NHL News

The Five Worst NHL Teams On Paper After The Start To Free Agency

July 11, 2026Pablo Navarro2 мин

The NHL's free agency period has commenced, and with teams making their initial moves, it's a good time to evaluate which franchises appear to be in the weakest positions. Based on roster construction and the impact of early free agent signings, several teams are looking at significant challenges ahead.

While the dust has yet to settle on all free agency transactions, a preliminary assessment reveals a handful of teams that, on paper, seem to have the most substantial rebuilding tasks. These clubs are often characterized by a lack of proven depth, significant roster holes, or a failure to adequately address needs through the free agent market.

The teams most frequently cited in this discussion are those that have either lost key players without adequate replacements or have failed to attract impactful talent. Their current rosters suggest a long road to competitiveness, potentially impacting their performance throughout the upcoming hockey season. Further analysis of their defensive pairings, forward lines, and goaltending situations will be crucial in understanding the full scope of their struggles.

English Translation:

The NHL's free agency period has begun, and with teams making their initial moves, it's an opportune moment to assess which franchises appear to be in the weakest positions. Based on roster construction and the impact of early free agent signings, several teams are facing significant challenges ahead.

While all free agency transactions have not yet concluded, a preliminary evaluation identifies a handful of teams that, on paper, seem to have the most substantial rebuilding tasks. These clubs are often defined by a scarcity of proven depth, considerable roster gaps, or an inability to effectively address their needs through the free agent market.

The teams most commonly mentioned in this discourse are those that have either seen key players depart without sufficient replacements or have been unsuccessful in attracting impactful talent. Their current rosters suggest an extended path to competitiveness, which could affect their performance throughout the upcoming hockey season. A more detailed examination of their defensive pairings, forward lines, and goaltending situations will be essential in comprehending the full extent of their difficulties.