**Early-season results in the 2026-27 NHL campaign highlight strong starts from established contenders, shaping trader views on the number of teams reaching 90 points over the 84-game schedule.** Carolina leads with 26 points through 17 games, followed closely by Edmonton and Minnesota at 25 points each, while Boston, the Oilers, and others post points percentages above .700. Updated projections from multiple models place roughly 15-20 clubs on pace for 95+ points, with Carolina, Edmonton, Minnesota, and Colorado frequently topping 105-125 in simulations. Key variables include roster health (official injury reports show limited long-term absences among top teams), schedule difficulty in the coming weeks, and the extra two games per team compared to prior seasons. Late-season regression, trades before the deadline, and fatigue from a condensed calendar remain the primary risks that could shift the final count.