The 2025-26 season is upon us. With it comes uncertainty for some NHL clubs regarding their standing. Some clubs are on the verge of becoming playoff contenders. At the same time, things could go south quickly.
These clubs head into the season in a holding pattern. If things turn out roses, they could morph into buyers at the trade deadline. But if things sour, especially out of the gate, they could blow things up and start over.
So, here’s a look at three NHL clubs who could blow things up in 2025-26, particularly following a slow start.
3 NHL clubs poised to blow things up in 2025-26
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators made a splash last offseason, landing several key free agents. However, things went south pretty quickly. Instead of contending, the Preds were left with a lottery pick. The big-name stars didn’t live up to the hype. While they didn’t have awful seasons, they didn’t justify the buzz surrounding their signings.
Make no mistake. The Predators have a talented core. Norris Trophy defenseman Roman Josi, franchise scoring leader Filip Forsberg, and number-one netminder Juuse Saros provide the foundation for what could be a turnaround season.
But it’s Saros who’s the most concerning. After signing a massive extension, Saros had a subpar season. So, the Predators will be counting on Saros to rebound if they are to get back to playoff contention in a packed Central Division.
However, a rough start could motivate GM Barry Trotz to sell off veterans and start from scratch. Nashville fans shouldn’t rule out a short-term retool with a chance of a full-on rebuild.
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are in limbo. They faced a tumultuous season in which they were forced to trade top-line center J.T. Miller. Then, the club lost Pius Suter to free agency. The turmoil inside the dressing room resulted in Jack Adams winner Rick Tocchet bailing for Philadelphia.
Now, the Canucks will turn over a new leaf under Adam Foote. Foote is a hard-nosed coach who should focus on defensive play above everything else. However, there’s no telling if the Canucks’ current core is enough to get them back into the playoffs.
Like Nashville, the Canucks have a talented core. Former 100-point scorer Elias Pettersson will be expected to have a bounce-back season. All-world blueliner Quinn Hughes is money in the bank. Meanwhile, Thatcher Demko will anchor one of the most adept goalie tandems in the league.
But it’s Demko’s health that casts a shadow over the Canucks. If healthy, Demko could backstop one of the most impressive NHL clubs. But if the team is forced to roll with Kevin Lankinen and some other backup, things could go south quickly.
Plus, another down season from Pettersson could hamstring Vancouver’s ability to add key pieces down the road. As such, blowing things up may be the only recourse in Vancouver moving forward.
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders hit the jackpot by landing the first-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The pick resulted in presumptive franchise defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Also, a draft-day blockbuster with the Montreal Canadiens netted two more first-rounders.
All of a sudden, the Islanders’ barren prospect pipeline became flush with high-end talent. That situation could prompt the Isles to blow things up if things don’t work out well in 2025-26.
A slow start could jeopardize the Islanders’ chances of nabbing a playoff spot. If the team is in line for a lottery pick, a massive sell off could ensue. Players like Bo Horvat, Anders Lee, Ryan Pulock, and Adam Pelech would be on the block.
Meanwhile, albatrosses like Scott Mayfield and Pierre Engvall might become buyout victims. Coach Patrick Roy and GM Mathieu Darche will have the task of pulling a playoff spot out of their hats. But if things don’t go as planned, the Islanders could blow things up and head down the path of an inevitable rebuild.