The Six Teams Most Likely to Qualify for the Playoffs This Season

After a season without playoff participation for several major teams, there is a group of clubs that look most ready to return to contention this year. The list summarizes the key traits and changes that could give them an edge in the 2026-27 campaign.

As reported by the NHL, analysis shows that on average around 5.5 teams that missed the playoffs last season return the next, and this time Dan Rosen has ranked the six strongest candidates. Leading the way are the Florida Panthers, who, despite missing the playoffs last year, return as Stanley Cup contenders with the return of Aleksander Barkov and the arrival of Brady Tkachuk alongside Matthew Tkachuk. Jacob Markström replaces Sergei Bobrovsky in goal, and the team looks built to battle for the top spots in the Atlantic Division barring any catastrophe.

The Washington Capitals came close to qualifying last season with 95 points but fell short by three. Offensive additions such as Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner, together with Pierre-Luc Dubois returning to form, give them the capacity to cross the 100-point threshold. The team will be one of the most physical in the Metropolitan and could challenge the Carolina Hurricanes for the division lead.

The San Jose Sharks appear to be emerging from their dry spell; last season they won 39 games and reached 86 points, a marked improvement on the previous year. Young stars such as Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Michael Misa and Collin Graf could continue their progress, while the defense was bolstered by Jacob Trouba, Darnell Nurse and Michael Kesselring. If the Sharks cut the number of goals conceded, they will be serious playoff contenders.

The Toronto Maple Leafs face a season of great uncertainty: they could be strong contenders or suffer another disappointment. The addition of Sergei Bobrovsky on a three-year deal aims for stability in goal, but he must rediscover his previous form to be the solution that takes them to the playoffs. Rookie Gavin McKenna is under pressure to perform immediately, while Darren Raddysh is expected to help the defense and the power play.

The St. Louis Blues remain very close to qualifying, having pushed last season and missed by just four points. Improving special teams is key: power-play scoring and penalty-kill effectiveness must rise after a difficult season in those areas. Offensive decisions with Mason McTavish and Connor McMichael are expected to spread the goal burden and help Robert Thomas and others.

According to the NHL, the New Jersey Devils have high offensive potential with a group including Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier and others, but qualification depends directly on goaltender performance (Jake Allen, Nico Daws and David Rittich). If goaltending becomes a positive, the Devils could use their offensive depth and defensive ability to return to the playoffs.