Keys to the offseason: Free agency plans for Wild
Key takeaways
- What went right and wrong for each of the eliminated teams?
- Read on for full breakdown on every team that is no longer eligible to win the Stanley Cup in 2026.
- Note: Profiles for the Atlantic and Metro teams were written by Kristen Shilton.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
What went right and wrong for each of the eliminated teams? How should they modify their rosters this summer via trades, free agency and the draft? And what is each club's outlook for 2026-27?
Read on for full breakdown on every team that is no longer eligible to win the Stanley Cup in 2026. More teams will be added to this story as they are eliminated, so keep this page bookmarked.
Note: Profiles for the Atlantic and Metro teams were written by Kristen Shilton. Ryan S. Clark analyzed the Central and Pacific teams. Stats are collected from sites such as Natural Stat Trick, Hockey Reference and Evolving Hockey. Projected cap space per PuckPedia. Dates listed with each team are when the entry was published. Teams are listed alphabetically by publication date.