Which Canadian Teams Will Make the Playoffs?
At the quarter mark of the NHL season, Frank Seravalli took stock of the Canadian teams and shared his thoughts on who’s on track for the postseason and which fanbases might feel the urge to hit the panic button first.
The Four Canadian Teams That Have Playoff Chances
Seravalli sees four Canadian teams making the playoffs, and he has reasons for each. The Edmonton Oilers have stumbled early, particularly with their goaltending and significant roster turnover. Losing experienced forwards like Evander Kane, Connor Brown, Viktor Arvidsson, and Corey Perry has forced rookies into prominent roles. Add a defence that has made mistakes without fear of consequences, and you’ve got some shaky results. Still, Seravalli believes once the lineup settles and the tandem of Stuart Skinner and Cal Pickard finds stability, Edmonton has the talent to hang in the mix.
The Winnipeg Jets, currently outside a playoff position, are expected to bounce back once Connor Hellebuyck recovers from injury. Their mix of experience and depth is solid, and Seravalli points out that the team’s early struggles aren’t necessarily a reflection of their potential. When healthy, the Jets have the tools to regain form and compete in a tough Central Division.
The Montreal Canadiens have had a rollercoaster start. They began the season strongly but were slowed by injuries and inconsistent goaltending. Seravalli notes that when Montreal’s goaltending stabilizes and its core players return, the team should find its rhythm again. The team’s competitive window is just opening, and the combination of returning health and a talented roster makes them a strong candidate to rebound into contention.
Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs have some fans on edge. A mix of injuries and a slow start has raised questions about whether this group can truly contend. Seravalli believes the Maple Leafs’ core is still strong, and if health improves, line chemistry solidifies, and goaltending steadies, they should be able to make the postseason. It’s not panic time yet, but Toronto is a team under a microscope, with both short-term results and long-term questions in play.
For Seravalli, Early-Season Standings Can Mislead
The broader message from Seravalli is clear: early-season standings can mislead. What matters more is trajectory, roster context, and underlying talent. Four Canadian teams—Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, and Toronto—have legitimate paths to the playoffs if adjustments are made and a bit of timing falls their way. Fans shouldn’t hit the panic button just yet; patience and perspective are what will tell the real story.