As the NHL gears up for the 2026-27 season, several teams stand out for their marked decline in performance and roster quality. The Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights have all made decisions this offseason that leave them weaker than last year. From significant player trades to underwhelming free-agent signings, these franchises face uphill battles as they navigate roster injuries and salary cap limitations.

By the Numbers
  • Anahiem Ducks traded away key players like John Carlson and Mason McTavish.
  • Buffalo Sabres lost first-line winger Alex Tuch, impacting their scoring depth.
  • Dallas Stars traded Mavrik Bourque, one of their promising young forwards.
  • Vegas Golden Knights lost top scorer Pavel Dorofeyev and multiple bottom-six forwards.
Yes, But

While these teams look weaker on paper, offseason changes can sometimes lead to surprising outcomes. The Sabres, for example, showed potential with new draft picks and younger players; their long-term strategy might still prove fruitful despite some losses. However, the immediate impact of these changes raises questions about their competitive edge heading into the season.

State of Play
  • The Ducks face a salary-cap crunch needing to manage contracts for key restricted free agents.
  • The Avalanche have lost veterans without clear replacements, impacting their depth.
  • The Stars remain uncertain about Jason Robertson’s long-term contract situations.
  • The Golden Knights have turned over several roster spots but have not adequately replaced key offensive contributors.
What's Next

As training camps approach, teams will need to finalize their lineups and strategies. The Ducks may need to make trades to alleviate their cap crunch, while the Avalanche must hope that younger prospects can step up significantly. The Stars will look to resolve Robertson’s contract situation quickly to stabilize their offense, and the Knights could still make late moves to bolster their line-up.

Bottom Line

These five NHL teams illustrate the precarious balance between managing roster changes and maintaining competitive stature. As they grapple with offseason losses and emerging challenges, they risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive league. The path forward requires strategic decisions, especially regarding player contracts and depth acquisitions, to avoid further decline this season.