There was no Thanksgiving turkey for the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, but surely a few players had o’l chick pea rotini. 

The Colorado Avalanche square off against Kirill Kaprizov and the Minnesota Wild for their first meeting of the season, with both clubs entering on significant win streaks. Colorado has won its last 10 games, while Minnesota has taken its past six. The statistic that truly separates the two, however, is Colorado’s staggering +44 goal differential, a figure that octuples the Wild’s modest +5. It is an almost unbelievable gap, especially in light of Minnesota’s recent surge. 

Nathan MacKinnon - Colorado Avalanche (18)
Power Play Goal pic.twitter.com/1mc7FwQToJ

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) November 27, 2025

Nine seconds from puck drop to goal. pic.twitter.com/GBTNYZEyyn

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 27, 2025

Avalanche Surging 

The Avalanche enter the night on a remarkable 10-game winning streak, bolstered by an equally stunning run of three consecutive shutouts. Inevitably, that defensive wall will crack—no team can keep opponents off the board forever—but Colorado’s current form has made it look possible. Scott Wedgewood will likely get the start in today's game as he looks to pick up his second straight shutout. 

On the Minnesota side, the stars have held up their end. Kirill Kaprizov, fresh off an eight-year, $136 million extension—the richest contract in franchise history—has delivered 14 goals and 14 assists through 28 games. Furthermore, he scored the OT winner on Wednesday night against the Blackhawks to give the Wild a 4-3 win. Remarkably, his fellow winger Matt Boldy has matched him point for point, providing the Wild with a potent one-two punch heading into this matchup. 

THE THRILL 🚨

Kirill Kaprizov wins it for the @mnwild in @Energizer OT! pic.twitter.com/caSaSkUajT

— NHL (@NHL) November 27, 2025

A one two punch is impressive, but a one two three four five six punch is something only a select few fighters in history could deliver. In hockey terms, the Avalanche embody that level of depth. Colorado’s marquee trio of Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Nečas and Cale Makar has combined for 99 points this season, placing all three comfortably among the NHL’s top scorers. By comparison, the Wild’s leading producers have totaled 68 points, a respectable figure in its own right, yet one that underscores the reality that this Avalanche roster operates on an entirely different level. 

Joel Kiviranta returned to the lineup after missing 17 games with a lower body injury, while Ivan Ivan was summoned to fill in for the injured Gavin Brindley. The two combined for a goal against San Jose, raising the question of whether Ivan’s contribution might earn him an extra game. 

AND THE AVS SCORE AGAIN!!!

JOEL KIVIRANTA!! HE'S BACK!!!!

5-0!!!#goavsgo@TheHockeyNews@Avalanche

— Ryan O'Hara (@OHaraSports) November 27, 2025

Projected Lineup 

Artturi Lehkonen -- Nathan MacKinnon -- Martin Necas 

Gabriel Landeskog -- Brock Nelson -- Ross Colton 

Parker Kelly -- Jack Drury -- Victor Olofsson 

Ivan Ivan -- Zakhar Bardakov -- Joel Kiviranta 

Devon Toews -- Cale Makar 

Josh Manson -- Brent Burns 

Samuel Girard -- Sam Malinski 

Goalies (Likely) 

Scott Wedgewood 

Mackenzie Blackwood 

Minnesota Wild 

After a sluggish start to the season, in which the Wild went 4-5-3 in October, Minnesota has begun to resemble the team many anticipated on opening night. The club is 10-1-1 this month and has secured victories over formidable opponents including the Anaheim Ducks, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Islanders. Now the Wild face their sternest challenge yet in the Colorado Avalanche. Expect a fast-paced contest from the opening puck drop, and for Colorado, as in recent games, the outcome may hinge on the performance of their stalwart presence between the pipes. 

Projected Lineup 

Kirill Kaprizov -- Danila Yurov -- Mats Zuccarello 

Marcus Johansson -- Joel Eriksson Ek -- Matt Boldy 

Marcus Foligno -- Yakov Trenin -- Nico Sturm 

Liam Ohgren -- Ben Jones -- Tyler Pitlick 

Jonas Brodin -- Brock Faber 

Jake Middleton -- Jared Spurgeon 

Zeev Buium -- Zach Bogosian 

Game Day! 

