Introduction

As the NHL season reaches its halfway point in the 2025-26 campaign, it's time to take a deep dive into the individual performances of all 32 teams. Today, we will evaluate each team based on their first-half performance against preseason expectations, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and providing grades that reflect their progress. This time of year offers a good sense of the quality of each team and their chances as the season unfolds.

Analyzing Team Performances

Anaheim Ducks: Grade C

The Anaheim Ducks experienced a promising start, surprising many by performing well in the first quarter of the season. Yet, the second quarter has seen a decline, dropping them to 24th place in the NHL standings by points percentage. Their defense still poses a significant concern, as they struggle with critical flaws leading to an overall mediocre team outlook. With talented forwards in place, the Ducks must bolster their defensive lineup to remain competitive in the playoff race.

Boston Bruins: Grade C-

After a lackluster previous season, the Bruins have maintained a mediocre performance, mirroring their preseason expectations. While goalie Jeremy Swayman shows slight improvement, the team is still not reaching the heights they anticipated upon his contract extension. The lack of depth in forward positions and subpar defensive metrics makes for a disheartening analysis heading into the second half.

Buffalo Sabres: Grade B

The Buffalo Sabres have been one of the league's most unpredictable teams this season. After a dreadful start, they bounced back with a 10-game winning streak, sparking discussions on their playoff viability. Stars like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin are key in this resurgence. The Sabres aim to avoid a historical disappointment of a winning streak without playoff qualification, a fate they experienced in recent years.

Calgary Flames: Grade D

Failures to boost their offensive capabilities from last season have left the Calgary Flames struggling yet again for goal production. Their performance has kept them near the bottom of the Western Conference. Questions loom over their lack of offensive adjustments, and Dustin Wolf's absence has laid bare their deficiencies this season.

Carolina Hurricanes: Grade A

The Hurricanes sit among the top records of the league, showcasing their resilience by playing without stars like Jaccob Slavin and Seth Jarvis at times. With strong defensive and territorial control, Carolina's next challenge remains their playoff success, needing to translate regular-season performance into deep postseason runs.

Chicago Blackhawks: Grade A+

Despite injury setbacks to Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks have showcased promise buoyed by standout performances from Spencer Knight. The team's trajectory appears to be on the rise, and the focus now shifts to building a competitive team around their rising star.

Colorado Avalanche: Grade A

The Avalanche have been an extraordinary force this season with only four regulation losses in the first half. Their talent and elite performance make them formidable Stanley Cup contenders, with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar providing pivotal contributions. The team’s numbers speak for themselves, showcasing dominance both in possession metrics and goal differentials.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Grade D

The Blue Jackets are having a disappointing year despite significant offseason potential after last season's playoff chase. Failing to build on this momentum, their current standing represents a regression, leaving them with the worst Eastern Conference record.

Dallas Stars: Grade A

The Stars continue their trend of strong performances, knocking on the door of playoff contention consistently over recent years. A potential red flag lies in their average possession numbers, yet special teams have fueled much of their success, and their playoff hopes hinge on the talent spread across the roster.

Detroit Red Wings: Grade A

The Red Wings are showcasing emerging talent and youth-driven progress under the Yzer-plan. Strong performances from Moritz Seider elevate their standing in the Eastern Conference, even as areas for improvement remain in secondary player contributions.

Edmonton Oilers: Grade D

The Oilers' struggles are beginning to overshadow the brilliance of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, with depth issues severely hindering overall performance. Attempts to strengthen goaltending via trades fizzled, leaving them precariously positioned in a below-average Pacific Division.

Florida Panthers: Grade C-

The Panthers miss their superstar duo of Barkov and Tkachuk throughout the first half. While strong structural play remains, the roster lacks the necessary star power to achieve desired results.

Los Angeles Kings: Grade C-

The Kings face challenges due to offseason neglect in upgrading offensive capabilities, resulting in a mediocre season plagued by inconsistencies. They now must work to solidify a playoff berth in a competitive environment.

Wild: Grade B+

Health has been a key aspect for the Minnesota Wild. With stars back in uniform, they’re finding success in their division, propelled by the recent blockbuster trade for defenseman Quinn Hughes, reinforcing their championship aspirations.

Montreal Canadiens: Grade C+

The Canadiens are demonstrating the momentum built from last season’s unexpected playoff appearance, aided by new acquisitions. Development of young talent is promising, but concerns about goaltending remain critical to assess moving forward.

Nashville Predators: Grade D

The Predators show signs of improvement, but inconsistencies plague them, leaving them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a poor goal differential. Their playoff hopes hang in the balance.

New Jersey Devils: Grade F

This season has spiraled out for the Devils with mounting injuries and underperformance. Without Jack Hughes, the situation appears bleak, and failure to correct course quickly may lead to major organizational changes.

New York Islanders: Grade B+

Despite their imperfections, the Islanders display positive momentum led by standout players. Matthew Schaefer's impactful debut transforms their defensive approach, and Ilya Sorokin's goaltending is back to elite status, creating a bright outlook.

New York Rangers: Grade F

With high expectations for the season, the Rangers have not only missed their mark but also face potential systemic issues. The injury struggles alongside inconsistent performances are leading to an organizational reassessment.

Ottawa Senators: Grade B+

Even with promising young talent, the Senators' season has been marred by questionable goaltending, placing them at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Their performance could spell trouble for returning to contender status.

Philadelphia Flyers: Grade C

Underwhelming performances plague the Flyers this season as the front office struggles to address key areas. A lack of effective goaltending strategies is adding to their challenges, leaving them grappling for answers.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Grade B+

The Penguins are showing their mettle as they navigate through ups and downs in league play. Key performances have emerged, raising hopes for another playoff run despite previous struggles.

San Jose Sharks: Grade C-

The Sharks are finally stepping out of the shadows, thanks largely to their younger core. While they aren't elite yet, the emergence of players like Macklin Celebrini shows potential for smoother sailing ahead.

Seattle Kraken: Grade D

While the Kraken hold a strong points percentage, their low-powered offense needs improvement. Sustainable success for them hinges on maintaining their solid goaltending without full reliance on it.

St. Louis Blues: Grade D

The Blues are struggling again, unable to effectively score or play defensively. They face a difficult path ahead as they aim to reclaim their identity before the season slides further away.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Grade A

Despite impending age-related concerns, the Lightning remain a force to be reckoned with, maintaining a high points pace and controlled tempo of play thanks to their core talent.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Grade D

The Leafs are not where they hoped to be, with inconsistencies in performance and depth concerns stymieing efforts. Addressing their lineup depth through trade may be essential to get back in contention.

Winnipeg Jets: Grade F

After finishing strong last season, the Jets have tragically fallen to the NHL's worst record. The struggles are widespread, pointing toward urgent organizational reflection and a potential rebuild.

Conclusion

The halfway point of the NHL season provides essential insights into team performances, setting the stage for one of the most crucial stretches of the year. For many teams, the time for adjustment and improvement is now as playoff pursuits begin to intensify across the league.