How 8 Western Conference teams can get back into Stanley Cup Playoffs

NHL.com continues its preview of the 2026-27 season.

For the eight Western Conference teams who missed the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, their goal since the regular season ended has been determining how to extend their season into June, like the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes did.

So, how can those teams take the next step? As training camps continue, NHL.com today examines why fans of the eight teams can hold onto their playoff hopes (teams listed in alphabetical order):

CALGARY FLAMES

Last season: 34-39-9, 13 points out of second wild card

How it ended: The Flames finished the 2025 portion of their schedule one point out of a wild card, but went 5-9-2 in their next 16 games to fall 11 points back on the way to missing the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

Biggest offseason change: Calgary added defensive depth with two significant trades. Simon Nemec was acquired from the New Jersey Devils on June 23 for two conditional first-round NHL draft picks after the 22-year-old right-handed shot had his most productive season, setting NHL career bests in goals (11), assists (15) and points (26), while averaging 19:40 of ice time in 68 games. He could be in line for a bigger role this season, including a consistent spot on the power play. Where Nemec adds skill, Jake Middleton adds snarl and physicality. Acquired from the Minnesota Wild for forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta on July 2, Middleton led Wild defensemen with 87 hits and was fourth with 117 blocked shots in 75 games. He also should play a big role on the penalty kill.

Why they could get in: The Flames should be better defensively. A full season of experience for Zayne Parekh should allow him to unlock more of his dynamic skill and turn him into a power-play threat, and Nemec could deliver more with an increased role. That alone should invigorate an offense that will have a full season from 20-year-old forward Matvei Gridin, who had 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 37 games as a rookie. They have a core of other talented forwards, with Morgan Frost, Joel Farabee, Matt Coronato and Connor Zary topping that list, with support from veterans Mikael Backlund and Jonathan Huberdeau when he returns from hip resurfacing surgery. They need goalie Dustin Wolf to play closer to his rookie season form, when he had a 2.64 goals-against average, .910 save percentage and three shutouts in 53 games in 2024-25, and was second in voting for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year. Last season, he slipped to a 3.01 GAA and .899 save percentage in 57 games (55 starts). If he can raise his play, along with a deeper defense and an offense that improves from last season's League-low average of 2.54 goals per game, it should be good enough to keep the Flames in the hunt for a wild card.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Last season: 29-39-14, 18 points out of second wild card

How it ended: The Blackhawks had the first wild card on Nov. 18 but lost 14 of their next 17 games (3-12-2) to fall to last in the conference and missed the playoffs for the sixth straight season.

Biggest offseason change: The belief is Bowen Byram can be a play-driving, No. 1 defenseman. The Blackhawks traded the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Buffalo Sabres for Byram, then signed him to a six-year, $75 million contract extension ($12.5 million average annual value) on July 1 that begins next season. The 25-year-old set NHL career bests with 11 goals and 42 points in 82 games last season, but he was going to be the No. 2 left-shot defenseman in Buffalo behind Rasmus Dahlin. There's no one like that in Chicago, where he'll be expected to play on the top pair and quarterback the No. 1 power play. The Blackhawks also leaned into its past by signing forward Patrick Kane to a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million AAV). Kane was one of the centerpieces on three Stanley Cup championship teams (2010, 2013, 2015), and at 37 remains an effective player who had 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 67 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season.

Why they could get in: It will be harder at the start of the season with No. 1 center and newly-named captain Connor Bedard expected out until November following offseason shoulder surgery. But when he returns, Bedard could play on a line with Kane at right wing and Roman Kantserov at left wing. Kantserov will play his first NHL season after the 22-year-old led the Kontinental Hockey League with 36 goals in 63 games last season. And playing a full NHL season will be Anton Frondell, who had nine points (three goals, six assists) in 12 games after finishing his season with Djurgarden in the Swedish Hockey League. Bedard, Frondell and Frank Nazar through the middle of the ice gives the Blackhawks three dynamic, speedy centers. And with Kantserov, Nick Lardis, Oliver Moore, Sacha Boisvert and possibly Marek Vanacker, the No. 27 pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, plus Kane, Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen, the Blackhawks should have plenty of offense. Spencer Knight is evolving into a top-flight goaltender, and if the defense in front of him can cut down on the 30.0 shots on goal allowed per game last season, there is a chance Chicago could compete for a wild card.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Last season: 38-34-10, four points out of second wild card

How it ended: The Predators had a one-point lead on the Los Angeles Kings for the second wild card with four games left in the season, but lost two of their next three (1-2-0) and were eliminated from playoff contention April 13.