Avalanche vs. Wild kicks off at 1:30 p.m. local time from Grand Casino Arena.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Winnipeg Jets are turning to one of the AHL’s hottest goaltenders in hopes of ending a rough stretch. Rookie Thomas Milic is set to make his NHL debut Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes, stepping in at a pivotal time with star netminder Connor Hellebuyck sidelined.  

Ready for Mili magic 🪄

Thomas Milic will make his @NHL debut today in Carolina!@Wawanesa | #GoJetsGopic.twitter.com/N9HwEoDLmS

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) November 28, 2025

Winnipeg has dropped three of its last four games since Hellebuyck’s departure, with Eric Comrie taking on the bulk of the goaltending duties. Comrie, who has started four straight games, has allowed 13 goals during the last three losses. He'll get a much deserved night off as Milic will draw into the crease for his first game of his NHL career. 

Milic has been one of the AHL’s hottest goaltenders this season with the Manitoba Moose. He arrives in Winnipeg on a four-game winning streak, posting a 5-2-2 record with a .921 save percentage, a 2.14 goals-against average, and a shutout. His overall AHL resume includes a 29-23-8 record and a 2.88 GAA, marking him as one of the league’s most promising young netminders.  

TOE-MAS MILIC?! https://t.co/hXF7MXu3Zwpic.twitter.com/WGzXzsEhwo

— Manitoba Moose (@ManitobaMoose) November 13, 2025

The Jets will look to get an additional spark to the lineup as they'll be playing hard for the youngster to record his first NHL win as well as end their losing skid. It would be a memorable debut for the 22-year-old BC native if he can produce a standout game in a must-win game against one of the best teams in the NHL.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will return to action on Friday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

This will be the second of four meetings between the two teams this year after the Blue Jackets beat the Penguins in a shootout on Oct. 25. The Penguins came back from two goals behind in the third period to salvage a point, but weren't able to secure the extra one.

The Penguins are coming off a 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, which snapped a two-game losing streak from last weekend. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are coming off a 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday and have lost three in a row and four of their last five. Like the Penguins, they are in desperate need of points. 

Kirill Marchenko won't be available for the Blue Jackets in this contest as he's currently day-to-day with a lower-body injury. It's a big loss, since he's been one of their best players this year, compiling eight goals and 22 points in 22 games. His 22 points are tied for the team lead with Zach Werenski. 

Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason confirmed after Friday's morning skate that Jet Greaves will start in goal. Greaves has appeared in 15 games this year, compiling a .905 save percentage and a 2.74 goals-against average. 

The Penguins didn't do line rushes during the morning skate, but head coach Dan Muse confirmed after the skate that Benjamin Kindel will return to the lineup after being healthy scratched on Wednesday.

Tristan Jarry was the first goaltender off the ice and will make his second-straight start. 

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh and NHL Network. You can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more! 

The Winnipeg Jets are turning to one of the AHL’s hottest goaltenders in hopes of ending a rough stretch. Rookie Thomas Milic is set to make his NHL debut Saturday against the Nashville Predators, stepping in at a pivotal time with star netminder Connor Hellebuyck sidelined.

Winnipeg has lost three of its last four games since Hellebuyck’s exit, with Eric Comrie handling the bulk of the workload. Comrie, who has started four straight, has allowed 13 goals in those three losses and is again expected to start Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Projected /prəˈjektəd/ adjective
Estimated or forecast on the basis of current trends or data.@PlayNowManitoba | #GoJetsGopic.twitter.com/BBIlUq8J2n

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) November 28, 2025

Saturday's second leg of the road back-to-back will almost surely guarantee a Milic start as Comrie will get rest and Milic will get a favorable opponent for his NHL debut against the last place Predators. 

Milic has been one of the AHL’s hottest goaltenders this season with the Manitoba Moose. He arrives in Winnipeg on a four-game winning streak, posting a 5-2-2 record with a .921 save percentage, a 2.14 goals-against average, and a shutout. His overall AHL resume includes a 29-23-8 record and a 2.88 GAA, marking him as one of the league’s most promising young netminders.

