NHL Offseason Analysis
As the offseason settles in, NHL teams are focusing on preparation for the upcoming season, although the pace of player transactions has notably slowed. With the majority of teams solidifying their rosters, it’s an opportune moment to analyze how each franchise has fared in terms of offseason adjustments—whether they’ve enhanced their squad or taken a step back.
This evaluation centers solely on external team changes—who has joined and who has departed—while disregarding internal dynamics that might contribute to performance shifts. To gauge improvement, we compare teams’ Net Rating based on their current rosters against those at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, inclusive of any deadline acquisitions.
It should be noted that this analysis is not predictive of where teams will rank next season; it merely assesses roster modifications. For instance, a top-tier team can emerge victorious despite a lackluster offseason, whereas a lower-tier team might still face difficulties even after impressive signings.
Team Rankings Based on Offseason Changes
- San Jose Sharks (+26 Net Rating Added)
- In: Jeff Skinner, Adam Gaudette, Philipp Kurashev, Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg, Nick Leddy, Alex Nedeljkovic
- Out: Nikolai Kovalenko, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Henry Thrun, Alexandar Georgiev
The Sharks have made significant changes, adding multiple forwards and defensemen, as well as a new goalie. Despite the newcomers being below average, they are more competent than those being replaced. Jeff Skinner, pivotal in poor teams, should thrive in this environment. The addition of Dmitry Orlov strengthens their defense considerably, setting the Sharks up for a more competitive season even if they remain at the bottom of the league.
- Montreal Canadiens (+23 Net Rating Added)
- In: Zack Bolduc, Noah Dobson
- Out: Emil Heineman, Logan Mailloux, David Savard
Montreal NHL fans have reason to be optimistic, as the Canadiens stand as one of the top improvers this offseason. Notably, acquiring Noah Dobson adds defensive prowess, greatly enhancing their performance potential. The departure of David Savard, in conjunction with the addition of Bolduc, supports the Canadiens in not merely holding their own but building on last season’s playoff surprise.
- Anaheim Ducks (+15 Net Rating Added)
- In: Chris Kreider, Mikael Granlund, Ryan Poehling, Petr Mrazek
- Out: Trevor Zegras, Isac Lundestrom, John Gibson
The Ducks’ most impactful offseason change might be their new coaching leadership in Joel Quenneville, poised to significantly uplift team performance. The strategic acquisitions of Kreider and Granlund bolster the attack, providing essential support for younger players. Coupling that with Poehling’s defensive reliability, Anaheim emerges looking far more capable than last year.
- Carolina Hurricanes (+9 Net Rating Added)
- In: Nikolaj Ehlers, K’Andre Miller
- Out: Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov
For Carolina, signing Ehlers represents a major upgrade, adding a dynamic offensive talent to their roster. K’Andre Miller‘s potential to adjust within Carolina’s system can also benefit their ranking, despite the decrease in defensive bedrock from Burns.
- Vegas Golden Knights (+9 Net Rating Added)
- In: Mitch Marner, Colton Sissons, Jeremy Lauzon
- Out: Nicolas Roy, Victor Olofsson, Alex Pietrangelo, Nicolas Hague, Ilya Samsonov
The Golden Knights capitalize by acquiring Mitch Marner, a player who transforms their forward lineup. His elite capabilities, combined with existing talent, promise to elevate Vegas’ competitiveness significantly despite some defensive losses that might be felt deeper into the season.
- Seattle Kraken (+9 Net Rating Added)
- In: Mason Marchment, Frederick Gaudreau, Ryan Lindgren
- Out: Andre Burakovsky, Michael Eyssimont
Replacing Burakovsky with Marchment is a strategic move that benefits Seattle’s top-six and bolsters their overall competitiveness. With several thoughtful adjustments, the Kraken are better equipped for the coming season.
- Buffalo Sabres (+9 Net Rating Added)
- In: Josh Doan, Justin Danforth, Michael Kesselring, Conor Timmins
- Out: JJ Peterka, Sam Lafferty, Connor Clifton, Jacob Bernard-Docker
Despite some concerns surrounding Buffalo’s offseason pace, the Sabres are betting on internal development alongside modest roster adjustments, such as the gain in depth defense provided by Kesselring, that can lead to significant improvements this season.
Conclusion
As we look down this list, various trends emerge. Teams like Pittsburgh, Toronto, and Vancouver are noted for downturns, specifically due to player losses without addressing significant voids with equally formidable talent. Overall, the offseason modify landscape has reshaped expectations and will ultimately set the stage for each team’s battle in the 2025-26 season.
