As the 2025-26 NHL season comes to a close, several teams are left to ponder what could have been after missing out on major trades during the offseason. For some, the lack of a game-changing move has put their playoff aspirations in jeopardy. With the trade deadline looming, these five NHL teams are in desperate need of a shake-up to get back on track. From the struggling Senators to the underperforming Rangers, several teams are scrambling for a solution to their current woes. With key players nearing the end of their contracts and playoff spots hanging in the balance, the pressure is on for these teams to make a bold move. Will they be able to find a way to swing a game-changing trade and turn their season around, or will they be left to wonder what could have been?

5 NHL Teams That Need a Game-Changing Trade After Missing Out During the 2026 Offseason  Bleacher Report