TOE-MAS MILIC?! https://t.co/hXF7MXu3Zwpic.twitter.com/WGzXzsEhwo

— Manitoba Moose (@ManitobaMoose) November 13, 2025

With Friday’s matchup against Carolina still to be decided, a Jets win could ease some of the pressure on Milic. But if the team drops its fourth straight, the 22-year-old BC native could get his chance to step in on Saturday, potentially becoming the hero the Jets and their fans are hoping for. If Comrie cannot end Winnipeg’s recent slide, Milic could provide the spark the team needs to rally around and secure a much-needed victory.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Chicago Blackhawks are playing well above expectations so far this year. Lately, lead protection has led to a slump, leaving them at 10-8-5 for 25 standings points. This total had them just one spot below the playoff line on American Thanksgiving. 

Next up for them is a Black Friday matchup against the 7-12-4 (18 points) Nashville Predators. Nashville found themselves in 32nd place of the 32-team NHL on Thanksgiving, which has become quite the milestone for teams to be in a good spot when evaluating playoff odds. 

Special Night At United Center

Fans attending this game are in for a treat. This will be the on-ice debut of Chicago’s newest black jersey. It has been over a decade since the team had a black alternate sweater, and it’s finally back. Fans are expected to wear black in an effort to create a blackout atmosphere for the game. There will be a lot of energy in the building, with it also being a Friday night of a holiday weekend. 

There is a hat giveaway to the first 2,000 fans who enter the Atrium, which will open at 4:30 CT. The United Center doors will open at 5:30. It is recommended that you be in your seat by 6:45. 

see you at the UC!🖤

(wear black!!!) pic.twitter.com/A4XP1KBNmw

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 28, 2025

Scouting Nashville 

The Predators are struggling this year, but they still have great top players who can make a difference on every shift. They signed stars like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault last summer to join players who have been there for a while in Filip Forsberg, Juuse Saros, and Roman Josi. They also have Ryan O'Reilly, who drives everything in their top-six. 

Stamkos-O'Reilly-Evangelista

Forsberg-Haula-Marchessault

Bunting-McCarron-Wiesblatt

Svechkov-Wood

Hague-Josi

Skjei-Perbix

Stastney-Blankenburg

Wilsby

Saros

Like the Blackhawks, Nashville is prepared to dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Changes are coming to the Predators organization soon, but they can still present a challenge on the ice. 

Projected Blackhawks Lines, Defense Pairs, and Starting Goalie

The Blackhawks are going to be getting Andre Burakovsky back in the lineup on Friday. He was a game-time decision on Wednesday, but ultimately didn't play.

Now, it is confirmed that he will be on the top line with Connor Bedard and Ryan Greene against the Predators. Tyler Bertuzzi will move down to play with Frank Nazar and Teuvo Teravainen. This version of the top six was magnificent for Chicago before Burakovsky's injury. 

Greene-Bedard-Burakovsky

Bertuzzi-Nazar-Teravainen

Donato-Dickinson-Mikheyev

Moore-Dach

Vlasic-Crevier

Kaiser-Levshunov

Grzelcyk-Murphy

Rinzel

Soderblom

Arvid Soderblom is going to be back in the net for the Blackhawks against the Predators. He last played in Chicago's 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, so he is looking for a bounce-back performance. 

If the Blackhawks go 11/7, it will likely be without Sam Lafferty and Landon Slaggert. Oliver Moore and Colton Dach will likely get shifts with Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar throughout the night, which could lead to some depth chances. 

How To Watch

The game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. To view this game in the Chicagoland area, it can be seen on CHSN. Nationally, it can be streamed on ESPN+. The puck will drop at 7:00 PM CT. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss more big topics in the NHL and beyond.

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed:

0:50: Could this year's Colorado Avalanche become the best regular-season team ever? And what is the key factor making them such a force this season?

5:13: To rebuild or not to rebuild? That's the question surrounding the Calgary Flames, Nashville Predators and Vancouver Canucks. Let's answer the question for each of them.

9:34: The Anaheim Ducks are finally starting to see some payoff from their rebuild. Should they take advantage of a strong start to get upgrades in the trade market right now? 

12:49: The Flyers are sitting just outside a wild-card spot right now. Do the Flyers have enough to help push themselves up in the standings? 

17:08: Kevin Weekes reported that Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry is one of the goalies drawing significant interest as an option for the Edmonton Oilers. Is Jarry a good solution to the Oilers' goalie struggles? Who else do we think they could be targeting? 

