The 2026 NHL Off-Season Thread: More Fools And Their Cap Space, Soon Parted

[ValJamesDuex]

 

[TageGod]

Starting to think team USA all got together and decided to demand trades together.

 

[Jim Bob]

Meh. Don't use Quinn as a benchmark. His jam, hockey IQ, skating flaws and general, all around passivity are nothing like Benny and Doan--both of whom are inner-driven competitors rather than time markers. Those kind of young players are much more consistent ascenders than guys like Quinn. It may not be linear, but it will still be up for them.

I am not just talking about Doan and Benson. I am talking about Helenius, Ostlund, and Kulich, as well.

Along with a goalie like Levi or Ellis, whomever is left.

And even Doan could plateau and have a 26-27 season that is similar to what 25-26 was as there was a huge jump in production after the trade from Utah. That could be roughly where he will be for a while.

 

[Jim Bob]

Starting to think team USA all got together and decided to demand trades together.

Someone needs to hack their Whatsapp groupchat.

 

[HaNotsri]

Someone needs to hack their Whatsapp groupchat.

Hire Babcock as guest coach for a day? He'll have a nice time with Thompson's phone.

 

[WeDislikeEich]

Starting to think team USA all got together and decided to demand trades together.

There are a bunch of rumors out there about a team USA group chat…

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

There are a bunch of rumors out there about a team USA group chat…

i think that started as a joke that has gotten out of hand

 

[WeDislikeEich]

i think that started as a joke that has gotten out of hand

That could definitely be the case.

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

That could definitely be the case.

now every team and group ive been in over the last 10 years has had a group chat so like with most conspiracies theres probably a core kernel of truth

but I think it has more to do with these big name players finally seeing what those moments are like combined with a cap spike and that most of the names moving are/were playing for some pretty shitty teams, then you end up on a roster with tkachuck and he goes ya calgary was a shit hole and now im a multiple cup champion

 

[Gras]

Someone needs to hack their Whatsapp groupchat.

If they were smart they would be using Signal

 

[Jacob582]

There are a bunch of rumors out there about a team USA group chat…

That could definitely be the case.

 

[Beerz]

now every team and group ive been in over the last 10 years has had a group chat so like with most conspiracies theres probably a core kernel of truth

but I think it has more to do with these big name players finally seeing what those moments are like combined with a cap spike and that most of the names moving are/were playing for some pretty shitty teams, then you end up on a roster with tkachuck and he goes ya calgary was a shit hole and now im a multiple cup champion

I bet Covid has some to do with it too. Nobody wants to be stuck on wrong side of border

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[26CornerBlitz]

Sabres announce 2026 preseason schedule | Buffalo Sabres

Exhibition schedule includes 2 home games, 2 road games.

www.nhl.com

The Buffalo Sabres have announced their schedule for the 2026 preseason.

 

[Jetskiis]

Only the Oilers would bring this on themselves.

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[UrbanAchiever]

 

[Beerz]

 

[Dingo44]

Houston or Austin apparently.

Add Atlanta in the East and that's your next expansion. I'd put it at 75% likely.

 

[Jetskiis]

if that happens then i imagine they would be drafting Bjorck. if NJ is getting their pick in the nemec return, they probably take Bjorck

 

[Dingo44]

Detroit is just like Buffalo in the sense we grew up and preferred Hockey Night in Canada on CBC. It's a huge loss even if it wasn't as good as the glory days.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/hockey-night-cbc-nhl-sportsnet-usa-americans-michigan-windsor-9.7240072

 

[Beerz]

Pretty good return

 

[Beerz]

Houston or Austin apparently.

Add Atlanta in the East and that's your next expansion. I'd put it at 75% likely.

I would think Austin would be the better option even tho there is way more population in Houston

 

[ValJamesDuex]

delete

 

[KiwiGriff]

Planning for all the younger players to be better in 2026-27 than they were in 2025-26 is not realistic.

I am expecting to see many rants this upcoming season when one or more of the youngsters doesn't post-in higher numbers than last year.