The NHL’s 2026-27 season kicks off on September 29, with five teams standing out as significantly improved after their offseason efforts. The Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Utah Mammoth, and Washington Capitals have made notable upgrades to their rosters. With key player acquisitions and a return to health for several injured stars, these teams are positioning themselves for a stronger performance in the upcoming season compared to last year.

By the Numbers
  • The Florida Panthers had only one player appear in 80 games last season.
  • The Utah Mammoth increased their point totals from 77 to 89, then to 92 over consecutive seasons.
  • The Washington Capitals finished with the same point total as the Golden Knights but missed the playoffs.
State of Play
  • Florida Panthers return a largely healthy core, boosting their depth with Brady Tkachuk and Jacob Markstrom.
  • Nashville Predators bolstered depth with key acquisitions like Mavrik Bourque and Jack Drury.
  • Washington Capitals made significant improvements, boasting new talents like Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou.
What's Next

The Panthers aim for a return to the playoffs with a healthy lineup, while the Capitals are setting sights on their best season yet to support Ovechkin. With the new acquisitions harmonizing with existing talent, all five teams could emerge as serious contenders in a competitive league this year.

Bottom Line

Teams investing in pivotal players and addressing weaknesses through trades and signings are likely to reshape the NHL landscape. As the season begins, the focus will be on whether these changes yield the desired results or if teams will need to reevaluate their strategies mid-season.