The NHL's 2026 offseason has been a whirlwind of trades and blockbuster moves, but there are still teams left feeling like they need a game-changing trade to turn their fortunes around. Let's take a look at five of these teams and the potential moves they could make to shake things up.
The Buffalo Sabres: A Team in Transition
The Sabres have made some smart moves this offseason, but they're still facing a challenging season ahead. While they've improved their long-term outlook by trading for the No. 4 overall pick and defenseman Olen Zellweger, and locking in forward Zach Benson to a potentially steal of a long-term contract, none of these moves will make them better this season. With the loss of Alex Tuch and Byram, and no major additions to replace them, Buffalo has lost a lot of production from its 2025-26 roster. The pressure is on general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen to make a bold move, and one of the most obvious swings would be going after Winnipeg Jets starting goalie Connor Hellebuyck. His future with Winnipeg remains uncertain, and his name is still out there on the trade rumor mill. Goaltending might be the one big question mark the Sabres have, and if they could find a way to swing that deal, it might help make up for the value that left this summer. It might even make them better, not just in the long term, but also in the short term.
The Columbus Blue Jackets: Struggling to Find Consistency
The Blue Jackets have had a stressful offseason, with an unsettled future for two of their best players, Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko, and a roster that needs more offense and consistency. While getting Valeri Nichushkin is a nice addition, it's not enough to fix everything that ails this team. They still need more help if they are to start winning consistently, and winning consistently is the best way to convince their best players to want to stay. The Blue Jackets turned what looked to be a sure playoff spot in early March into one of the most disappointing finishes in franchise history, resulting in then-interim head coach Rick Bowness melting down and calling out the roster's culture. Something needs to happen before they take another step backwards.
The Dallas Stars: A Team in Need of a Spark
The Dallas Stars have a contract situation with Jason Robertson that doesn't seem to be ending, and that could eventually lead to a blockbuster move. If they can't get a deal done with him before his arbitration date, a trade remains on the table. Otherwise, Dallas is looking at the potential for a one-year arbitration ruling that takes their best, most dynamic forward right to unrestricted free agency. The Stars went to three consecutive Western Conference Finals prior to last year's first-round loss, and now they've had a quiet offseason on top of that, which also saw them lose young player Mavrik Bourque in a trade. Something else needs to happen here before they take another step backwards.
The Detroit Red Wings: A Team in Chaos
The Detroit Red Wings are on a 10-year playoff drought, and team captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade this offseason. Whether the new general manager, whoever it might be, trades him or plays hardball with him, this is still a team desperately needing something to give it a spark. With $19.5 million in unused salary cap space and only restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson left to re-sign, potentially moving Larkin out would likely open up more salary cap space. The new general manager is going to be walking into chaos and facing a fan base with an understandably short temper.
The Minnesota Wild: A Team in Transition
The Minnesota Wild have superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes signed for one more season, and until he signs a new extension, everybody has to be prepared for the possibility that he leaves after the season. Their window is wide open, but it will only be this wide open with Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov for one more year, potentially. General manager Bill Guerin has to work some magic this season, and getting Blake Coleman was a great addition for the forward depth on the wings, but they are still badly lacking another top-line center. If not Dylan Larkin, would they take a chance on Shane Wright breaking out with a fresh start? Or would they be able (or willing) to roll the dice on Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks?
In my opinion, the NHL's 2026 offseason has been a fascinating display of the sport's unpredictability and the importance of making smart moves. As a fan, I can't wait to see how these teams fare in the upcoming season and whether they'll be able to turn their fortunes around with a game-changing trade.
