Pressure in the NHL can vary significantly from team to team. While some franchises aim to improve their standings and potentially reach the playoffs, others carry the burden of expectations to secure a Stanley Cup. The challenges differ in intensity as the clock ticks down on the season. The Florida Panthers have successfully navigated the path to the Stanley Cup Final in recent years, making the journey appear seamless, especially after their performance last season. However, the road to victory is never as straightforward as it may seem. For several teams that have been striving for playoff success, the inability to reach the Final or win a championship raises difficult discussions at the end of each season, particularly as these conversations become more pressing over time. This article examines several prominent teams that may need to consider substantial changes in order to break the cycle of disappointment and improve their fortunes.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, for instance, face mounting pressure to advance in the postseason. They parted ways with Mitch Marner over the summer when it became clear he would not be re-signing with the team. The loss of a top-10 player is undeniably challenging; however, the Maple Leafs still have key players such as Auston Matthews and William Nylander, along with the re-signing of John Tavares and the extension of Matthew Knies. Despite this, questions remain regarding their defense, especially with age creeping in. Will Morgan Rielly step up as the No. 1 defenseman they require? Can goaltenders Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz maintain their health and performance? General Manager Brad Treliving has made moves aimed at transforming Toronto into a tougher, more physical team to compete with rivals like the Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, and Montréal Canadiens. Should these adjustments not yield positive results, the coming summer may prompt fans to question the organization's decision-making once more. A complete overhaul may not be necessary with Matthews still on the roster, but a significant retooling could very well be on the table.

The New York Rangers have also experienced a shift, indicated by their roster changes last season and continued adjustments in the current off-season. Owner James Dolan's ambition for the franchise remains clear; he is not averse to making bold moves in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. While the Rangers have traded away notable figures like Chris Kreider and K'Andre Miller, they have redirected their financial resources to acquire new talent such as J.T. Miller and Vladislav Gavrikov, under the guidance of new head coach Mike Sullivan. Sullivan brings an impressive track record, and the Rangers boast a talented lineup, featuring stars like Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Alexis Lafrenière, and Vincent Trocheck. With Igor Shesterkin in goal, the Rangers will maintain competitiveness, especially if they reach the playoffs. However, should they fail to capture the Cup or, notably, even secure a playoff berth, significant changes may be forthcoming for the franchise as Panarin approaches free agency.

The Los Angeles Kings present another intriguing case as they have fallen short in playoff encounters against the Edmonton Oilers over the past four years. This past season led to a change in management, with Rob Blake stepping down as GM and Ken Holland assuming the role. Holland is aware that key players such as Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty are aging, which has prompted the acquisition of veteran defensemen like Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin. Despite having promising young talent such as Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clark, Alex Laferriere, and Alex Turcotte, the Kings have yet to transition fully to a younger lineup. If age becomes a detriment this season, or if the Oilers eliminate them from the playoffs for a fifth consecutive year, management may need to contemplate trading some of their older players to enhance long-term prospects.

The Washington Capitals' approach to free agency last year was met with mixed reviews. Some viewed their signings as desperate efforts facilitated by the need to bolster playoff ambitions for Alex Ovechkin, while others perceived them as a method of sustaining the momentum achieved during recent playoff appearances. The addition of defenseman Jakob Chychrun served to support John Carlson on the blue line. The Capitals thrived during the regular season, finishing as the Eastern Conference's top team. Ovechkin remains a stalwart in D.C., and the presence of coach Spencer Carbery eases the team's challenges. However, a definitive strategy for life after Ovechkin must be formulated. If the Capitals cannot replicate their previous success and push further towards another Stanley Cup victory, navigating the future will be significantly more challenging than continuing with their current strategy.

The Dallas Stars enter this season under scrutiny, having recently parted ways with head coach Pete DeBoer following their third consecutive loss in the Western Conference Final. Glen Gulutzan, who previously coached the Stars from 2011 to 2013, returns to the helm. New coaching dynamics often intrigue observers of playoff-contending teams, and it remains to be seen if Gulutzan's familiar voice provides the necessary spark to propel Dallas back to the Cup Final. Another point of interest is Jason Robertson, an elite goal scorer who becomes a restricted free agent next summer. With much of Dallas' budget tied to existing players, particularly following the substantial extension awarded to Mikko Rantanen, the Stars face a crucial crossroads. Should the team falter in the playoffs again, the decision to retain or part ways with Robertson may become pivotal for their future salary cap flexibility, resulting in notable changes.

The Edmonton Oilers undoubtedly find themselves in a 'win-now' scenario. Having come agonizingly close to winning the Stanley Cup two seasons ago, they experienced heartbreak last season with a seven-game series loss to the Florida Panthers after battling back from a 3-0 deficit. Their more recent playoff exit emphasized the imperfections in their roster, especially in facing a formidable opponent like Florida. While the Oilers successfully overcame challenges from teams in the Western Conference playoffs, it has proven to be a rigorous journey. Competing against teams such as the Kings and Stars proves to be no simple task, and dealing with the Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights presents its own set of challenges. Heading into this season, discussions surrounding Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton emerge as pivotal. Should the Oilers again fall short of the Cup and McDavid decline to sign an extension, the potential for a significant transformation becomes increasingly viable.