Five NHL Teams That Need A Reset In 2026
H
Hockey News
Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Hockey News. Read the full original article here →
As the NHL heads into the latter stages of the current season, five teams are in desperate need of a reset to rejuvenate their futures. The Anaheim Ducks, currently languishing at the bottom of the standings, face a critical juncture. With the likes of Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry, the Ducks have young talent but require a shift in strategy and leadership to harness their potential effectively.
Similarly, the Chicago Blackhawks have been struggling since their championship days, now relying on a rebuild led by young players including Connor Bedard. Although promising, their path forward needs clarity as they seek to return to competitive form. The recent trade of Patrick Kane marks a significant pivot point in their franchise’s history.
The Arizona Coyotes, another team in turmoil, continue to face challenges both on and off the ice. With a new arena deal looming, the Coyotes are under pressure to show progress on the ice. Players like Clayton Keller, who is brimming with potential, need more support to elevate this team to a respectable standing in the league.
In the East, both the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens find themselves in similar predicaments. The Sabres, with rising stars like Owen Power, are looking to build on their recent development but desperately need to find consistency. Meanwhile, the Canadiens, with a storied history, must figure out their direction, especially with Cole Caufield’s injury sidelining one of their key offensive weapons. A reset could be the start of a promising new chapter for these franchises, allowing them to compete effectively in the long term.
Similarly, the Chicago Blackhawks have been struggling since their championship days, now relying on a rebuild led by young players including Connor Bedard. Although promising, their path forward needs clarity as they seek to return to competitive form. The recent trade of Patrick Kane marks a significant pivot point in their franchise’s history.
The Arizona Coyotes, another team in turmoil, continue to face challenges both on and off the ice. With a new arena deal looming, the Coyotes are under pressure to show progress on the ice. Players like Clayton Keller, who is brimming with potential, need more support to elevate this team to a respectable standing in the league.
In the East, both the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens find themselves in similar predicaments. The Sabres, with rising stars like Owen Power, are looking to build on their recent development but desperately need to find consistency. Meanwhile, the Canadiens, with a storied history, must figure out their direction, especially with Cole Caufield’s injury sidelining one of their key offensive weapons. A reset could be the start of a promising new chapter for these franchises, allowing them to compete effectively in the long term.