Three NHL Teams Quietly Building Toward a Breakout Season
Karel Vejmelka in goal for the Utah Mammoth against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. (Photo: Jenn G.)
Written By Gina Anton
Every NHL offseason creates obvious winners. The teams that land marquee free agents, pull off blockbuster trades, or sign franchise-altering extensions dominate the headlines. But some of the league's biggest success stories are built much more quietly through years of patient drafting, development, and steady improvement.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, three organizations have quietly assembled talented young cores, strengthened key areas of their rosters, and positioned themselves to take meaningful steps forward. They may not be among the preseason Stanley Cup favorites, but don't be surprised if the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Utah Mammoth emerge as three of the league's biggest stories by spring.
Anaheim Ducks
For years, the Ducks committed to a patient rebuild, resisting the temptation to accelerate the process before their young players were ready. That patience may finally be about to pay off.
Anaheim's foundation is one of the league's most promising. Leo Carlsson has already established himself as a franchise center and Cutter Gauthier brings elite scoring potential. The defensive corps, led by Pavel Mintyukov and Jackson LaCombe, is beginning to look like one of the NHL's strongest young blue lines.
Rather than chasing flashy offseason headlines, the Ducks have focused on strengthening their overall depth and allowing their core to grow together. Just as important, many of Anaheim's young players are no longer learning how to survive in the NHL, they're learning how to win. That experience could prove invaluable over an 84-game season.
The Pacific Division remains competitive, but Anaheim is no longer simply a rebuilding club. If its young stars continue progressing and the team receives consistent goaltending, the Ducks have every opportunity to challenge for a playoff spot and establish themselves as one of the Western Conference's fastest-rising teams.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have spent the past several seasons battling injuries, roster turnover, and inconsistent results, making it easy for many fans to overlook the progress taking place beneath the surface.
Now, however, the organization finally appears to have a foundation capable of sustaining success.
Adam Fantilli continues to emerge as the face of the franchise after showing why he was considered one of hockey's brightest young stars. Kent Johnson has evolved into one of the NHL's most creative offensive playmakers, while Denton Mateychuk headlines an exciting group of young defensemen expected to anchor the blue line for years to come. In net, Jet Greaves has shown encouraging signs that he could develop into the dependable starter Columbus has been searching for.
Columbus has also quietly strengthened its organizational depth, providing the coaching staff with greater flexibility and improving the team's overall balance. Instead of leaning heavily on a handful of stars, the Blue Jackets now appear better equipped to roll four lines and compete consistently throughout the season.
In an Eastern Conference loaded with established contenders, Columbus may not receive much preseason attention. That could work to its advantage. If its young core continues taking the next step, the Blue Jackets have the talent to become one of the season's biggest surprises.
Utah Mammoth
While many teams spent the offseason making headline-grabbing moves, the Utah Mammoth continued building through stability, development, and patience.
After years of uncertainty surrounding the franchise, Utah finally enters a season with an established home, an increasingly passionate fan base, and a roster that is beginning to mature together. That continuity may be one of the organization's greatest strengths.
Logan Cooley continues to prove he can be a franchise centerpiece, while Dylan Guenther is developing into one of the league's emerging goal scorers. Alongside a steadily improving defensive group and an increasingly confident young lineup, Utah possesses the kind of balanced roster that often takes a significant leap after gaining valuable NHL experience.
The Mammoth may not generate as many headlines as some Western Conference rivals, but that doesn't diminish their potential. With another year of growth from their core and a clearer organizational identity than ever before, Utah appears well-positioned to push for meaningful hockey late into the season.
The Quiet Contenders
Not every contender is built through blockbuster trades or high-profile free-agent signings. Sometimes, the most dangerous teams are the ones that improve steadily while the rest of the league is focused elsewhere.
Anaheim, Columbus, and Utah have embraced that philosophy. Each organization has invested in drafting and developing young talent, resisted the urge to rush its rebuild, and created a foundation designed for long-term success rather than short-term excitement.
None of these teams enters the 2026-27 season as a Stanley Cup favorite, but all three have quietly laid the foundation for sustained success. Expectations remain modest, but don't be surprised if this is the season the rest of the NHL starts paying attention.
