Despite currently sitting at the top of the standings in the Eastern Conference, these teams could face some issues that may cause them to drop if not addressed.
Feb. 1: NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium (Lightning vs. Bruins) Feb. 4-22: Trade Freeze Feb. 6-16: Teams can’t practice Feb. 6-24: Olympic break Feb. 11-22: Olympic Games in Milan Feb. 25: NHL resumes Mar. 6: NHL Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET) Apr. 16: Regular Season Ends Apr. 18: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin TBA: 2026 NHL Draft Lottery June 21: Last possible day for 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs June 26-27: 2026 NHL Draft July 1: Free agency begins (12 p.m. ET)
