The 2024-25 NHL regular season has concluded, and the playoffs are currently underway. This period marks the shift to analyzing the offseason prospects for all teams no longer competing for the Stanley Cup. The focus turns to how these teams will look to improve through free agency, trades, and the draft, and what level of improvement can realistically be anticipated for the 2025-26 season.
Continue reading for a breakdown of each eliminated team, including an analysis of the challenges they faced, their primary objectives this offseason, and a realistic outlook for the next season. Please note that additional team analyses will be added as they are eliminated from playoff contention.
Note: Analyses for Atlantic and Metro teams were written by Kristen Shilton, while Ryan S. Clark covered the Central and Pacific teams. Statistics are compiled from sources such as Natural Stat Trick, Hockey Reference, and Evolving Hockey. Projected cap space figures are courtesy of PuckPedia. Teams are listed alphabetically based on the publication date of their analysis.
Playoff Teams Eliminated
Los Angeles Kings
Projected Cap Space: $23.48 million
2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (from PHI)
What Went Right?
Almost everything during the regular season. An often-overlooked aspect of the Kings` year is that their 48 wins tied the franchise record for most victories in a single season, and their 105 points also matched their historical high. They successfully navigated Drew Doughty`s preseason injury, found stability in goal with Darcy Kuemper, established themselves as a top defensive unit in the NHL, and received significant contributions throughout their lineup – so much so that 14 players recorded over 20 points, including five defensemen. However…
What Went Wrong?
Losing to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round… again. Winning the first two games of the series, scoring six goals in each, initially suggested this could be the year the Kings finally advanced past the first round for the first time in over a decade. Instead, their first-round exit has raised numerous questions. Why did they struggle to adapt after Game 2? Why were they unable to hold significant leads in Games 3 and 4 after building a commanding lead in Game 2? Why does searching Jim Hiller`s name online immediately bring up “Jim Hiller challenge,” reflecting the belief that his Game 3 decision might have been the pivotal moment in the series? Furthermore, their latest first-round exit prompts a crucial question.
Keys to the Offseason:
Will the Kings maintain their current path, or will they use this offseason to implement significant changes? Moving on from Hiller would mean the Kings have had three head coaches since Todd McLellan was fired in February 2024. Or could ownership consider changes in the front office, which despite making roster improvements, hasn`t found the right combination to get the Kings beyond the first round? Any offseason moves the Kings make will be aimed not just at winning in the first round, but at figuring out how to succeed against elite teams in the conference.
The Kings have a six-player UFA class, highlighted by Vladislav Gavrikov and Andrei Kuzmenko. Should they re-sign at least these two, the Kings would still possess the financial flexibility to adjust the roster to better compete against the top teams in the West during the most demanding time of the season.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
Perhaps more than just making the playoffs? The majority of their roster is returning, and they have considerable cap space. While this doesn`t guarantee success, there is an expectation that the Kings will once again be a strong contender for a playoff spot. However, their offseason decisions will be weighed against one critical question: Will these moves enable the Kings to reach at least the second round, or could they result in another promising season cut short by an early playoff exit?
Minnesota Wild
Projected Cap Space: $21.88 million
2025 Draft Picks: 2nd, 4th (from TOR), 5th (from CBJ), 6th
What Went Right?
They navigated Kirill Kaprizov`s absence to make the playoffs. Before Kaprizov sustained the December injury that sidelined him until April, the Wild were building a case as one of the better teams in the Western Conference. They combined sufficient scoring with a solid defensive structure and strong goaltending performances that allowed them to excel in close games. However, Kaprizov`s injury meant losing their leading scorer, forcing the Wild to lean heavily on their defensive identity to secure a wild-card spot and reach the playoffs.
What Went Wrong?
Their ability to win one-goal games faltered. Strangely, the very trait that propelled the Wild into the playoffs was also their undoing in the opening round, marking their fifth first-round exit in the last six seasons. One reason many believed the Wild could reach the second round was their regular-season success in one-goal games, winning 18 out of 28. But losing not just one, but two consecutive games to the Vegas Golden Knights by a single goal in overtime highlights how, in future seasons, the Wild might be very close to breaking through to the second round for the first time since the 2014-15 season.
