One Move Each Pacific Division Team Must Make

The Pacific Division will be a blast this upcoming NHL season. The defending Western Conference champions, the Edmonton Oilers, return with the same core of players that have run roughshod on the conference the past two seasons. They have their own challenges to solve, however, and it’s no guarantee that they represent the West in the Stanley Cup Finals for the third consecutive year.

The new season brings hope and optimism, and that’s exactly how each team in the Pacific should feel. If every team in the division made just this one move or change, it could be what puts them over the top and in line for a successful 2025-2026 campaign.

Anaheim Ducks - Sign Mason McTavish

The Ducks must find a way to re-sign rising center Mason McTavish and secure their top two centers for the long-term. Leo Carlsson appears to be the top center man in Anaheim, but McTavish is coming off a breakout campaign and is still only 22 years old. For a team trying to scratch and claw in the Pacific, they need all the help they can get.

Calgary Flames - Trade Rasmus Andersson

Look, there’s no denying Rasmus Andersson is the best defender in Calgary, but it’s increasingly unlikely they extend the 28-year-old puck-mover. This organization has made some savvy moves to help keep this team competitive with an eye toward the future, which makes an Andersson trade the logical next step for Calgary and their retooling.

Edmonton Oilers - Extend Connor McDavid

Nothing matters more for Edmonton. If they can’t agree to an extension with the best player in the world, things will get ugly quickly for the Oilers.

Los Angeles Kings - Establish Long-Term Starting Goalie

Darcy Kuemper is a strong starting goalie, but he’s 35. This Kings team has a group of players that can win now and over the next few years, but they need a long-term answer in goal to cement their place as a contender in the Western Conference.