22:47: The Montreal Canadiens have claimed forward Sammy Blais off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Thoughts on this move by Montreal? 

BetMGM Playbook 

26:19: Odds for the five most likely Stanley Cup finalists. We share the five odds of what teams will play in the Stanley Cup final. Out of these matchups, which one is the most likely to actually happen? 

27:35: Which of the matchups would be the most exciting to watch? 

30:50: What matchup is your personal pick for the Stanley Cup final? 

Rapid Fire 

33:46: Which team has the most to be thankful for right now?

35:36: What do you like more: afternoon games or evening games?

38:47: The next NHL expansion team will cost $2 billion. If you had $2 billion lying around, would you pay that? And where would you want the team to be?

40:38: Yay or nay: a player shouldn't have fun the night after a loss

Should The Flames, Canucks And Predators Rebuild? by The Big Show

Watch the full episode on YouTube

Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform.

As reported yesterday, according to Pierre LeBrun, the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Nashville Predators’ center Ryan O’Reilly. Given how well O’Reilly is playing and the kind of leadership and experience he provides, that’s hardly surprising. However, as one of the top options available on the market, he won’t be cheap.

LeBrun believes the price could be a first-round pick and an A-level prospect. The first-round pick part shouldn’t be an issue for the Canadiens. As long as they manage to get back in a respectable shape, their first-round pick shouldn’t be too high, and nowhere near the Gavin McKenna territory, but who does Barry Trotz consider an A-level prospect in the Canadiens’ organization?

Canadiens: Demidov Reaches Important Milestone
Canadiens: For Better Or For Worse
NHL Rumors: Should Canadiens Bring Back Maple Leafs Forward?

Would he be interested in David Reinbacher? Jacob Fowler? Adam Engstrom? As things stand and given how things have gone since he was drafted, Reinbacher’s value is probably lower than it should be. The Habs' depth at right-shot defensemen isn't great, and trading him away for a temporary fix at center wouldn’t be excellent asset management.

Given how things are unfolding in the crease right now, Fowler seems like an untouchable player for the Canadiens’ management. Even if the Canadiens are not relying as much on their goaltenders as they once were because they are more productive offensively, having a game breaker in net is a crucial part of a winning team. Even if O’Reilly would be a massive addition to the Canadiens’ lineup, I can’t see a world in which Kent Hughes is willing to sacrifice Fowler to get him.

Then, there’s Engstrom, who’s been playing some incredible hockey in the AHL, earned himself a call-up and a first game in the NHL this past week. Was that because the Canadiens want to keep the likes of Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj on their toes, or does the Habs’ brass want to showcase him? This could be an intriguing possibility.

Perhaps Nashville would also want to test the water on Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky (he was drafted as a winger but has played as a center in the KHL this year). Still, it would make little sense to flip future possible centers for one that will be around for a season and a half or so.

I don’t see a possibility for a player like Owen Beck, Joshua Roy or Sean Farrell being enough to convince Trotz to send his most prized asset to Montreal, but could he be tempted to roll the dice on the often-injured Kaiden Guhle? Granted, he’s not a prospect anymore, but when he is playing, he’s incredibly useful to the team, and he's signed to a very team-friendly contract: he’s committed to four more seasons with a $5.55 M cap hit. Is Trotz a bit of a beating man? Time will tell…

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.

Subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. 

The relationship between Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube and William Nylander is fascinating.

Over the year and a quarter that Berube has been in charge, we've seen countless interactions between the coach and Nylander where they've sputtered at each other. It's occurred during games, and we've even seen it at points when Berube talks to the media.

They have an open line of communication, which is a good thing.

In some cases, however, those interactions can turn sour. And according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, that's what happened between Nylander and former Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe at one point.

Friedman said that Keefe would often push Nylander, as Berube does, going back to their days with the AHL's Toronto Marlies after the forward was drafted by the Maple Leafs back in 2014.

"The organization has protected him a lot. He was (Brendan) Shanahan's first pick; Shanahan really protected him," Friedman said. "He was Shanahan's guy. His first-ever first-rounder, and he had a lot invested in him. They've paid him really well; that's the ultimate belief in him."

How William Nylander Has Gotten Off To The Best Start Of A Season In His NHL Career With Maple LeafsNylander's 20 points through 11 games put him in the upper echelon of NHL scoring this season.