Biggest offseason change: Chris MacFarland was hired as general manager June 2 and spent the offseason putting his stamp on the franchise. That includes two trades with his former team, the Colorado Avalanche, that brought forwards Ross Colton and Jack Drury, with forwards Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L'Heureux part of the packages going to Colorado. Before June ended, the Predators also added forward Nils Hoglander in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, and forward Adam Edstrom in a trade with the New York Rangers. Then on July 1, forward Alex Kerfoot signed a two-year contract, and forward Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin were acquired in a trade with the Dallas Stars.

Why they could get in: The Predators have a battle-tested core, led by forwards Steven Stamkos, Ryan O'Reilly and Filip Forsberg, defenseman Roman Josi and goalie Juuse Saros, and Drury and Colton each have significant postseason experience. Bourque could be ready for a role in the top six after the 24-year-old had NHL career-bests with 20 goals, 21 assists and 41 points in 82 games last season. They also have a nice group of younger players ready to contribute, including forwards Matthew Wood, 21, Reid Schaefer, 23, Joakim Kemell, 22, and Brady Martin, 19. Saros hasn't been as sharp the past two seasons, including an .894 save percentage in 59 games last season that was the worst of his NHL career, but he's capable of bouncing back in a big way. If Saros can rediscover his previous form and the young players continue to develop, the Predators should be in the race for a wild card.

SAN JOSE SHARKS

Last season: 39-35-8, four points out of second wild card

How it ended: A four-game winning streak boosted the Sharks into the second wild card April 2, but they lost four of their next five (1-3-1) and were eliminated from playoff contention April 13.

Biggest offseason change: San Jose drastically rebuilt its defense, signing Jacob Trouba to a four-year contract and trading for Darnell Nurse (Edmonton Oilers) and Michael Kesselring (Buffalo Sabres). The moves make the Sharks bigger and much tougher to play against on the back end. Trouba (6-foot-3, 212 pounds) was one four NHL players last season with at least 140 hits (143) and 140 blocked shots (149). He also scored 10 goals, tied for the second most in his 13 NHL seasons. Nurse (6-4, 215) also is a physical force, with his 137 hits leading Edmonton defensemen for the fifth straight season. Kesselring (6-5, 215) adds depth to the group and should be healthy and motivated after lower-body injuries limited him to two assists in 34 games last season. In 2024-25 with Utah, he had 29 points (seven goals, 22 assists) in 82 games. They'll replace defensemen Vincent Desharnais (Washington Capitals) and Mario Ferraro (Winnipeg Jets), who signed elsewhere, as well as free agents John Klingberg and Nick Leddy.

Why they could get in: The defensive upgrades should help cut down on the 29.6 shots on goal allowed per game, tied for the sixth-most in the NHL, and improve a penalty kill that was tied for 26th (76.4 percent). It also should make life easier for goalie Yaroslav Askarov, who faced an average of 31.0 shots on goal per 60 minutes of ice time, second-most in the NHL among goalies to play at least 30 games. But to end their seven-season playoff drought, consistent offensive production needs to come from someone else besides Macklin Celebrini. The 20-year-old emerged as a superstar last season, finishing fourth in the NHL with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games, but it was more points than the Sharks' next two scorers combined. Whether it's another step in the development of young forwards like Will Smith, Michael Misa or Ivar Stenberg, the No. 2 pick of the 2026 NHL Draft, or the addition of a veteran like Mason Marchment, a two-time 20-goal scorer who signed a five-year, $33.75 million contract ($6.75 AAV) on July 1, some player -- or a couple players -- need to make a bigger impact on the score sheet. If that can happen, the Sharks should jump into a top-three spot in the Pacific Division.

SEATTLE KRAKEN

Last season: 34-37-11, 11 points out of second wild card

How it ended: The Kraken were third in the Pacific on March 2, but lost eight of their next 10 (2-7-1) to fall five points out of a playoff spot. They were eliminated from postseason contention April 11.

