How 10 NHL teams could face Worst-Case scenarios in 2025–26 season

The NHL season is still in the early stages, but the thrill of preseason predictions has already begun to fade, and tougher questions have started to arise. Wins and losses are now significant, young players are being evaluated on actual advancements, and the management is awkwardly measuring the impact of their offseason moves. All teams were optimistic at the onset of the season—yet, the game of hockey has a unique ability to reveal weaknesses early in the process.

A worst-case scenario does not necessarily equate to being at the bottom of the standings. It can, at times, mean lost development, indefinite rebuilding, overpaid players whose contracts are not good anymore, or old problems not going away. The league has teams that are not worried about a one-off disaster but about the gradual recurrence of the same old problems this season, which was supposed to be different.

Key risks and Worst-Case scenarios

Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks’ worst-case scenario is not missing the playoffs again but rather having their development hit a wall. This is especially true if the young star Leo Carlsson, along with other young players under the core like him, fails to shine and, with the team, ends up with a poor record. The season, then, is seen as a lost year for development rather than a step forward.
Boston Bruins: The whole thing is dependent on Jeremy Swayman. In the event that he has a bad year again and cannot hold the fort in the goal, the very small margin of error Boston has will be lost, exposing the team, which is devoid of depth and superb center play.

Buffalo Sabres: The team can’t afford another year of losing without a big change in the organization. It would be foolish to stay the same and at the same time extend the playoff drought, as this could even deepen the mistrust in management and ownership.

Calgary Flames: Dustin Wolf's decline after being signed up for a long-term contract would instantly crush Calgary's aspirations. A goaltending dilemma would put the whole franchise's long-term strategy under suspicion.

Carolina Hurricanes: The biggest disaster is not being out of the playoffs but rather going out in the same way again. Losing again at this same point would feed the argument of whether this core can ever be a title contender.

Chicago Blackhawks: Being last in the standings for the second year running would be a very bad sign. Not going through another season with the only superstar, Connor Bedard, showing no improvement, would be a real test of the patience of the organization as well as the fans.

Colorado Avalanche: If Mackenzie Blackwood's good form turns out to be just a one-off, Colorado may have to deal with an overpriced goaltending dilemma that would stall their plans with an otherwise top-notch team.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Not making the most out of the available cap room and assets, and besides, missing the playoffs again, would be an unfortunate circumstance during a critical transition period.

Dallas Stars: If Mikko Rantanen could not manage to push the scoring as the main superstar, then Dallas would have to pay for the production that is not fully delivered.

Detroit Red Wings: The real threat is to take things for granted. One more year of almost getting there with no pressure would indicate that being in the middle has become the rule.

The worst possible situation does not always turn into a loud bang—they stay around. For these franchises, keeping up the movement might be more important than going after perfection.

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