A new poll by The Hockey News taps into the insights of 39 hockey writers and editors to forecast key storylines ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season, from identifying which coach may face an early dismissal to spotlighting the league’s most over- and underpaid players. The survey covers a range of speculative but high-stakes topics, offering a snapshot of expert opinions on potential offseason shake-ups and contract debates. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how closely these predictions align with reality as the season approaches. The results provide a mix of bold takes and cautious assessments, making it a must-read for anyone invested in the NHL’s future.

The Hockey News has polled 39 writers and editors for their predictions on a slew of questions ahead of the 2026-27 season, including their picks for the first NHL coach fired, the league's most overpaid and underpaid players, and more.