Internal Growth & Pressure on Young Core

Key players (Samuelsson, Quinn, Doan, Norris, Power, and now UPL) are under pressure to replace lost production from Tuch and Byram. UPL is identified as the make-or-break player for 2026-27, with a goaltending battle against Ellis and Lyon. Young forwards (Kulich, Ostlund, Helenius) expected to impact by 2026-27. Zach Benson's breakout and leadership are bright spots.