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The NHL opens a new chapter this fall, and several clubs that languished near the bottom last season are quietly positioned to surprise. With fresh faces, key offseason moves and maturing young cores, a handful of teams could turn long stretches of underachievement into meaningful playoff pushes.
Below are four franchises that look most likely to flip the script in 2025–26 — teams with plausible paths to the postseason, driven by roster upgrades, elite young talent and goaltending that must come through.
Utah Mammoth: New Identity, Real Momentum
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Relocated and rebranded, the Utah Mammoth will enter their Salt Lake City era with renewed optimism. After narrowly missing the playoffs by seven points in their final season as the Arizona Coyotes, front-office moves this summer give Utah a credible offensive punch.
Why the offense now scares opponents
- Top-end additions: Acquiring J.J. Peterka adds speed and scoring touch to a forward group that already features Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley and Nick Schmaltz.
- Depth pieces: Dylan Guenther and Barrett Hayton round out two strong forward lines, creating more balanced scoring beyond a single superstar.
What still needs to improve — defense and net
The Mammoth’s blue line lacks a marquee shutdown defenseman but projects as a collective unit that can be competent in transition and penalty kill situations. The bigger question is in goal: Karel Vejmelka must lift his consistency to give Utah the floor-to-ceiling improvement needed for a playoff race.
- Strengths: Balanced forward depth, speed up front, improved secondary scoring.
- Risks: No standout defenseman, goaltending performance is a wildcard.
Buffalo Sabres: Can goaltending and defense end a long drought?
Buffalo’s rebuild has produced tantalizing pieces but not playoff results; the Sabres haven’t qualified since 2011. This season, incremental upgrades on the blue line and the possibility of a breakout in goal make Buffalo one of the more intriguing potential risers.
Offensive foundation and development
Tage Thompson remains the offensive engine, and the roster’s depth will benefit from a full season with Josh Norris. The Sabres’ attack is dependable rather than explosive, but depth scoring could carry them through long stretches.
Defense and netminding are the key variables
- New pieces: The club added Michael Kesselring (in the deal that moved J.J. Peterka) and picked up forward Josh Doan, shoring up the defense corps.
- Goaltending hinge: Buffalo’s goals-against numbers were among the NHL’s worst last season; the team needs either Devon Levi or Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to take a clear step forward.
If one of Buffalo’s young goalies reaches expectations, the combination of defensive upgrades and offensive depth could finally end the long playoff drought and put the Sabres back into the hunt.
New York Rangers: Bounce-back potential with star talent
The Rangers went from league frontrunners to a club that missed expectations last year. Still, the core remains elite: a top-tier goalie, a high-impact winger and one of the league’s best defensemen give New York a high upside if secondary scorers return to form.
Core strengths that matter in October
- Igor Shesterkin anchors the crease with elite-level saves that keep the team in games.
- Artemi Panarin provides game-breaking offense and playmaking ability.
- Adam Fox runs the power play and quarterbacks the top defense pairing.
What will determine whether the Rangers climb back
Leadership and scoring depth are the factors to watch. Newly named captain J.T. Miller must steady the locker room, while rising forwards like Will Cuylle and Alexis Lafrenière need to spike production. The signing of defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov addresses last season’s struggles in the defensive zone and should improve the team’s structure and reliability.
Anaheim Ducks: Youth movement plus veteran help
Anaheim’s timeline is accelerating. The Ducks boast a talented crop of young forwards and blue-liners that have already shown flashes — pairing them with experienced additions and a seasoned bench boss could turn promise into wins.
Young core driving optimism
- Emerging forwards: Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish and Troy Terry give Anaheim an exciting, high-ceiling attack.
- Developing defense: Jackson LaCombe, Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov provide the team with mobility and puck-moving ability from the back end.
Veteran additions and coaching matter
The Ducks added experienced contributors like Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund to bring scoring depth and situational savvy. Hiring Joel Quenneville as head coach gives Anaheim a tactician known for improving structure and extracting results from developing rosters.
Goalie Lukas Dostal will need to grow into a reliable starting role, but the combination of a better team game in front of him and increased veteran leadership makes a playoff berth a reachable target for Anaheim.
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John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.
Yo, can we talk about the Mammoths glow-up? Utahs got that fresh new identity and real momentum, its like theyre on a whole new level! Who knew the underdogs would steal the show? Exciting times ahead!
Yo, I gotta say, Utahs Mammoths really be out here turning heads, huh? Its like they hit the glow-up switch and went from zero to hero real quick! Who wouldve thought theyd be stealing the spotlight like this? Its wild, man. Exciting stuff ahead for sure!
Man, the Mammoth are really stepping up their game, huh? Exciting to see new contenders on the rise. Gotta keep an eye on those Sabres too – could this be their year to make a splash? Let the games begin!
Man, remember when the Mammoth were underdogs? Now theyre making headlines! Hope they keep the momentum. Sabres and Rangers aint messing around either. Ducks gotta step up, defense wins games, right? Exciting season ahead!
Yo, can you believe it? Mammoth, Rangers, Ducks and Sabres makin’ waves in the playoffs? Who saw that coming, right? Gotta love the underdogs risin’ up! Hope they keep the momentum goin’, gonna be a wild ride!
Yo, aint that the truth? Playoffs be wild this year! Its like a rollercoaster of surprises with those teams showin up strong. Gotta admit, lovin me some underdog action too. Lets see if they can keep the good vibes flowin or if its just a fluke, you know? Either way, gonna be one heck of a ride!
Man, the Sabres finally catching a break? About time! Mammoth making moves, love to see it. Rangers and Ducks sneaking in? Bold choices. But can they hang with the big dogs come playoff time? Gonna be a wild ride, thats for sure.
