The ongoing Stanley Cup drought for Canadian teams has extended to 32 years, with the Edmonton Oilers falling short to the Florida Panthers in a second consecutive final. As the offseason approaches, each of the seven Canadian franchises is at a crucial juncture, evaluating their chances for the next season.

The Calgary Flames are in a retooling phase, aiming to blend their youth with veteran experience. Edmonton's future appears more promising, thanks to superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who lead a competitive roster. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens, despite their young core, seem a few seasons away from true contention, while the Ottawa Senators are showing positive signs after a playoff berth last season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs face significant changes as their core battles contract negotiations, and the Vancouver Canucks need to stabilize their roster after a tumultuous year. Lastly, the Winnipeg Jets, despite their strong regular-season performances, must advance further in the playoffs to prove their mettle.

The Canadian teams have endured a lengthy 32-year Stanley Cup drought, with the Edmonton Oilers' recent defeat marking the latest chapter in this saga. As the offseason unfolds, a closer look reveals the current states of the seven Canadian franchises.

The Calgary Flames, while boasting young talent like Dustin Wolf and promising forwards Matt Coronato and Connor Zary, face a challenging path as they look to retool. The Edmonton Oilers, featuring superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are poised to make another playoff push but must navigate free agency decisions, particularly concerning Evan Bouchard's contract.

Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens, with a youthful core led by Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, are several seasons away from contention. The Ottawa Senators have displayed potential but need to fill key positions to truly compete. The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to grapple with playoff performances and contract situations of their core players. The Vancouver Canucks struggle with internal conflicts and need solid leadership to return to form, and the Winnipeg Jets, despite regular-season success, must find a way to translate that into playoff success.

In a historic perspective, the Stanley Cup, once dominated by Canadian teams, now marks a 32-year drought since a Canadian team last lifted the trophy. The Edmonton Oilers' recent elimination by the Florida Panthers underlines this ongoing trend. Despite the pressures of salary caps and Canadian taxes, teams like the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators show promise. The Canadiens, with a young core led by Lane Hutson, eye a return to contention within five years. The Oilers, bolstered by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are in a '2026 or bust' scenario. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs face struggles with playoff consistency and may need to re-evaluate their strategies.

Voting for the NHL awards is a significant responsibility, with numerous players showing merit for recognition. Brogan Houston shares insights from his voting process, emphasizing a thorough examination of stats, film, and discussions with knowledgeable peers. The Hart Trophy was awarded to Connor Hellebuyck, who was pivotal in leading the Winnipeg Jets to the Presidents’ Trophy, while Cale Makar claimed the Norris Trophy for his remarkable defensive prowess coupled with offensive output.

Lane Hutson, leading all rookie defensemen in scoring, secured the Calder Trophy. The Lady Byng went to Anže Kopitar for his sportsmanship, and the Selke Trophy recognized Sam Reinhart's defensive excellence. The NHL All-Star selections featured prominent players like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, showcasing the league's top talent. Houston invites discourse on his choices, reflecting the ongoing debates surrounding NHL awards.

The NHL's free agency landscape is heating up, with Mitch Marner at the forefront of discussions. However, teams not in the running for Marner might pivot towards Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers as an alternative. Ehlers, 29, is a pending free agent and is expected to test the market on July 1 after finishing a seven-year, $42 million contract. His impressive 63 points in 69 games during the regular season and seven points in eight playoff games have increased his appeal.

As teams evaluate their options, some might leap straight to Ehlers, viewing him as a viable replacement for Marner. Recent reports indicate that the Jets are bracing for Ehlers' departure, having nearly traded him to Carolina for Martin Necas at the trade deadline, but concerns over Necas's long-term commitment halted the deal. With Ehlers projected to secure a lucrative six-year deal, the upcoming free agency could see a significant shift in team strategies.