For the first time, the reining champions of the NHL, AHL, & ECHL missed the playoffs in the same season (1st time time for the NHL & AHL alone)

The AHL's Calder Cup defending Abbotsford Canucks finished in 29th place, while the ECHL's Kelly Cup champs Trois-Rivières Lions finished 16th overall of 30 teams. Both teams finished 5th overall in the '24-25 regular season, but their #1 playoff goalies departed in the offseason. The TR Lions' Luke Cavallin signed with the Bruins and spent most of the season with the ECHL Maine Mariners. The Canucks traded Arturs Silovs for AHLer Chase Stillman (who played only 24 games due to a broken leg) and a 2027 fourth round pick. The Lions were 5 pts behind the final playoff team in their division, the Reading Royals, and 3 pts ahead of a team that made the playoffs in another. For Canucks fans, it's more salt in the wound. They got a poor return for Silovs - Stillman had only 12 pts in 65 gp the season before the trade and hasn't played an NHL game - and the farm team cupboards are bare.