Biggest offseason change: Seattle can give Mackie Samoskevich the things he couldn't get with the Florida Panthers -- consistent ice time in an increased role and a spot on the top power play. The Kraken acquired the 23-year-old forward from the Panthers, then signed him to a three-year, $11.55 million contract ($3.85 million AAV) on July 1. Samoskevich had 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in 77 games last season, but his 14:28 average ice time was ninth among Florida forwards who played at least 30 games, and his 2:06 of power-play ice time was seventh. The Kraken, who were 28th in the NHL in scoring (2.73 goals per game) and tied for 19th on the power play (19.5 percent), will give Samoskevich ample opportunity to improve.

Why they could get in: Samoskevich's arrival adds to an offense that will return its three 20-goal scorers from last season -- Jordan Eberle, Jared McCann and Matty Beniers -- and will have a full season with Bobby McMann, who scored 10 goals in 18 games after being acquired in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 6. There also could be an influx of younger forwards taking bigger roles. Berkly Catton had 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 66 games as a 20-year-old rookie, and he could be joined in the lineup this season by Jake O'Brien, 19, and Jagger Firkus, 22. O'Brien, chosen with the No. 8 pick of the 2025 NHL Draft, was third in the Ontario Hockey League with 93 points (28 goals, 65 assists) in 53 games last season. Firkus, in his second professional season, was second in scoring for Coachella Valley of the American Hockey League with 56 points (21 goals, 35 assists) in 63 games. The Kraken are solid defensively and have reliable goaltending in Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer. If they can add more offense to their game, they should have a chance for a wild card.

ST. LOUIS BLUES

Last season: 37-33-12, four points out of second wild card

How it ended: The Blues had a .740 points percentage (17-5-3) after the break for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which was second in the NHL. However, it wasn't enough to make up for their .430 points percentage (20-28-9) before the break, which was 31st.

Biggest offseason change: Alexander Steen, who replaced Doug Armstrong as general manager July 1, will be working with a very different roster than the one that ended last season. That includes a bit of a youth movement at forward with the additions of Mason McTavish and Connor McMichael. McTavish, acquired from the Anaheim Ducks on June 26 for two first-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, saw his playing time and production slip last season, from 22 goals, 52 points and an average ice time of 16:53 in 76 games in 2024-25 to 17 goals, 41 points and an average ice time of 15:19 in 75 games last season. But at 23 years old, the Blues are wagering a fresh start can get McTavish back to 20-goal form. The same could be said for McMichael, who came over from the Washington Capitals as part of the trade of forward Jordan Kyrou on June 23. The 25-year-old dipped from 26 goals and 57 points in 82 games in 2024-25 to 14 goals and 46 points in 78 games last season. The Blues also got a bit bigger on defense by acquiring Brandon Carlo from the Maple Leafs. At 6-foot-5, Carlo fits nicely alongside Colton Parayko (6-6) and Philip Broberg (6-3). The 29-year-old was plus-4 on a team that finished with a minus-46 goal differential last season.

Why they could get in: The Blues showed how good they can be during their late-season push, and with a motivated McTavish and McMichael they could be even better this season. Losing Kyrou, a three-time 30-goal scorer, could hurt the offense, but they found a bit of magic after the Olympic break with the line of Dylan Holloway (14 goals, 34 points), Robert Thomas (14 goals, 31 points) and Jimmy Snuggerud (11 goals, 27 points); the Blues were the only team to have three players with at least 10 goals and 25 points each after the break. But it takes more than just one line, and the Blues certainly have more offensive firepower, including seven-time 20-goal scorer Pavel Buchnevich, power forward Jake Neighbours and 21-year-old Dalibor Dvorsky, who scored 12 goals in 71 games and had six points (three goals, three assists) in six games for Team Slovakia at the Olympics. And there could be more young forwards pushing for ice time, topped by 21-year-old Otto Stenberg, who had 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 32 NHL games, and 19-year-old Justin Carbonneau, who tied for the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League lead with 51 goals in 60 games with Blainville-Boisbriand last season. Carlo made their defense tougher to navigate, and easier for goalie Joel Hofer, who could get more of an opportunity after going 12-2-2 with a 2.04 GAA and .933 save percentage in 16 games after the Olympics. If the Blues can play 84 games at near the same level they played after the Olympic break, a wild card should be possible.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Last season: 25-49-8, 32 points out of second wild card

How it ended: The Canucks lost 20 of their first 31 games (11-17-3), and things never really got better. They were eliminated from playoff contention March 22.

