As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, front offices are burning the midnight oil to sharpen rosters for a run at the Stanley Cup — or, for some, to start building toward one. Whether you’re a Cup contender trying to plug one last hole or a rebuilding franchise stacking draft capital, every team has its wishlist this summer. Here’s a breakdown of the top offseason needs for some key teams heading into the 2026 season:
Toronto Maple Leafs – Defensive Identity
Toronto’s high-flying offense hasn’t been the issue. Even with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner still producing, the Leafs have struggled with defensive lapses in big moments. With the cap flexibility expected in 2026, GM Brad Treliving must prioritize a legit top-4 shutdown defenseman and a reliable backup goalie. If they don’t build a tougher, playoff-resilient blue line, another early exit could be looming.
Need: Physical Top-4 Defenseman
Chicago Blackhawks – Support for Bedard
Connor Bedard has officially arrived, and now it’s time to insulate him. The Hawks still need middle-six scoring and a capable top-pair partner for Kevin Korchinski. While 2026 won’t be their all-in year, they must keep progressing toward contention while keeping flexibility intact.
Need: Veteran Winger, Top-4 Defenseman, Power Play Quarterback
Los Angeles Kings – Goaltending Stability
The Kings still boast one of the deepest blue lines in the league and a strong two-way core. But the revolving door in net — from Copley to Talbot to whoever’s next — continues to hold them back. Addressing the crease should be their #1 priority this offseason.
Need: Better Goaltending to support the great defense
Buffalo Sabres – Enough Waiting, Time to Win
The rebuild is over. With Tage Thompson, Owen Power, and Rasmus Dahlin locked in, Buffalo must make the playoffs in 2026. A veteran top-six forward and a true leader in the locker room could help push this young core across the line.
Need: Veteran Forward, Defensive Depth, Leadership
Edmonton Oilers – One Last Shot with McDavid & Draisaitl?
Time is ticking. 2026 becomes a “make-or-break” year for keeping their core intact. With cap pressure and aging depth, they must nail their offseason moves, especially on defense and secondary scoring.
Need: Goaltending
New Jersey Devils – Stability Behind the Bench and Between the Pipes
Talent is not the problem. Consistency is. The Devils are stacked up front and on the blue line, but the carousel of goaltending and coaching turnover has made them unpredictable. If they can find stability in net, they’re back in the contender conversation.
Need: Keep things rolling
San Jose Sharks – Continue the Rebuild
The Sharks are still in asset-acquisition mode. While Macklin Celebrini gives them a center to build around, 2026 is about patience. San Jose should use their cap space to take on bad contracts for picks and stay the course.
Need: Draft Capital, Veteran Mentors, Cap Floor Fillers
Pittsburgh Penguins – Transition Time
The Pens have been clinging to the Crosby era, but 2026 may finally mark a passing of the torch. With limited cap space and an aging core, Pittsburgh needs to walk the line between competing and preparing for life after Sid.
Need: Youth Injection, Speed on the Wing, Defensive Structure
Bonus Quick Hits
• Ottawa Senators: The core is there.
• Calgary Flames: Asset management mode — trade UFAs or re-sign? Could shape next 5 years.
• Detroit Red Wings: Find true 1C consistency. Can Larkin be the guy or do they swing big?