Five NHL clubs enter July 2026 still needing one elite top-six forward to reach true contender status after free agency.
Philadelphia Flyers Need Depth Upgrade
The Flyers reached the second round after a post-Olympic surge but lost to Carolina because they lacked a true No. 1 center. Carolina possessed elite center depth anchored by Sebastian Aho while Philadelphia relied on Christian Dvorak in the top-six slot. An unmatched $18 million AAV offer sheet for Leo Carlsson left the roster short one impact forward.
GM Daniel Briere must convert Dvorak into a second-line center to improve the depth chart. The same power-winger frustration that prompted Cutter Gauthier’s departure could repeat with Porter Martone if the top-six hole persists. A trade for a proven two-way forward would immediately raise the club’s ceiling.
Montreal Canadiens Target Second-Line Center
The Canadiens also exited in the second round against Carolina after a promising young-core playoff run. They already possess a top-line center yet require a second-line upgrade. Jake Evans, Phillip Danault and Oliver Kapanen performed solidly but lack the high-end skill needed deeper in the postseason.
Montreal holds trade assets and could pursue Dylan Larkin, whose likely departure from Detroit creates a premium opportunity. Adding that caliber of player would give Kent Hughes the balanced forward group required to advance past round two.
Edmonton Oilers Face Short Window
The Oilers reached consecutive Stanley Cup finals but lost both and now operate inside a compressed contention window with Connor McDavid’s future uncertain. DailyFaceoff projects Isaac Howard on McDavid’s left wing, yet Howard’s flashes have not translated into consistent top-six production.
Edmonton must acquire a responsible top-six winger who can also kill penalties. Limited assets remain the primary obstacle, but a single complementary forward would demonstrate commitment to McDavid and stabilize the lineup.
Los Angeles Kings Seek Top-Six Center
The Kings lost longtime captain Anze Kopitar and signed Mats Zuccarello to a one-year, $1 million deal after he posted 54 points in 59 games. Quinton Byfield is expected to open as the top-line center yet has shown career-long inconsistency. Another top-six center is required to stabilize the group.
The Kings should monitor Detroit’s Dylan Larkin and Toronto’s potential availability of Auston Matthews. Securing either player would elevate Los Angeles from playoff participant to Cup contender.
Toronto Maple Leafs Fill Marner Void
The Maple Leafs endured a disastrous season that cost both GM Brad Treliving and coach Craig Berube their jobs. They added Gavin McKenna on an entry-level deal and Darren Raddysh to the blue line, yet still lack a replacement for the production Mitch Marner left behind. Easton Cowan or Jack Roslovic may fill the role, but neither has proven elite top-six reliability.
Providing Auston Matthews with a complementary running mate would immediately return Toronto to contention discussions. Without that addition the top-six hole will continue to limit postseason success.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.