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

Vancouver Canucks

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Adam Kierszenblat

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1. Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks were the NHL's worst team in 2025-26, and they'll likely be that again in 2026-27.

The Canucks hired a new GM in Ryan Johnson and a new coach in Manny Malhotra, but other than acquiring top draft pick Caleb Malhotra, the Canucks have had virtually zero roster improvement this off-season.

Vancouver acquired some name-brand veterans in Brendan Gallagher, Luke Schenn and Jamie Oleksiak, but they're fringe contributors at best.

The rumors won't go away that Johnson will soon trade many of his veterans. That list could include center Elias Pettersson, wingers Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk, and goalie Thatcher Demko.

Although that would push back the Canucks' timeline to be a legit Cup contender, that's the surest route to acquiring the foundational talent Vancouver needs.

The NHL's 2026 off-season started with a bang, but there are still teams severely lacking in talent and overall depth. Which five teams look like they could be in the league basement?

thehockeynews.comThe Five Worst NHL Teams On Paper After The Start To Free AgencyThe NHL's 2026 off-season started with a bang, but there are still teams severely lacking in talent and overall depth. Which five teams look like they could be in the league basement?

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