Who wouldve thought the Mammoth and Sabres would be playoff talk? Rangers and Ducks too? Man, hockeys full of surprises. Hope they keep the momentum up. Lets see if they can shake things up, eh?
Man, the Mammoth coming in hot! Sabres, Rangers, Ducks too? Playoff mix gonna be wild. Hope the D can hold up for Buffalo, though. Nets gotta be on lockdown! Exciting times ahead!
Man, who saw the Mammoth coming? Utahs on fire! Hope they keep the momentum. Sabres, Rangers, Ducks too? Wild season ahead. Offenses got teeth, but defense and net need a tune-up. Playoffs gonna be lit!
Man, the Mammoth got a glow-up! Excited for the Sabres to bring the heat. Rangers and Ducks better watch out! Its gonna be a wild ride in the NHL playoffs. Whos your underdog pick?
Man, can you believe it? Mammoth and Sabres making noise in the playoffs? Its like a whole new league! Defense might be shaky, but the offense keeps em in the game. Rangers and Ducks better watch out!
Dude, I know, right? Mammoth and Sabres are on fire! Feels like a plot twist in a sports movie. Defense might need a boost, but dang, those boys can score! Rangers and Ducks gotta step up their game or theyll be in for a surprise. Playoffs are getting wild!
Yo, as a die-hard hockey fan, seeing underdogs like the Mammoth and Sabres step up their game is what makes the NHL so lit. Cant wait to see these surprise playoff teams shake things up in 2025-26! #GameOn
Man, the Mammoth really shook things up this season, huh? Feels like they came outta nowhere with that new identity. But can they keep up the pace? Defense and net gotta tighten up, or its gonna be a short-lived party.
Totally, dude! The Mammoth came outta the blue like a stealthy ninja. But youre spot-on about their defense, gotta tighten that up like a jar of pickles. If they dont, this party might end quicker than my phones battery life. Cant have em fading out early, right?
Man, Sabres making a comeback? Reminds me of the good ol days. Mammoth with the new identity, love that! Rangers and Ducks better not underestimate em. Playoffs 25-26 gonna be wild!
Man, the Mammoth really stepping up their game, huh? Sabres, Rangers, Ducks joining the party too? Bet the playoffs gonna be wild this year. Cant wait to see how these underdogs shake things up!
Haha, the Mammoth taking the ice like giants! Remember when Utah was the underdog? Now, theyre the team to beat. Cant wait to see those matchups. Who wouldve thought, eh? Exciting times in the NHL, folks.
Man, Utah really flipped the script, huh? From underdogs to top dogs. Its like a plot twist in a sports movie, but hey, real life can be just as wild. Cant wait for those epic matchups! Its like NHLs serving up some premium drama this season. Who knew Utah had it in em, right? Gonna be a rollercoaster ride, thats for sure.
Man, who wouldve thought the Mammoth would shake things up like this? Theyre like the underdog you wanna root for. Hope they keep the momentum going strong cause hockey can always use a good surprise story, you know?
Man, I swear, I had my money on the Penguins this season, but the Mammoth sure know how to shake things up! Its like watching a movie where the unexpected underdog steals the show. Gotta admit, Im hooked on their momentum. Lets see if they can keep this wild ride going!
Man, the Mammoth taking the ice by storm? Feels like Im in a sci-fi flick! But can they keep up the momentum? Defense and goalies gotta step up their game, or its all just smoke and mirrors.
Whoa, the Mammoth really shaking things up, huh? Feels like Im watching a sports drama unfold! But hey, youre right, can they keep this wild ride going? Defense and goalies better bring their A-game, or its all just a flashy show. Lets hope theyre not just a one-hit wonder, am I right?
Man, the Mammoth and Sabres shakin up the NHL? Thats like a plot twist in a sports movie! Can the Rangers and Ducks keep up the pace or will they tumble like a house of cards? Exciting times ahead!
Man, the Mammoths makeover got me like, Whoa, whats happening here? Sabres, Rangers, Ducks… all on the rise? Its like a hockey rollercoaster, but hey, surprises keep the game spicy, right?
Man, the Mammoth really shook things up this season! Who wouldve thought theyd be playoff contenders? Cant wait to see if they keep the momentum next year. Sabres and Rangers too, gotta love these underdog stories!
Man, the Mammoth are really shaking things up. I remember when they were the underdogs, now theyre roaring into the playoffs. Cant wait to see how the other surprise teams fare this season. Time to grab some popcorn and enjoy the show!
Man, cant believe the Mammoth made the playoffs! Remember when they were the underdogs? Now theyre a force! Defense is shaky, but that offense? Scary stuff. Cant wait to see if they keep the momentum!
Man, the Mammoth are finally stirring up the league! Cant sleep on em anymore. But hey, can they keep this fire up? Defense could be the make or break, right? Gonna be a wild ride!
Man, the Mammoth coming in hot! Reminds me of 23 when the Ducks shocked everyone. Hope the Sabres keep the D tight. Rangers got firepower but need to gel. Playoffs gonna be wild this year!
Man, the Sabres turning it around? Thats a plot twist I never saw coming! Can they keep up the momentum, or are we in for another rollercoaster ride? Exciting times ahead in the NHL!
Man, who wouldve thought the Mammoth would be making waves in the NHL? Loving the underdog energy. Cant wait to see if theyll keep the momentum going or if its just a fluke. Exciting times ahead!
Man, the Mammoth are giving me those underdog vibes, love it! Sabres, Rangers, Ducks… surprises everywhere! Cant wait to see the underdogs shake things up in the playoffs. Time for the big shots to watch out!