NHL Shakeup: 4 Power Plays Rapidly Changing After Latest Blockbuster Moves

With so many trades having already taken place in the NHL, some teams, specifically their power plays, look dramatically different. Big names moved, but the key to some of these deals is how the man advantage in the city they’re joining are going to work around them.

This list could change or grow as more moves get finalized over the next 48 hours. That said, the impact certain trades have already made will make for a fascinating storyline worth watching.

---

The Washington Capitals

With the additions of Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch, the Capitals added two 30-goal scorers who will get significant power play time. Some wonder if these additions hint that Alex Ovechkin won’t return. If true, the power play will be competely rebuilt since the old one worked around Ovechkin’s shot. If he returns, the Caps added two new snipers and playmakers to add to the threat.

Tuch had seven power-play goals in 2025-26. Kyrou had four. Are they as deadly as Ovechkin who had five, but traditionally posts between 14 and 20 power play goals every season? Of course not. Still, there’s a reason the Capitals are bringing them in and the power play will be a huge part of their production.

The Toronto Maple Leafs

Darren Raddysh wasn’t added because he’s a stud stay-at-home defender. He’s good, but his weapon is his bomb from the point and offensive instincts. He’s going to dramatically change the way the Toronto Maple Leafs run their power play and with Morgan Rielly likely on the way out, it’s Raddysh becomes the quarterback.

When Raddysh took over for Victor Hedman in Tampa Bay, he took off offensively. 10 power-play goals were part of his production last season, and the Maple Leafs are hoping he’ll remain that effective. He’ll be responsible for taking passes from William Nylander and Auston Matthews, or setting both up. If he doesn’t contribute in this role, it will be clear the Maple Leafs drastically overpaid him after one good season.

If the Maple Leafs add Gavin McKenna at the NHL Draft, he’s another big part of what could be a very different-looking power play in Toronto.

The Chicago Blackhawks

Connor Bedard is so excited to have Bowen Byram on his power play that he called the defenseman during a round of golf to welcome him to the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard knows how good Byram is and the former Buffalo Sabre will get every chance as the No. 1 defenseman to prove he’s worth $10-$12 million per season.

Part of the opportunity he’s going to get is on the man advantage. It will be the Bedard and Byram show, and even though Byram only had one power-play goal last season, it wasn’t because he’s not capable. He was behind two other defenders in Buffalo, which limited his opportunities.

Ottawa Senators

Brady Tkachuk‘s five goals on the power play will be missed by the Ottawa Senators. The reality is, 2025-26 was a low for him in that regard. He scored 14 PP goals in 2024-25 and 12 and 11 in each of the two prior seasons. The hope is that William Eklund — who is no slouch of his own offensively — can pick up the slack.

Where the two players may differ is the net-front presence. Tkachuk was a heavy load to move out of the crease. He was willing to take abuse and pick up the dirty goals. Is Eklund willing to do the same? If not, the Senators will need to revamp the way they do things or find someone else to fill that Tkachuk role.

Next: 6 Blockbuster NHL Trades We’re Expecting Any Minute Now