Keys to the Offseason:
They have a significant amount of cap space. This hasn`t always been the case in Minnesota, but it will be this offseason, providing the franchise with the necessary financial room to bolster a roster that has largely relied on homegrown talent. One crucial question the Wild must address, however, is the future of Marco Rossi. A first-round pick in 2020, Rossi developed into a top-six center, but his production dropped off after a strong January, recording only 14 points across February, March, and April. Although he rebounded with two goals and three points in the playoffs leading up to Game 6, he still played the third-fewest minutes per game among Wild players.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
Potentially more than just reaching the playoffs. Having over $20 million in projected cap space will make the Wild significant players in free agency. How they choose to spend that money will shape expectations. Even with that uncertainty, there`s reason to believe the 2025-26 season could see the Wild acquire additional offensive firepower to keep pace in the challenging Central Division, with the aim of becoming a team that poses problems for opponents in the postseason.
Ottawa Senators
Projected Cap Space: $18.44 million
2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 3rd (from FLA), 4th (from SJ), 5th, 6th, 7th
What Went Right?
Ottawa took a vital step forward by finally making the postseason. This signaled that, after a seven-year absence, the Senators` rebuild is essentially complete, and expectations should increase accordingly. Ottawa demonstrated the ability to be a disciplined defensive team, embracing the structure implemented by first-year head coach Travis Green. The Senators` young stars – notably Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Jake Sanderson – showed significant development in their games, and the playoff experience gained should be invaluable for them and the rest of the team moving forward. Linus Ullmark also proved he could provide something Ottawa has lacked for years: a reliable No. 1 goaltender. The Senators` foundation appears sound.
What Went Wrong?
The postseason is a different challenge, a lesson best learned through experience. Ottawa was an average offensive team during the regular season (scoring less than three goals per game), and their scoring diminished further in the playoffs (dropping to just two goals per game). The Senators` penalty kill also struggled in the regular season (at 77.7%) and worsened in the playoffs (68.8%). Apart from a Game 5 shutout, Ullmark faltered when needed most, posting an .883 save percentage and 2.80 goals-against average in the postseason. It`s not that Ottawa wasn`t competitive in the first-round series against Toronto – three games went to overtime, with the Sens winning one – but they were simply too inexperienced to fully capitalize on the Maple Leafs` occasional errors. Now that the Senators have solidified their defensive game, they need to figure out how to bring a consistent offensive effort to match.
Keys to the Offseason:
The Senators face some internal decisions regarding a couple of veteran players approaching free agency. Claude Giroux has been a crucial part of Ottawa`s lineup and leadership group since joining three seasons ago. If the 37-year-old intends to continue playing, the Senators would benefit from retaining him for depth and mentorship. Then there`s Anton Forsberg, who shared goaltending duties with Ullmark this season. If the 32-year-old departs, GM Steve Staios will need to determine who will partner with Ullmark in the coming seasons. Ottawa has several other forwards who could leave in free agency, so the Senators will likely be somewhat active in free agency, reinforcing their bottom six forwards to ensure they can complement the elite offensive threats like Tkachuk, Stutzle, and others. However, Ottawa worked hard to reach a position where there aren`t many significant holes to fill. They don`t necessarily need to make flashy moves, just smart ones.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
Ottawa should absolutely expect to compete for a playoff spot next season. Overcoming the disappointment of a quick playoff exit is never easy, but those frustrations should fuel their drive next season to demonstrate that this year was just the beginning of the Senators` next chapter.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Projected Cap Space: $9.10 million
2025 Draft Picks: 2nd (from LA), 4th (from EDM), 5th, 7th, 7th (from MIN), 7th (from SJ), 7th (from UTA)
What Went Right?
Tampa Bay proved they were still a powerhouse in the regular season, boasting a league-leading offense (averaging 3.56 goals per game), a top-five power play (at 25.9%), and arguably the NHL`s best forward in Nikita Kucherov (who led the league with 121 points). The Lightning maintained this success even after parting ways with former captain Steven Stamkos. His successor, defenseman Victor Hedman, delivered another elite performance anchoring Tampa Bay`s defense and penalty kill. The Lightning`s veterans performed up to their usual high standards in all areas, especially in goaltending. Andrei Vasilevskiy earned another Vezina Trophy finalist nomination with his season (.921 save percentage, 2.18 goals-against average). Jon Cooper, now the NHL`s longest-tenured head coach, skillfully guided Tampa Bay through the season`s inevitable challenges, and the team consistently emerged stronger. They reached the postseason for the eighth consecutive year, validating GM Julien BriseBois` repeated strategy of sacrificing future assets (via draft picks) to focus on present-day success.
What Went Wrong?
