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Paul Bissonnette shares honest take on NHL ‘Super Team Era’
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- Paul Bissonnette shares honest take on NHL ‘Super Team Era’
The NHL may be entering a new era of player movement, and Paul Bissonnette believes the trend is only beginning.
Speaking on the latest episode of Spittin' Chiclets, the former NHL forward pointed to a growing number of star players seeking paths to contenders. The discussion came shortly after Brady Tkachuk 's blockbuster move from the Ottawa Senators to the Florida Panthers .
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"Well, it's going to be a big conversation because I think it's just going to start to snowball," Bissonnette said. "It's just going to keep snowballing and snowballing."
Bissonnette suggested that recent rumors involving players such as Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck are part of a broader shift in player behavior.
"Like the Larkin stuff you mentioned, [Connor] Hellebuyck's name has come up," Bissonnette said. "I think that we could talk about the American influence, and maybe some of them are sick of their situation north of the border in that regard."
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Bissonnette then mentioned, "Buddy. It's a spider web. That's one element of it. I believe we're entering the super team era. I think that now you're going to see six to eight teams every year where you're like, this team has a chance to win the Cup. Most people would be like, 'Oh, that's the way it is every year' … let's be realistic about who can win a Stanley Cup."
The comments reflect a growing belief around the league that star players are becoming more willing to control their futures through trade requests, no-movement clauses, and limited trade lists.
Why the NHL landscape may be changing?
NHL players Brady Tkachuk of United States and Dylan Larkin celebrate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
NHL players Brady Tkachuk of United States and Dylan Larkin celebrate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
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For decades, NHL players were often expected to remain loyal to their organizations regardless of circumstances. Bissonnette believes that the mindset is fading.
"And guys are jumping ship a little bit earlier," Bissonnette said. "I feel like hockey guys notoriously fall in line and pick it out through their contract for the most part with certain teams."
Bissonnette also pushed back against criticism directed at players who request trades.
"You'll come off as unloyal and ungrateful if you request a trade," Bissonnette said. "I don't feel like it should be like that anymore. And if a guy wants to get out of there, he should be able to."
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What it means for contenders and small-market teams?
Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) skates against Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) at T-Mobile Arena.
Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) skates against Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
From an NHL team's perspective, there is evidence supporting Bissonnette's argument.
Organizations such as Florida and Vegas have become preferred destinations because they consistently compete for championships. Success, organizational stability, and favorable tax situations only increase their appeal.
The Panthers' acquisition of Tkachuk is the latest example. Florida already featured a championship-caliber core led by Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and Sam Reinhart. Adding another elite forward strengthens an already loaded roster.
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MORE: NHL teams facing a new reality after Brady Tkachuk trade request
At the same time, teams outside that upper tier face new challenges. Once a star narrows his preferred destinations, management loses leverage in negotiations.
Bissonnette believes the trend was inevitable, saying, "I think we all saw this coming, though."
Whether the NHL reaches NBA-style super-team levels remains uncertain. However, player empowerment is becoming a larger factor, and front offices across the league are being forced to adapt.
