Do's and Don'ts for Rebuilding/Retooling Teams in the 2026 Offseason
What the Flames, Devils, Rangers, Maple Leafs, and Canucks should and shouldn't do this summer.
While nobody can make any moves at the moment, the offseason has begun for over half the league. Among them are several rebuilders and retoolers.
Let’s examine the Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks. What’s a “do” and “don’t” for each of them this summer?
Calgary Flames
Do: Embrace the Rebuild
The Flames made a big-time statement by trading veterans Nazem Kadri and MacKenzie Weegar at the trade deadline. Despite having several years left on their contracts, the Flames shipped them off—it suggests that this process is a true rebuild.
But the Flames’ work isn’t done. Players like Blake Coleman, Devin Cooley, and Morgan Frost—all of whom will be 27 or older next season—should be on the trade block. The return probably won’t be massive, but it should be enough to improve Calgary’s future.
In addition to the importance of accumulating draft picks and prospects, the Flames could use a top pick in 2027 and beyond. Trading veterans like Coleman, Cooley, and Frost ensures that.
Don’t: Draft Caleb Malhotra
Caleb Malhotra is one of the most interesting risers for the 2026 NHL Draft. Despite generally not being considered a top-five prospect, he is consistently being mocked in the top five, and even the top three, for one reason in particular: he’s a center.
This year’s class is a bit weaker for centers, but the need for help down the middle is as pertinent as it always has been. Thus, his high draft projection can be interpreted as “reaching for need.”
Now, Malhotra is objectively a top-10 prospect in the 2026 class—he’s a smart, two-way center who skates well and can put up points. But the Flames taking him with their pick—especially if it’s in the top four—would seem like a reach for positional need.
A long rebuild awaits Calgary. Draft the best player available (if that’s Malhotra to their scouts, consider this somewhat of a moot point).
New Jersey Devils
