Brady Tkachuk and Gavin McKenna headline The Hockey News 2026‑27 poll

Ahead of the 2026‑27 NHL season, The Hockey News surveyed 39 of its writers and editors on storylines to watch across the league, from breakout candidates and impactful acquisitions to contract value, trade possibilities and front‑office pressure points.

Change‑of‑scenery bets and early breakout candidates

When it comes to players expected to benefit most from a move, the voting was tight. St. Louis Blues forward Mason McTavish and new Florida Panthers winger Brady Tkachuk finished in a dead heat at nine votes apiece. Calgary Flames defenceman Simon Nemec followed with seven, while Washington Capitals winger Jordan Kyrou drew six. Several others who moved this summer – including Bowen Byram, William Eklund, Nick Paul and Mason Marchment – also received support, reflecting a busy transaction market.

Among projected breakout players regardless of team, Los Angeles Kings centre Quinton Byfield edged out the field with seven votes. Columbus Blue Jackets centre Adam Fantilli was close behind with six, and Montreal Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov picked up five. The narrow margins across these ballots underline how many young players around the league are viewed as poised to take a step.

McKenna, Carlsson and Crosby shape the contract conversation

Brady Tkachuk also dominated the question of which off‑season pickup will have the biggest overall impact, collecting 14 votes. A cluster of Toronto Maple Leafs additions followed: first overall pick Gavin McKenna, defenceman Darren Raddysh, head coach Jim Hiller and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky all appeared frequently on ballots.

McKenna sits at the centre of the rookie discussion as well. The Maple Leafs prospect drew 20 votes as the newcomer most likely to make an immediate mark, well ahead of San Jose Sharks winger and No. 2 pick Ivar Stenberg, who received 11. Chicago Blackhawks winger Roman Kantserov finished third with three votes, and all three are viewed as early Calder Trophy threats.

On contract value, Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby was the runaway choice as the league’s best bargain, earning 18 votes and finishing far ahead of Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy, who had four. At the other end of the spectrum, Anaheim Ducks centre Leo Carlsson was voted the most overpaid player with 15 votes. Calgary Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau (10 votes) and San Jose Sharks defenceman Darnell Nurse (five) rounded out the top three in that category.

Risky additions, trade candidates and hot‑seat pressure

Respondents were also asked which acquisition could quickly lead to buyer’s remorse. Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and San Jose Sharks defenceman Jacob Trouba shared the lead with eight votes each, followed by Edmonton Oilers coach Mike Babcock with seven and Chicago Blackhawks blueliner Bowen Byram with five.

Trade speculation looms large going into the season, and voters identified Detroit Red Wings centre Dylan Larkin as the player most likely to be dealt first, with 14 votes. Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was next at 11, and Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Erik Karlsson was close behind with 10, highlighting how established stars remain at the heart of the rumour mill.

Coaching and management security was another focal point. New Jersey Devils bench boss Sheldon Keefe drew 18 votes as the coach most likely to be fired first, ahead of Ottawa Senators coach Travis Green and Dallas Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. In the front office, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff led the “hot seat” list with 16 votes, followed by Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek at 11 and Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman at eight. Taken together, the poll offers a snapshot of where expectations – and pressure – are highest as 2026‑27 gets underway.