NHL teams: three set to make major offseason moves

The NHL calendar tightens: the draft arrives in a week, and free agency follows days later. For fans, those back-to-back events signal the unofficial start of the offseason chess match — rosters get reshaped, cap plans are reset, and contenders try to position themselves for a run at the 2027 Stanley Cup.

This summer’s market may not sparkle like some headline-grabbing free-agent classes of the past, but a rising salary cap and a handful of tradable assets mean plenty of movement is still possible. Here are three clubs that look especially likely to be at the center of this summer’s action.

San Jose Sharks — Turning Prospect Momentum into Immediate Gains

Why the Sharks are a summer story

San Jose’s rebuild accelerated last season, largely because of the impact of rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini. The Sharks went from longshots to legitimate near-playoff competitors, finishing only a few points shy of a postseason berth. That jump gives management options: continue stacking youth or add veteran pieces to push into contention sooner.

What the Sharks can realistically do

• Leverage cap space: The Sharks have room to sign mid-to-upper-tier free agents who want playing time and a front-row seat to a young core.
• Use the No. 2 pick strategically: With the second overall selection, San Jose can either draft another cornerstone talent or flip the pick in a trade for an established difference-maker.
• Trade assets for experience: Prospects and draft capital give the Sharks trade flexibility to target playoff-ready players at key positions.

San Jose can look at nearby models like the Anaheim Ducks, who blended youth with targeted veteran additions and vaulted into playoff contention. The Sharks have similar building blocks — now it’s a matter of choosing the right balance between patience and urgency.

Montreal Canadiens — One deep playoff run, clear roster gaps

What the postseason taught Montreal

The Canadiens surprised many by reaching the Eastern Conference Final, yet their swift exit at the hands of the eventual champion exposed two glaring needs: a quality second-line center and a top-four defenseman who can play on the right side. Those upgrades are expensive but often necessary for teams that want to turn a Cinderella run into sustained contention.

Trade and free-agent targets to watch

• Second-line center: A veteran pivot who can stabilize middle-end offensive zone starts and play on special teams would be a high-priority target.
• Right-shot top-four defenseman: Right-side blue-liners are premium commodities and may require giving up a top prospect or draft capital.
• Potential names in play: The market will determine feasibility, but high-end examples include players like Detroit’s captain Dylan Larkin — a player with the profile Montreal might pursue if they’re willing to pay a price.

The Canadiens also have trade chips. One intriguing asset is Alexander Zharovsky, a recent second-round pick who impressed in the KHL. Packaging prospects such as Zharovsky could be Montreal’s way to land a proven NHL difference-maker this summer.

St. Louis Blues — Cap flexibility and draft capital set the table

Where the Blues stand entering the offseason

St. Louis finished the year on the edge of the playoff picture after a late surge, but roster adjustments feel inevitable. The club has built up significant flexibility — salary-cap room, a deep prospect pool and multiple high draft picks — giving new general manager Alexander Steen several clear strategic pathways.

Key assets and potential approaches

• Draft capital: The Blues control three first-round selections, a rare commodity that can speed a rebuild or be used to acquire top-tier talent.
• Tradeable veterans: Players such as Jordan Binnington, Colton Parayko, Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas could be moved to reshape the roster or re-stock the prospect pipeline.
• Two main strategic lanes:

  1. Spend aggressively to add veterans and chase a quick return to contention.
  2. Sell high on established pieces, add prospects and picks, and retool toward a younger core.

Steen’s early decisions will define the Blues’ direction. Whether he chooses to accelerate with payroll and deadline-style deals or to trade veterans for futures, St. Louis will be one of the teams every GM watches closely this summer.

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John Davis

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.