As the NHL's 2026 off-season continues unfolding, there are teams that look destined to be at or near the top of the NHL standings next year. Which five teams are the league's best teams on paper? Here's our best ranking.
The Five Best NHL Teams On Paper After The Start Of Free Agency
![[Dreger] The Blues front office is changing with Kevin Maxwell and Peter Chiarelli leaving the club to pursue other opportunities. Chiarelli is a candidate in NSH interview process and Maxwell is expected to return to NYR in a management role.](https://preview.redd.it/8hs9m3tumlrg1.jpeg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=ce4550e1caea7b79f0c63dd506935cd41dc4d243)