The Lightning were expected to maintain their offensive dominance in the playoffs, but it didn`t happen. Tampa Bay averaged the second-fewest goals per game among postseason teams (2.25), and Kucherov was particularly quiet, failing to score in the first four games against the Florida Panthers. Their power play was non-existent, going 1-for-15, as Tampa Bay faced elimination heading into Game 5. The Lightning also had to cope with the physicality of a demanding first-round series, including Matthew Tkachuk`s hard hit on Jake Guentzel and losing Brandon Hagel twice (first to a suspension in Game 3 for hitting Aleksander Barkov, and then to a vicious elbow by Aaron Ekblad). However, that was only part of the story. The Lightning often undermined themselves. Their defense faltered in Game 4; after holding a lead that could have tied the series at 2-2, two late goals against (scored just 11 seconds apart) cost them the victory. This was a difficult blow, especially following Hagel`s departure. Ultimately, the Lightning didn`t make the most of their opportunities, and their season ended too soon.
Keys to the Offseason:
Tampa Bay will have some cap space (a rare occurrence), allowing BriseBois to be creative in strengthening the team for next season. What exactly might that look like? Is it wise for Tampa Bay to pursue the same strategy after a third consecutive first-round exit? Does BriseBois need to change tactics to improve the Lightning`s chances during the most crucial time of the year? BriseBois has heavily invested Tampa Bay`s future (trading players and picks) to push for another Stanley Cup run. Will he remain aggressive in this pursuit? If so, the trade and free agent markets will be key for Tampa Bay. The Lightning have only three picks in the first five rounds of the draft (one second, one fourth, and one fifth), so BriseBois might leverage these elsewhere. Otherwise, the focus will be on filling existing gaps. Nick Perbix is the only notable UFA for BriseBois to consider, but he will want to ensure scoring depth isn`t an issue next year. Adding another goaltender to pair with Vasilevskiy (current backup Jonas Johansson is a UFA) would also be prudent.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
The Lightning`s regular-season performance placed them in contention for an Atlantic Division title. It`s difficult to imagine them experiencing a significant decline – especially after BriseBois went all-in to acquire Guentzel on a long-term deal and with Kucherov still in his prime. There is little doubt Tampa Bay will push to return to the postseason.
Montreal Canadiens
Projected Cap Space: $10.53 million
2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 1st (from CGY), 2nd, 2nd (from PIT), 3rd, 3rd (from NJ), 3rd (from VAN), 4th, 4th (from BOS), 5th, 6th, 7th
What Went Right?
Montreal reached the postseason in Year 3 of what has been a challenging rebuild. This is a considerable achievement. The Canadiens started the season slowly but didn`t let early difficulties derail them. After defeating Buffalo 5-2 on November 11, it marked almost a new beginning for the team – Montreal finished the season with a 36-22-9 record, posting the league`s 11th-best points percentage in that stretch and ultimately securing the Eastern Conference`s final wild-card playoff spot. This wouldn`t have been possible without outstanding performances from Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, a breakout season from rookie defenseman Lane Hutson, and strong secondary contributions from Patrik Laine, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Jake Evans. Star prospect Ivan Demidov was a pleasant surprise addition to the playoff roster and looked comfortable. Coach Martin St. Louis also deserves credit for treating the Canadiens like a team capable of playoff contention. This kind of confidence is what helps a team exceed expectations, which is precisely what Montreal accomplished.
What Went Wrong?
The Canadiens` scoring was top-heavy in the regular season, and this problem recurred in the playoffs. While facing the Washington Capitals was always going to be a difficult task, Montreal made it harder by lacking offensive contributors outside of Caufield, Suzuki, and Christian Dvorak. Goaltending also became an issue after starter Sam Montembeault was injured in Game 3 and replaced by backup Jakub Dobes. Dobes performed commendably given he had played only 16 NHL games before the series, but losing their No. 1 goaltender in Montembeault significantly weakened the team. Dobes and the defensemen lacked effective communication, which cost the Canadiens on the scoreboard. Ultimately, the Canadiens` lack of postseason experience was their downfall. Washington capitalized on nearly every Montreal mistake, a characteristic of a veteran team accustomed to winning. While the Canadiens impressed in areas like special teams during their run, the crucial details (like winning key faceoffs, for example) can be daunting. Montreal will need to learn from its mistakes to take positive steps next season.
