20. Philadelphia Flyers<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/USATSI_28366756-1024x683.jpg\")
Feb 28, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Travis Konecny (11) reacts with goalie Dan Vladar (80) after the game against the Boston Bruins at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The Flyers are making a push for an Eastern Conference Wild Card spot. The team\u2019s glaring issue is goal scoring. Philadelphia ranks 23rd in goals scored per game.<\/p>\n
19. Seattle Kraken<\/p>\n
Seattle currently holds the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference. The team has a thin lead over San Jose, Nashville, and Los Angeles. This week, the Kraken will look to add a goal scorer by the trade deadline.<\/p>\n
18. Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n
Columbus is in the hunt for a wild card spot, but has ground to make up. By the trade deadline, the team is expected to make acquisitions, but a blockbuster deal isn\u2019t expected. However, if the front office feels a playoff spot is out of reach, the team can turn into deadline sellers.<\/p>\n
17. Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n
Edmonton is headed to the playoffs unless the team falls apart during the final weeks of the season. Missing the playoffs would be a monumental letdown for a team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals last season. It\u2019s unlikely a goaltender will be available at the trade deadline, but the Oilers will be in contention if a team makes one available.<\/p>\n
16. Ottawa Senators<\/p>\n
Ottawa is a team to pay attention to as the regular season winds down. The team has played well since returning from the Olympic pause and owns one of the best goal differentials of any team chasing a wild card spot. The Senators will enter the trade market looking for defensive help.<\/p>\n
15. Utah Mammoth<\/p>\n
The race for the Western Conference\u2019s two wild-card spots will come down to the regular season\u2019s final week. If the season ended today, Utah would be locked into the first wild-card spot. The Mammoth\u2019s goaltending and defense have been the team\u2019s strength, and the team will be looking to add offensive pieces by the trade deadline.<\/p>\n
14. Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/USATSI_28087336-1024x683.jpg\")
Jan 25, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks right wing Beckett Sennecke (45) against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The Ducks are playing for the playoffs, but have the worst goaltending and defense of all playoff-bound teams. It\u2019s unlikely a goaltender is available at the trade deadline, but the team can look at adding defensive upgrades. If the front office fails to add to the defense, a quick playoff exit is likely.<\/p>\n
13. Washington Capitals<\/p>\n
The Capitals know the season is entering crunch time, and the team is doing its best to add points to the standings. Washington is a few weeks behind compared to last year, but a late-season push is not unfamiliar. The Capitals are expected to be on the phone this week and make one last effort to chase another Stanley Cup.<\/p>\n
12. Vegas Golden Knights<\/p>\n
If Vegas makes any deadline moves, they will be mild in nature. The team is undoubtedly headed to the playoffs and is doing its best to win the Pacific Division. Vegas\u2019 focus is on entering the playoffs firing on all cylinders.<\/p>\n
11. Boston Bruins<\/p>\n
The Bruins find themselves holding onto the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. They\u2019re not in the clear and must continue winning in their final 23 games. Adding to the team\u2019s defense can give them a much-needed boost.<\/p>\n
10. Detroit Red Wings<\/p>\n
Detroit\u2019s defense has been the team\u2019s bright spot throughout the season. The defense continues to make up for a deficiency on offense. The Red Wings will look to add offensive pieces by Friday\u2019s trade deadline.<\/p>\n
9. New York Islanders<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/USATSI_28378462-1024x683.jpg\")
Mar 1, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) celebrates with the crowd after the victory over the Florida Panthers during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Throughout the season, there have been questions regarding New York\u2019s offense. There is a glaring hole in goal scoring, but rookie Matthew Schaefer has given the offense a boost while being a defenseman. The team must add to the offense if they want to compete for the Stanley Cup.<\/p>\n
8. Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n
Montreal\u2019s offense has been able to mask its issues in goaltending and defense. The Canadiens rank 4th in goals scored per game. Defensive acquisitions will help a lackluster defense in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
7. Pittsburgh Penguins<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh continues its winning ways and is ready to gear up for the playoffs. The team can make minor moves at the trade deadline, and getting captain Sidney Crosby back from injury will be better than any trade deadline acquisition. The Penguins will be a tough matchup in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
6. Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n
The Sabres have been the best story throughout the regular season. They continue to dominate at home and on the road, while being the league\u2019s 7th\u2013best team in goals scored per game. Buffalo may not reach the Stanley Cup Finals this season, but they are heading in the right direction for the upcoming seasons.<\/p>\n
5. Minnesota Wild<\/p>\n
The Wild are one of the league\u2019s most consistent teams throughout the season. Their success gets overshadowed by division foes Colorado and Dallas. Minnesota has its name on the list of Stanley Cup favorites.<\/p>\n
4. Tampa Bay Lightning<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/USATSI_28166758_168396541_lowres-1024x697.jpg\")
Feb 5, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) during the third period against the Florida Panthers at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
No team has gone on a run, after the first few months of the season, better than Tampa Bay. The Lightning continue to roll and show no signs of slowing down. The team ranks 2nd in goals scored and goals allowed per game.<\/p>\n
3. Dallas Stars<\/p>\n
Dallas has chased Colorado for the Central Division throughout the season. The team has hit rough spots but has overcome adversity each time. Minor moves at the trade deadline could prove to be beneficial in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
2. Carolina Hurricanes<\/p>\n
Throughout the season, Carolina has been one of the league\u2019s top teams. The Hurricanes have done their best chasing Colorado for the Presidents\u2019 Trophy. There is still time for Carolina to overtake Colorado for the NHL\u2019s best record.<\/p>\n
1. Colorado Avalanche<\/p>\n
Colorado has held the league\u2019s top spot throughout the season. They\u2019ve hit minor road bumps, but have been given leeway given their points lead on the rest of the league. The Avalanche rank 1st in goals scored and goals allowed per game.<\/p>\n
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