Early Season Disappointments: NHL players failing to deliver in 2025-26

Several NHL players have failed to meet expectations early this season, struggling with consistency, confidence, or production despite major roles and opportunities.

Danault’s usually strong two-way play has slipped this season. His defensive reliability remains solid, but his offensive contributions have dried up. Once a dependable secondary scorer, he’s struggling to generate chances and finish plays. Los Angeles relies on him for shutdown minutes and transitional stability, but his lack of production and declining faceoff success have made his overall impact less noticeable than in previous years.

Gallagher remains a heart-and-soul player, but his body can’t keep up with the game’s pace anymore. Years of injuries have clearly taken a toll, limiting his burst and consistency. Once known for relentless net-front battles, he now struggles to finish plays or stay healthy. His diminished speed and declining numbers make him a shadow of the gritty scorer he used to be.

McMichael entered the season with high expectations to become Washington’s next offensive leader. However, he’s struggled to find consistency and confidence with limited opportunities. Despite flashes of skill, he hasn’t solidified a top-six role or produced enough to stand out. The lack of chemistry with veteran linemates and uneven deployment have slowed his progress, leaving fans wanting more from a player once considered part of the team’s future core.

At 40, Ovechkin’s decline is becoming evident. His trademark shot remains dangerous, but he’s no longer driving play or dominating games. He’s scored only a handful of goals, mostly on the power play, and his skating speed has visibly decreased. Without steady production, the Capitals’ offence looks stagnant, and his pursuit of the all-time goal record is starting to feel more like a grind than an inevitability.

Johnson’s season has been frustrating from start to finish. Despite elite skill and creativity, he hasn’t earned consistent minutes or power-play trust. His defensive lapses and lack of assertiveness keep him buried in the lineup. Columbus hoped he’d take the next step toward becoming a top-six playmaker, but instead he’s struggling to find his rhythm, often looking tentative and outmatched against stronger, more experienced opponents.

Pettersson’s production slump continues to puzzle fans and analysts. Once among the league’s most dynamic centres, he looks disengaged and out of sync with his linemates. His shot selection and confidence have dipped, and his defensive focus hasn’t compensated for the lack of scoring. The Canucks rely heavily on him to drive offence, but his slow start has left Vancouver searching for consistent leadership and playmaking.

DeBrusk’s inconsistency remains his biggest obstacle. He’s shown flashes of speed and scoring touch but can’t sustain it over more than a few games. With top-six minutes and power-play time, expectations were high, yet he’s struggled to convert chances or elevate his game. His contract year was supposed to be a statement season, but so far, his lack of finishing and energy have disappointed both management and fans.

Domi’s offensive spark from last season has faded. Despite playing alongside elite forwards, he’s failed to contribute consistently or drive possession. His defensive zone coverage and discipline have also been issues, often putting the Leafs at risk during close games. Toronto expected him to add grit and playmaking depth, but his erratic performances and lack of chemistry have made him a frustrating presence in the lineup.

The Flames have been one of the NHL’s biggest disappointments. Lacking offensive creativity, defensive cohesion, and consistent goaltending, the team looks directionless. Veterans like Huberdeau and Kadri aren’t producing, while younger players haven’t stepped up. The locker room energy seems flat, and the system under the new coaching staff hasn’t clicked. Calgary’s combination of big contracts, underperformance, and uncertainty about its core makes this season feel like a rebuild in disguise.

Seguin’s decline continues to be noticeable. Once an elite scorer, his explosiveness and finishing ability have diminished. While he still shows flashes of creativity, he struggles to drive play at five-on-five and often looks a step behind. His injury history and reduced minutes have limited his effectiveness. With Dallas competing for contention, Seguin’s inability to produce consistently has become a major concern for the Stars’ secondary scoring depth.

Duclair was brought in to inject speed and offence into New York’s middle six, but he’s struggled to find his scoring touch. Despite getting chances alongside skilled linemates, his decision-making and defensive lapses have hurt his ice time. Known for streaky play, he’s gone cold early, frustrating both coaches and fans. His inconsistency and lack of finish make him one of the Islanders early-season disappointments.

After a promising breakout season, Lafrenière has taken a step backward. He’s still young, but expectations are rising fast, and his early-season output doesn’t match his talent. His decision-making under pressure and lack of dominance in key moments remain issues. While his effort is evident, he’s struggling to convert opportunities into results. For a former first-overall pick, the patience from fans and management is starting to wear thin.

As one of the league’s top defensive prospects, Levshunov entered the season with massive hype. But like many rookies, he’s struggled to adapt to the NHL’s pace and physicality. His decision-making under pressure and occasional turnovers have been costly. While his long-term potential is undeniable, the early adjustment period has been rough. Chicago fans need to remember he’s still developing — but the growing pains are real and visible.

Anderson’s speed and physical presence are still there, but his finishing touch has completely vanished. He’s often invisible offensively, going long stretches without a point despite solid ice time. Fans expected a bounce-back year, yet he’s failed to adapt his game or create sustained pressure. His large contract amplifies the disappointment, as his production simply doesn’t match his role or paycheck.