Keys to the Offseason:
GM Kent Hughes` approach to the Canadiens` rebuild so far – words like `slow` and `steady` come to mind – suggests he won`t use Montreal`s playoff appearance as an excuse to accelerate the timeline. The Canadiens hold two picks in each of the first two rounds of this draft; these selections will be vital as Montreal continues to stock its system with young talent for the future. Hughes will also need to address the goaltending situation, likely by signing a free agent to support Montembeault while Dobes continues to develop in the minors. Additionally, there`s the club`s scoring depth. Hughes acquired Laine last offseason to boost the Canadiens` offense – and he did contribute 20 goals and 33 points – but the often-injured forward played only 52 games. Montreal needs more from Laine and potentially other skaters Hughes envisions in a top-nine role. Even when Suzuki and Caufield are producing, it`s unrealistic to expect them to carry Montreal`s offense alone, especially in the playoffs.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
Montreal will be deeply involved in another battle for an Eastern Conference playoff spot. The Atlantic Division might be the league`s most competitive. If the Canadiens want to remain in contention, some changes should be made to give them an edge over their division rivals.
New Jersey Devils
Projected Cap Space: $13.86 million
2025 Draft Picks: 2nd, 2nd (from EDM), 3rd (from VGK), 4th, 6th, 6th (from SJ)
What Went Right?
New Jersey overcame significant challenges this season to become a playoff team. Their resilience is a testament to the team, especially considering they stayed in contention and clinched a spot even after losing top skater Jack Hughes in March. Hughes` injury highlighted the strong seasons some of New Jersey`s other rising stars were having, including Jesper Bratt (with an 88-point campaign) and Nico Hischier (a dominant two-way center who scored 35 goals). The Devils` success was also significantly boosted by improved goaltending from Jacob Markstrom – and GM Tom Fitzgerald`s crucial move to finally strengthen that position by acquiring him. The veteran was solid in the regular season and exceptional during the Devils` playoff run, standing out as one of the best goaltenders in any first-round series. New Jersey`s first-year head coach Sheldon Keefe successfully implemented a sound system and got the team to buy in, even during tough periods. New Jersey should feel confident about the potential of a fully healthy lineup moving forward.
What Went Wrong?
Ah, injuries. They severely impacted the Devils. Hughes was out in March, while Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler missed significant time in the regular season before returning. Throughout New Jersey`s playoff run, their defensemen were hit hard, with Brenden Dillon, Luke Hughes, and Johnathan Kovacevic all sidelined. Not even Markstrom`s brilliance could compensate for so many key players being absent. The Devils also hindered themselves. New Jersey`s power play was incredibly ineffective (0%), they averaged only 1.75 goals per game, and their penalty kill struggled (69.2%). Aside from Hischier – who scored three goals in the postseason – the Devils simply couldn`t generate consistent offense. In a way, it`s challenging to fully evaluate New Jersey`s performance given how heavily impacted they were by injuries. How much better might they have been if the injury list hadn`t been so long? We`ll never know. It`s clear that Fitzgerald`s inactivity at the trade deadline (making only minor additions like third-line center Cody Glass and defenseman Brian Dumoulin) ultimately hurt New Jersey.
Keys to the Offseason:
Fitzgerald has several issues to address for the Devils. His top priority is pending restricted free agent Luke Hughes and determining the terms of the 21-year-old`s next contract. Then there`s New Jersey`s goaltending situation, specifically who will partner with Markstrom next season. Jake Allen is set to become a free agent, and Nico Daws may not yet be ready for full-time backup duties. Free agency should offer various skaters for Fitzgerald to consider in revamping the Devils` offense. The Devils have five veterans reaching unrestricted free agency and two RFAs in Glass and Nolan Foote. Inaction didn`t serve New Jersey well previously, and there`s a need to inject the lineup with at least a couple of reliable scoring threats to prevent the Devils from becoming too top-heavy again next season.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
New Jersey has been notoriously difficult to predict in recent years, oscillating between winning a playoff round and missing the postseason entirely. However, if the Devils can keep most of their key players healthy next year – and make some smart offseason adjustments – they should expect to be strong contenders in the Metro Division again.
Non-Playoff Teams
Columbus Blue Jackets
Projected Cap Space: $42.08 million
2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 1st (from MIN), 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 7th (from VGK)
What Went Right?
