from Vegas) and several additional picks across various rounds.
What Went Well: The Flames are finally embracing a true rebuild, trading away players like Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri for valuable draft picks. Despite finishing with over 90 points twice in four seasons, the organization is acknowledging its need for change instead of falsely believing they were playoff contenders.
Challenges Faced: Defensively, the Flames struggled significantly, ranking among the bottom in multiple categories of scoring chances allowed per 60 minutes. A notable point: Kadri, although traded, was tied for the team lead in points by the end of the season—highlighting offensive struggles throughout the lineup.
Offseason Strategy: The Flames have decisions to make regarding veteran players like Jonathan Huberdeau, whose production has been disappointing since joining Calgary. With multiple contracts expiring, they could capitalize on trading players for additional prospects and picks.
2026-27 Outlook: The Flames are likely facing tough times ahead as the rebuild may not yield immediate results.
Chicago Blackhawks
Projected Cap Space: $40.2 million
2026 Draft Picks: Two first-rounders and a selection from Toronto.
Positive Highlights: The Blackhawks showed growth this season, fueled by promising young talents like Connor Bedard and solid performances from veterans. They notched their highest points total since the pandemic-shortened season.
Areas for Improvement: The team’s youth proved to be a double-edged sword, especially defensively—allowing too many shots and high-danger chances. This imbalance meant they often relied on their goaltending to keep them in games.
Key Offseason Moves: Chicago’s primary focus will be extending Bedard’s contract while potentially adding experienced players to fortify their defensive lineup. They may need to contemplate the future of veterans as part of their plan to enhance depth and stability.
2026-27 Strategy: A realistic target for the Blackhawks is hitting the 80-point mark, setting themselves up as a playoff contender in the long-term.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Projected Cap Space: $39.3 million
2026 Draft Picks: Two first-rounders and other mid-round selections.
Successes: Columbus made significant strides by bringing in key players like Charlie Coyle and Sean Monahan, while Zach Werenski’s strong defensive presence has been exemplary.
Struggles: A mid-March slump derailed their playoff hopes, compounded by injuries to key players and poor special teams performance, particularly on the power play.
Offseason Focus: With various unrestricted free agents, Columbus will need decisions on retaining Coyle and others, while also looking to increase talent depth across the roster, especially given past challenges with reliability.
2026-27 Expectations: Columbus appears equipped for a playoff push if they can effectively adjust their roster and retain talent.
Detroit Red Wings
Projected Cap Space: $13.8 million
2026 Draft Picks: A first, along with several later rounds.
Strong Starts: The Red Wings had a thrilling opening to their season, propelled by players like Alex DeBrincat alongside young stars, leading to a contender’s stance most of the year.
Disappointments: However, March proved catastrophic, as the team’s form plummeted, exposing their offensive inconsistencies and defensive lapses prominently.
Future Moves: Addressing the need for consistent scoring and more depth is essential, especially after losing some veteran presence. Coach Todd McLellan, with promising young players emerging, needs support from the GM for a firmer direction moving forward.
2026-27 Goals: Detroit will need to recover and secure a playoff spot to avoid another year of disappointment.
