NHL Players Poised for Redemption in the 2025-26 Season
As the NHL gears up for the 2025-26 season, anticipation builds for several players seeking redemption after subpar performances last year. Here are four forwards poised for significant rebounds this season.
Key Players
Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks
The previous season was a challenging one for Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks. Over the course of 64 games, the talented center managed only 15 goals and 45 points, finishing with a minus-10 rating—a stark contrast to his impressive haul of 34 goals and 89 points in the 2023-24 season and 39 goals plus 102 points in 2022-23.
Having signed an eight-year contract valued at $11.6 million per year, Pettersson found himself at the centre of trade discussions due to his noticeable decline in output and some reported tension with teammate J.T. Miller. However, following the Canucks’ decision to trade Miller, Pettersson will now assume the role of the team’s primary center. Looking ahead, the upcoming season offers him a fresh opportunity to reclaim his form, especially considering that he has consistently surpassed 60 points in all but two of his seven NHL campaigns and has dealt with injuries that affected him in the last season. Expect him to bounce back robustly in 2025-26.
Chris Kreider, LW, Anaheim Ducks
Chris Kreider’s performance during the 2024-25 season with the New York Rangers could be characterized as disappointing. In 68 contests, he netted just 22 goals, contributing to a total of 30 points from 152 shots. This slump was a far cry from his previous three seasons, in which he recorded no fewer than 36 goals and 54 points each year.
Now, having transferred to the Anaheim Ducks, Kreider is free from the trade speculation that surrounded him and appears well-positioned for a rebound. During his last complete season with the Rangers in 2023-24, he tallied 39 goals and 75 points; a return to form in Anaheim seems likely.
Steven Stamkos, C, Nashville Predators
Steven Stamkos faced challenges in his inaugural season with the Nashville Predators, posting 27 goals and 53 points alongside a troubling minus-36 rating over the full 82 games. This was in sharp contrast to his previous tally of 40 goals and 81 points for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2023-24 season.
After a remarkable 16-year tenure with Tampa Bay, it’s understandable that he encountered difficulties adjusting to his new team. Fortunately, his performance showed signs of improvement as the season wound down; in March and April, he scored 10 goals and accrued 20 points in 24 games, bouncing back after struggling in February without any points. With a year of adjustment behind him, Stamkos is set to have a more fruitful season in Nashville.
Trevor Zegras, C, Philadelphia Flyers
Trevor Zegras has found a much-needed change of scenery with the Philadelphia Flyers after underwhelming seasons plagued by injuries while playing for the Ducks. In the 2024-25 season, he mustered only 12 goals and 32 points across 57 games. However, now that he’s in Philadelphia, he holds promise as a bounce-back candidate. Previously, he had two solid seasons featuring 23 goals and over 60 points, and with increased ice time anticipated under Flyers coach Rick Tocchet, he can work towards fulfilling his potential as an NHL star at just 24 years of age.
Conclusion
As the NHL season approaches its official start on October 7, fans are eager to see these players regain their form and become pivotal contributors to their teams once again.