Columbus remained in the playoff race until the final week. That alone is a victory for this group. The Blue Jackets aimed to play meaningful hockey in March and April, and they achieved that throughout a season that should instill confidence heading into 2025-26 as a potential postseason contender. Zach Werenski had a Norris Trophy-caliber campaign, leading the team with 75 points in 76 games. Rising stars Kirill Marchenko, Kent Johnson, and Adam Fantilli demonstrated continued maturity in strong seasons. Overall, the Blue Jackets` 11th-ranked offense (with 3.17 goals per game) exceeded expectations. Columbus showed genuine progress during an emotionally challenging season.
What Went Wrong?
The Blue Jackets were heavily impacted by injuries. Boone Jenner, Erik Gudbranson, and Sean Monahan all missed significant time with various ailments. This hurt Columbus from the start, with Jenner and Gudbranson absent for the first few months. The Blue Jackets` goaltending was also subpar, with Elvis Merzlikins posting a mediocre .892 save percentage as the team`s No. 1. It`s not surprising that Columbus finished sixth-worst in goals-against average (3.42) and were among the league`s worst teams at allowing goals in the third period. The Blue Jackets` youth showed through in both positive and negative ways throughout the year, particularly against tougher opponents, and this is something they will need to learn from for the season ahead.
Keys to the Offseason:
Columbus holds two first-round draft picks this season, which is a favorable position for GM Don Waddell. He recognizes how early the franchise is in its development and wants to continue building a foundation that will benefit the Blue Jackets for years. There are also important restricted free agents to negotiate with, including Dmitri Voronkov and Daniil Tarasov. In free agency, Waddell can shift focus to Columbus` goaltending situation. Merzlikins hasn`t posted a save percentage above .900 since 2021-22. Can Columbus realistically expect to improve if Merzlikins remains the primary goaltender next year? Can they entrust the role to Jet Greaves, who finished the season with a dominant stretch? Waddell was inactive at the March trade deadline to avoid disrupting team chemistry. This summer, he can make meaningful changes that provide the Blue Jackets with a solid boost heading into September`s training camp.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
Columbus should be pushing for a playoff berth. They came close this season, and the confidence gained could carry over. As long as the young players maintain their positive development trajectory, Columbus possesses considerable depth to rely on.
Calgary Flames
Projected Cap Space: $36.21 million
2025 Draft Picks: 1st (from FLA), 1st (from NJ), 2nd (from COL), 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th
What Went Right?
The Flames made progress in multiple areas. They improved from finishing with 81 points in 2023-24 to contending for a playoff spot until the final week. Crucially, they established an identity. Whether it was with their roster, coaching staff, or front office, change had been constant for the Flames in recent seasons. This season, they achieved and maintained a level of continuity that could see them challenge for, or even make, the playoffs next season. Dustin Wolf was a revelation in goal, solidifying his position as the Flames` future No. 1 and building a case for the Calder Trophy.
What Went Wrong?
An offensive disconnect. Typically, a lack of scoring can be attributed to challenges in several areas. However, a closer look at their underlying numbers paints a confusing picture. The Flames were in the top 10 for shots per 60 minutes and 13th for scoring chances per 60. Yet, they ranked in the bottom third for high-danger chances per 60. Combined, these factors resulted in the Flames finishing with the second-fewest goals per game and having the NHL`s second-worst shooting percentage.
Keys to the Offseason:
Securing new contracts for pending restricted free agents Kevin Bahl, Matt Coronato, and Connor Zary is a priority, given their importance to both the present and future of the Flames. After these deals are finalized, the Flames will still have significant cap space to address their needs – perhaps adding more consistent offensive sources? Whatever the front office decides, their moves must be aimed at getting one step closer to reaching the postseason.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
Making the playoffs. When teams come this close to a playoff spot without securing it, there`s an expectation that the following season should result in a playoff berth. Some of this will depend on offseason developments, not just for the Flames, but for other clubs in a competitive Western Conference where 11 teams finished with 89 points or more.
Anaheim Ducks
Projected Cap Space: $39.55 million
2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd (from WPG), 3rd, 3rd (from TOR), 4th (from DET), 5th, 5th (from EDM), 6th, 7th
What Went Right?
The team`s young core showed progress. Unlike his rookie season, Leo Carlsson was not restricted to a limited number of games, resulting in a 20-goal season. Goaltender Lukas Dostal won 20 games and ranked in the top 20 for save percentage. Cutter Gauthier was on track for a 20-goal season as a rookie. Jackson LaCombe improved from 17 points in 71 games in 2023-24 to 14 goals and 43 points in 70 games this season, averaging an additional three minutes of ice time. Mason McTavish had his first 20-goal and 50-point season. These players are key building blocks and contributed to the Ducks finishing with over 70 points after two consecutive seasons below 60 points.
