Four NHL teams have early-season problems that could shape their seasons: Minnesota is waiting on Quinn Hughes’ future, Toronto is vulnerable without Chris Tanev, Chicago isn’t giving Connor Bedard enough support, and Calgary is watching Dustin Wolf struggle after signing him to a major contract.

By the Numbers
  • Hughes could reach free agency in eight months.
  • Tanev played 11 games last season and six so far this season.
  • Bedard has seven points in seven games; only one other Chicago skater is on pace for more than 50 points.
  • Wolf has an .839 save percentage through six games; his contract carries a $7.5 million annual average value for seven years.
Yes, But

Each concern has a possible counterweight: Minnesota can still extend Hughes, Tanev may be close to returning, Chicago’s young prospects could develop, and Wolf’s poor start comes in a small sample. But none of those possibilities resolves the immediate risk.

State of Play
  • Minnesota could trade Hughes rather than risk losing him without compensation, though that would hurt its Stanley Cup hopes.
  • Toronto’s defense is stretched without Tanev, while limited trade assets constrain its options.
  • Chicago remains near the bottom of the standings, with Bedard short on established offensive help.
  • Calgary has leaned on Devin Cooley as Wolf’s early struggles put their long-term investment under scrutiny.
What’s Next

Minnesota must clarify Hughes’ future; Toronto needs Tanev back or another solution on defense; Chicago needs to add meaningful support for Bedard; and Calgary needs Wolf to regain form before his contract becomes a larger concern.

Bottom Line

Early-season problems can become season-defining if teams wait too long to address them. The pressure is greatest where a key player’s health, commitment or performance has become central to the team’s ceiling.