The 2026 NHL trade deadline came and went with several Stanely Cup hopefuls bolstering their rosters ahead of the final playoff push. On the flipside, there were some who failed to make the most of the opportunity.

While this trade deadline didn’t quite provide the blockbuster signings most fans were hoping for, some clubs failed to address glaring weaknesses they desperately needed looking into. With the trade deadline now behind us, we take a look at three teams who may end up regretting how they conducted their business.

1. Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have rallied around their young core to push for a likely playoff berth this season. However, their lack of a reliable second-line center could be something that could hurt them once the postseason rolls in.

Despite having the assets to address the issue, general manager Kent Hughes chose to not acquire a single center come deadline day.

The Canadiens could have explored the idea of moving on from injury-riddled winger Patrik Laine to clear up cap space for a more dependable two-way option down the middle. New York Rangers’ Vincent Trocheck, who was heavily linked to multiple teams, throughout the trade window could have been an ideal fit.

If Montreal struggles to generate secondary scoring in the postseason, it’s their inability to rope in a quality center that could be largely to blame.

---

2. Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are firmly in win-now mode. After making a trip to the last two Stanley Cup finals, the onus is on head coach Kris Knobluach and his men to finally break the 36-year wait for glory.

Although blessed with elite offensive talent like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have glaring issues that needed addressing, especially on defense. Edmonton did end up acquiring defenseman Connor Murphy and center Jason Dickinson, but the moves did little to significantly raise the team’s ceiling.

Another area of concern of late has been their goaltending. While the side brought in Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins to address their problems between the pipes, the 30-year-old has done little to inspire confidence among fans.

Panthers veteran shotstopper Sergei Bobrovsky was a name floated around but despite widespread speculation the move never came through.

---

3. Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers entered the deadline well outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, which made their inactivity even more puzzling. The reigning two-time Stanley Cup champs have endured a difficult season riddled with injuries and inconsistencies.

General manager Bill Zito made only one move, acquiring depth forward Vinnie Hinostroza from the Minnesota Wild. Beyond that addition, Florida made no significant effort to reshape its roster.

With roughly $1.5 million in available cap space, Florida’s lack of urgency at the deadline has surprised many.

If the Panthers ultimately miss the postseason, their quiet trade deadline would be viewed as the moment when their playoff hopes surely slipped away.