During the 2021 COVID-19 season, when Amazon was following the Maple Leafs for their 'All or Nothing' series, there was reportedly a moment when Nylander and Keefe got into an argument, which was removed from the final cut of the show released later that year.

"In the first Amazon (series) they did, the 'All or Nothing', there was a scene in there that the Leafs and the NHLPA and his agent all fought to have taken out, and it wasn't supposed to happen. Like, everybody was supposed to be like, 'It's there, you have to say yes.' But the Leafs, the players' association, and the agent, it was an argument between Keefe and Nylander, and those three felt strongly it made Nylander look bad," Friedman reported.

"And initially, Amazon fought it. They're like, 'Nope.' But (the three groups) put up such a stink that eventually they won their way. So this is a marriage, and like I said, I know Nylander drives some people crazy, but he's been good for them, and they've been good for him.

"Just watching (Berube and Nylander's interactions), I wonder where this is going. Because it's boiling over in a very frustrating time for the team. If it was me, I think I would be able to handle it, but I'm not seeing 100 percent what's happening, so I can't say for sure."

This report follows Nylander and Berube being pictured passionately speaking to each other during Wednesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. A few moments prior, Nylander was the last Toronto player back during a Blue Jackets four-on-two, which Joseph Woll ended up stopping.

Berube and Willy pic.twitter.com/PysnOCnuoe

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) November 27, 2025

Nylander has been red-hot all season long for the Maple Leafs, scoring 11 goals and 31 points in his first 20 games of the year. The 29-year-old leads the Maple Leafs in scoring and is tied for fifth in the NHL for points and tied for fourth in assists.

Latest stories:

Dakota Joshua Returns To Maple Leafs Lineup After Healthy Scratch; Could Max Domi Be Out Against Capitals?

Why The Maple Leafs Have Gone Back To A Five-Forward Power Play, But With Auston Matthews As The Quarterback

Maple Leafs Lose Sammy Blais To Waivers After Canadiens Re-Claim The Forward

The Detroit Red Wings reassigned defenseman Erik Gustafsson to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday, ending a short stint with the NHL club that include just one apperance.

UPDATE: The #RedWings have assigned Erik Gustafsson to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins and activated Michael Rasmussen from IR. pic.twitter.com/Q4GudHauzA

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 28, 2025

Gustafsson was recalled last Sunday after Detroit lost Simon Edvinsson to injury, but the 33-year-old veteran drew into the lineup just once in the team's 6-3 loss on Wednesday to the Nashville Predators. He now returns to Grand Rapids, where he has been one of the key contributors to the Griffins’ remarkable 14-1-0-1 start. Gustafsson leads all Griffins defensemen in points per game, recording eight assists through ten appearances.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

His strong AHL play has caught the attention of teams around the league. Several insiders reported that Detroit had explored potential trade options in recent weeks to find the veteran blueliner another NHL opportunity, though no deal ultimately came together.

Gustafsson brings a long résumé of NHL experience, highlighted by his breakout 60-point campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018–19, when he tallied 17 goals and 43 assists in 79 games. He later posted 42 points with the Washington Capitals in 2022–23 and followed with a 31-point season for the New York Rangers in 2023–24.

Since joining Detroit, Gustafsson has appeared in 60 games, registering 18 points. However, he has struggled defensively during his tenure, finishing with a minus-19 rating.

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

ANAHEIM, CA — The prevailing narrative around the Los Angeles Kings remains mystified. For years, the organization confidently asserted its structural superiority over the "rebuilding" Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks, believing it had completed the hard part and secured its place in the league's upper tier. The Kings, they thought, had earned a permanent seat among the contenders. Let’s shatter that thought.

Today, their structural advantage is revealed as a rigid, high-cost trap. Great possession team, hard to watch for flashy offensive hockey. The Kings, with their size and slow backend mobility, are indisputably a playoff team—a strong defensive club with possession metrics that guarantee relevance. Yet, they remain stubbornly outside the bubble of the truly elite, forever a team of close to the cap spenders built for launching pads for other clubs in the first round. Meanwhile, their California rivals are charting paths toward clear, high-ceiling futures, accelerating their timelines and leaving the Kings stuck in the obscure middle ground.