Biggest offseason change: The hockey operations department was revamped during the offseason. On May 14, Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin were named co-presidents of hockey operations, and Ryan Johnson general manager. The best players to ever wear the jersey, the Sedins had worked in the Canucks front office in advisory roles since 2021. Johnson had been the GM of Vancouver's AHL affiliate since 2017, including a Calder Cup championship with Abbotsford in 2024-25. The coach of that championship team, Manny Malhotra, was hired as Canucks coach June 1. Malhotra had two seasons of coaching experience in the AHL, and before that spent seven seasons as an assistant for the Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Why they could get in: The rebuild will be challenging, but there is talent on the roster, especially if forward Elias Pettersson can rediscover the form he showed in 2022-23 when he had 102 points (39 goals, 63 assists) in 80 games. If he's healthy, the 27-year-old should be able to build on the 17 points (two goals, 15 assists) he had in 25 games after the Olympic break. There are capable scorers on the wing in Brock Boeser, who had his seventh 20-goal season in the past nine, and Jake DeBrusk, who reached 20 goals for the fourth time in five seasons. But the big push that's going to be needed is from their younger players. Marco Rossi, 25, should be ready to take a big jump as the second-line center after he had 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in 33 games with the Canucks after being acquired from the Minnesota Wild as part of the Quinn Hughes trade Dec. 12. The same should happen for Zeev Buium, also a big piece of the Hughes trade, who projects to be a No. 1 defenseman at age 20. They'll also be looking for big contributions from forwards Jonathan Lekkerimaki, 22; Liam Ohgren, 22; and 19-year-old Braeden Cootes, the Canucks' first-round pick (No. 15) in the 2025 NHL Draft who began last season in the NHL, plus defenseman Tom Willander, 21. The young players stepping up, the veterans playing up to their ability and a healthy Thatcher Demko in goal would provide a solid foundation for a long shot run at a wild card.

WINNIPEG JETS

Last season: 35-35-12, eight points out of second wild card

How it ended: The Jets began the season with nine wins in their first 12 games (9-3-0), then lost 24 of their next 30 (6-19-5) to fall to last in the conference. They were eliminated from playoff contention April 13, one season after winning the Presidents' Trophy with franchise records of 56 wins and 116 points.

Biggest offseason change: There almost certainly will be a new No. 1 goalie to start the season. Connor Hellebuyck was suspended for failing to report to training camp, the capstone to an offseason that saw the three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the League's best goalie announce Aug. 27 he had asked for a trade after last season ended. Stuart Skinner, who signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract ($3.75 million AAV) on July 1, should get the first opportunity to fill the void left by Hellebuyck. The 27-year-old has had an up-and-down past few seasons, but he's one of four NHL goalies (Frederik Andersen , Jake Oettinger, Andrei Vasilevskiy) to start at least three Stanley Cup Playoff games each of the past three seasons, and he helped the Edmonton Oilers reach the Cup Final in 2024 and 2025. Last season, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins and split time with Arturs Silovs, but started the Penguins' first three postseason games. Finding a solid 1B option could be important; if they choose to look internally, it could be Thomas Milic, a 23-year-old who had an .871 save percentage in three games (one start) last season and a .905 save percentage in 41 games with Manitoba of the AHL. Another option could be Domenic DiVincentiis, a 22-year-old who was 13-16-2 with a 3.03 GAA, .896 save percentage and two shutouts in 34 AHL games.

Why they could get in: Even without Hellebuyck, the core of the team that won the Presidents' Trophy in 2024-25 remains intact, with defensemen Josh Morrissey and Neal Pionk, and forwards Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Gabriel Vilardi and Cole Perfetti all highly productive players. Offensive struggles and a less productive season by Hellebuyck's high standards led to last season's issues, but it's just as easy for things to flip, the team to rally around its new goaltenders and the Jets to push for a wild card.