The five most improved NHL teams heading into 2026-27

NHL analyst Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff has identified the five most improved teams heading into the 2026-27 season, which begins September 29 with an 84-game regular season. Key roster moves highlighted include notable additions such as Brady Tkachuk, Jacob Markstrom, and Radko Gudas joining one franchise, while players like Sergei Bobrovsky and Mackie Samoskevich departed. Larkin previously named the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, Utah Mammoth, and Vegas Golden Knights as the most improved teams in the prior edition of this annual feature.