The Kings are paying the price for the premature exit from their rebuild during the COVID era. That rush to contend left the pipeline depleted (Brock Faber and Gabriel Vilardi traded), blocking an assortment of mid- to low-tier top-end prospects but acquiring soluble pieces towards a win-now schematic, and the cap that has been mostly restricted. The result is a structural flaw that permeates the entire offense.

The team successfully installed Quinton Byfield as the top center, and he is showing all the signs of a top-tier defensive playmaker. However, his 6.8% shooting percentage illustrates the larger problem: Byfield has yet to find synergy with elite sniper Adrian Kempe and become an elite center in this league. The organization has thrust him on a poor man’s Edmonton Oiler nuclear line, a combination that has crushed the Kings increasingly so, four seasons in a row. The Kings are forced to rely on a theoretically powerful combination that doesn't produce the output of the total skill that is thrown together. The Kings lack the organizational flexibility—the cap space or prospect capital—to get the missing winger who could unlock the roster’s ability to capitalize on the team's outstanding possession metrics and possibly Byfield’s true scoring potential. The Kings cannot get better without making a painful, difficult trade.

The Rivals’ Freedom

In stark contrast, the Ducks and Sharks are operating from positions of immense organizational freedom. The Anaheim Ducks have stunned the league and are atop the Pacific Division, their "uncohesive talent" coalescing faster than anyone predicted. They traded away players like Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale to commit to a physical, structured identity, anchored by the impressive play of Leo Carlsson. More importantly, the Ducks project to have significant cap space, allowing them to acquire a star defenseman or another high-end forward to optimize a winner without compromising their core.

Leo Carlsson with a little "Who's Sweden's No. 1 Olympic Center Now?" stick lift on Elias Pettersson.#FlyTogetherpic.twitter.com/NbpEEI9tAK

— Zach Cavanagh (@ZachCav) November 27, 2025

The San Jose Sharks, despite the massive dead cap on their books now, are staring at a future defined by financial wealth. Their cap space clears to over $54 million next season. This will allow them to skip years of gradual building and immediately surround the young, explosive trio of Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund with premier veteran free agents. Their long road has become a high-speed acceleration lane.

The Kings' dilemma is clear: they have built a rigid structure that locks them into being a good, but never great, team. Their cap space is gone, their draft capital is spent, the structural integrity of their offense is questionable, and their defensive core remains suspect.

Their choice is not about joining the elite but about managing the inevitable decline of Drew Doughty, as the team is witnessing in real time, and the Anze Kopitar retirement is rapidly approaching. It is pivotal that Ken Holland and company manage these contracts without collapsing into another complete rebuild, certainly not a reason he was brought in in the first place.

While the Ducks and Sharks have the flexibility to make high-impact choices that accelerate their windows, the Kings are trapped by negligible forks in the road—only able to choose between two painful options: trade the remaining future to go all in, or trade a core veteran to free up money. Right now, the team is positioned to double, if not triple down on past mistakes, sailing directly for an iceberg while continuously confirming their course. The Kings may have arrived first for playoff contention. Still, they have parked themselves in the most precarious position in the Pacific: a perennial playoff team defined not by its ambition, but by a year-to-year, ever-shrinking ceiling.

With 30 points in 20 games this season, Macklin Celebrini joins some ridiculously elite company 😳 pic.twitter.com/i2Wbtj1mdZ

— NHL (@NHL) November 19, 2025

The divergence in the California triangle is perhaps best illustrated by the recent playoff picture. The Kings have achieved the organizational goal of consistency, securing a spot in the postseason for four consecutive seasons—a proud mark of stability that neither Californian rival can touch. However, this consistent relevance has only underscored their ceiling; the Kings have not advanced past the second round during this entire run, remaining a playoff fixture but never truly in the conversation for elite contender status. In contrast, the Ducks (last in 2018) and Sharks (last in 2019) have not seen playoff action in recent years, their absence a direct consequence of the organizational teardowns that yielded Carlsson and Celebrini, amongst a glut of homegrown high-end talent from both organizations.

This current quiet period for their rivals has been the necessary cost of their impending acceleration, meaning the Ducks and Sharks have traded short-term playoff droughts for the long-term promise of genuine Cup contention. The Kings' consistent just-good-enough playoff presence has solidified their current middle-ground predicament.