As the race for the 2025–2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begins to take shape, teams across the league are evaluating their seasons. Some organizations are surging at the right time, while others are watching their playoff hopes fade.
Several teams entered the season with expectations of competing for a postseason spot but have struggled to meet them.
Among the most disappointing campaigns so far are those of the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks, and Vancouver Canucks.
Toronto Maple Leafs
With the Maple Leafs celebrating their centennial season, expectations were high entering the year. Many preseason projections had Toronto competing for a wild-card position or even pushing higher in the Atlantic Division.
Instead, inconsistency has defined the Maple Leafs’ season.
Through roughly 57 games, Toronto holds a 27–27–11 record with 65 points and a negative goal differential of -26.
Defensively, the Leafs have struggled to control games. The team is allowing over 31 shots per game, one of the highest totals among playoff contenders.
While the offense has remained productive with 203 goals scored, the defense has allowed 229 goals, highlighting the team’s inability to close out games.
Recent roster decisions also signal uncertainty about the team’s direction. Toronto traded key depth players at the deadline while sitting eight points outside the Eastern Conference playoff spots, indicating that management may already be looking toward the future rather than a playoff push.
For a franchise that entered the season with strong expectations, the Maple Leafs’ inability to play consistent two-way hockey has turned what should have been a celebratory season into a disappointing one.
New Jersey Devils
After a strong previous campaign, the New Jersey Devils were expected to compete near the top of the Metropolitan Division. Instead, they have struggled to maintain momentum throughout the season.
The Devils currently sit at 28–27–2 with 66 points and carry a –26 goal differential, one of the worst among teams still technically in playoff contention.
The team’s biggest issue has been defensive consistency. New Jersey’s offense can produce, defensive breakdowns have cost them games, leading to a high number of goals allowed compared to division rivals.
Injuries have also played a role. Star center Jack Hughes missed significant time earlier in the season due to an unusual off-ice accident, forcing the team to adjust its lineup during a crucial stretch of the schedule. Without their top offensive catalyst, the Devils struggled against stronger competition.
Despite flashes of brilliance—including standout performances from Hughes—New Jersey has been unable to string together long winning streaks. The result has been a season filled with missed opportunities in a highly competitive Metropolitan Division.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks entered the season in a rebuilding phase, but even with lowered expectations, their performance has been inconsistent.
Chicago currently sits around 24–29–11 with 59 points, placing them at the bottom of the Central Division.
The Blackhawks’ struggles largely come down to puck control and offensive efficiency. The team frequently loses possession in transition and has had difficulty generating sustained offensive pressure.
Leadership instability has also been an issue.
Constant lineup adjustments and roster moves have made it difficult for Chicago to develop chemistry on the ice.
At the trade deadline, the team moved veteran captain Nick Foligno, who had recorded just 12 points this season, signaling that the organization is focusing on long-term rebuilding rather than competing this season.
Rebuilding teams often endure difficult seasons; Chicago’s inability to develop consistency suggests more work is needed before they return to playoff contention.
Vancouver Canucks
Few teams have struggled as dramatically as the Vancouver Canucks.
Vancouver currently holds an 19–37–8 record with 46 points, the worst mark in the Pacific Division, along with a staggering –73 goal differential.
That differential illustrates the scale of the problem. Not only are the Canucks losing games, but they are often being outplayed significantly by opponents.
Recent performances highlight the issue. In 2026 alone the team has already endured a seven-game losing streak and an 11-game losing streak.
Ironically, the Canucks still have elite talent on the roster. Star forward Elias Pettersson has continued to produce at a high level and even set a franchise scoring record during the season.
However, hockey is a team game. Vancouver’s defensive struggles and lack of depth scoring have overshadowed the individual accomplishments.
Unless the team finds major improvements in both defensive structure and roster depth, Vancouver’s playoff hopes will remain distant.
Conclusion
Every NHL season produces surprise contenders and unexpected disappointments. For the Maple Leafs, Devils, Blackhawks, and Canucks, the 2025–2026 season has been defined by missed expectations, inconsistent performances, and roster challenges.
With the playoff race intensifying, these teams may already be turning their attention toward the offseason, where trades, draft picks, and roster adjustments could determine whether next season tells a very different story.