Under-the-Radar NHL Acquisitions Could Make Major Impact in 2026-27

Every NHL offseason brings blockbuster trades and major free-agent signings, but some of the moves that ultimately matter most receive considerably less attention. With the 2026-27 season approaching, several quieter acquisitions could become important pieces for teams hoping to improve or contend for the Stanley Cup. Sportsnet recently identified 12 such moves, ranging from young players receiving larger opportunities to established veterans looking for bounce-back seasons. Several were acquired at relatively modest costs, giving their new clubs potentially significant upside without the financial commitment associated with the summer’s biggest deals.

Eight Under-the-Radar Players to Watch

• Mavrik Bourque, Nashville Predators: Nashville acquired the 24-year-old from Dallas after a career season featuring 20 goals and 41 points in 82 games. The former AHL MVP then signed a six-year, $33 million contract. A larger offensive role could allow Bourque to develop into an important long-term piece for the Predators.
• Jordan Kyrou, Washington Capitals: Kyrou arrived from St. Louis after slipping to 18 goals and 46 points last season. However, he had previously posted three consecutive 30-goal seasons. A return to that form would give Washington another dangerous scoring option.
• Mario Ferraro, Winnipeg Jets: The former San Jose defenseman signed a three-year, $12 million contract after producing seven goals and 23 points while playing all 82 games. Ferraro also led the Sharks with 150 blocked shots and could immediately strengthen Winnipeg’s defensive depth and penalty kill.
• Nick Paul, Toronto Maple Leafs: Toronto acquired Paul from Tampa Bay following a disappointing seven-goal season. He had topped 20 goals in each of his previous two full seasons, however, and brings size, versatility, penalty killing and Stanley Cup experience to a Maple Leafs team looking for dependable middle-six depth.
• Jaden Schwartz, Colorado Avalanche: Schwartz signed a three-year, $9.75 million deal after injuries limited him to 50 games and 26 points with Seattle. The 34-year-old has extensive playoff experience, including 20 points during St. Louis’ 2019 Stanley Cup run, and could provide valuable secondary offense for a Colorado team firmly in win-now mode.
• Mats Zuccarello, Los Angeles Kings: At 38, Zuccarello remains productive. He recorded 54 points in only 59 games last season and added nine points in eight playoff games. Los Angeles signed him for one year at $1 million plus performance bonuses, potentially giving the Kings an inexpensive source of scoring and veteran leadership following Anze Kopitar’s retirement.
• Olen Zellweger, Buffalo Sabres: Buffalo acquired the 22-year-old defenseman from Anaheim after moving Bowen Byram. Zellweger produced 22 points last season and ranks among the league’s fastest-skating defensemen. More consistent playing time could help him develop into a puck-moving top-four option for the Sabres.
• Anthony Mantha, New Jersey Devils: Mantha may have the most immediate offensive upside after posting career highs of 33 goals and 64 points with Pittsburgh. New Jersey signed him for two years and $9.5 million, hoping his combination of size and scoring can complement stars Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt.

Betting Outlook for the 2026-27 NHL Season

These acquisitions could become particularly important once the NHL playoffs arrive, when lineup depth and secondary scoring often separate contenders. The early Stanley Cup market remains led by many familiar names. FanDuel’s post-Final futures market listed Florida at +650, defending champion Carolina at +750 and Colorado at +800, followed by Edmonton at +1000 and Vegas at +1100. Tampa Bay and Washington were each +1200, with Minnesota at +1400 and Dallas at +1800. Futures betting odds will continue changing before opening night. Some of the under-the-radar additions could provide betting value beyond the favorites. Kyrou gives Washington another potential scorer, Schwartz adds postseason experience to Colorado, and Mantha could improve a New Jersey club listed at +2500 in that FanDuel market. If even a few of these quieter acquisitions outperform expectations, they could have a meaningful effect on the Stanley Cup picture.