What Went Wrong?
The defensive structure surrounding Dostal. After finishing the 2023-24 season with a minus-91 goal differential, the Ducks needed to improve defensively in 2024-25. While they did reduce the differential to minus-34 this season, indicating some progress, their underlying metrics show there`s still significant work ahead. Data from Natural Stat Trick reveals that the Ducks allowed the most shots per 60 minutes, the most scoring chances per 60, and the most high-danger chances per 60 in the NHL.
Keys to the Offseason:
Again, the focus is on the young core. Dostal is a pending restricted free agent and is expected to receive a significant raise from his $812,500 salary. McTavish timed his first 20-goal season well; his entry-level contract is ending, meaning he will also need a new deal this offseason. Securing these contracts should still leave the Ducks with substantial cap space as they look to add more support around their core for the next stage of development.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
In some ways, they seem to be following a similar trajectory to the Utah Hockey Club in 2024-25. While making the playoffs might not be within reach next season, the Ducks were close to a point-per-game pace. Another year of experience for their core – combined with potential free agency additions – could see them contending for a wild-card spot into the final weeks of the next season.
Boston Bruins
Projected Cap Space: $27.14 million
2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd (from CAR), 2nd (from STL), 3rd, 4th (from PHI), 5th, 6th, 7th
What Went Right?
The best decision Boston made this season was fully committing to a rebuild. After a decade of being perennial playoff contenders, a step back was inevitable for the Bruins to assess their situation. GM Don Sweeney`s early coaching change – from Jim Montgomery to Joe Sacco – didn`t immediately boost Boston, and by the trade deadline, it was wise for Sweeney to become a significant seller. The Bruins acquired valuable draft capital, including four picks in the first and second rounds, and added intriguing new players like Casey Mittelstadt and Fraser Minten. Some developing chemistry between David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie late in the season is a positive sign for a potential future pairing.
What Went Wrong?
Boston lost seven of their first 11 games, a poor start that foreshadowed challenges. The Bruins` identity has long been their defensive play, so losing top defenseman Hampus Lindholm to a season-ending patella fracture in mid-November was devastating. Montgomery was fired the same week. Jeremy Swayman – following a contentious contract dispute – was inconsistent in net. And the Bruins` offense provided little support to compensate for their defensive and goaltending issues. Boston ranked 29th in scoring, averaging just 2.63 goals per game, and struggled on the power play (15.5%). Charlie McAvoy`s upper-body injury in early February during the 4 Nations Face-Off was another significant blow. It`s understandable why Sweeney focused on major changes – such as moving on from captain Brad Marchand – considering how much this Bruins team fell short compared to previous successful rosters.
Keys to the Offseason:
The Bruins need a permanent head coach. Sweeney could choose to remove Sacco`s interim tag or explore other available options. Once the coach is in place, planning can begin for an important upcoming draft where Boston will have a high first-round selection and two picks in the second round. These picks are especially crucial given the Bruins don`t have a deep prospect pool. The focus will then shift to identifying which young players are ready to make an impact in the NHL and how the Bruins will prioritize adding veteran players around them through free agency. The rebuild will be in full swing.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
Boston still boasts a 40-goal scorer in Pastrnak. If Lindholm and McAvoy return fully healthy, and Swayman can regain his form as a game-changing goaltender, there is hope for the Bruins to be an exciting team to watch – potentially even one that returns to the playoffs after a one-year absence. They are not starting entirely from scratch.
Buffalo Sabres
Projected Cap Space: $22.32 million
2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 4th (from MIN), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (from NSH), 7th (from WSH)
What Went Right?
Buffalo demonstrated this season that they are capable of being a playoff team. The Sabres overcame a slow start to hold a postseason position by Thanksgiving, often a good indicator of a team`s ability to maintain that standing. Tage Thompson had an excellent season, scoring 44 goals and averaging a point per game; when the Sabres finally break through, he will be a significant reason for their offensive success. Rasmus Dahlin also continued to be a standout defenseman with 62 points. GM Kevyn Adams was able to trade underperforming Dylan Cozens and acquired Josh Norris (who has been mostly injured during his time with the Sabres) for the future.
What Went Wrong?
The Sabres have missed the playoffs for 14 consecutive seasons, tying the New York Jets for the longest active drought in major professional sports. Buffalo had its opportunity this season, staying in contention until a 13-game winless streak in December torpedoed their progress. Furthermore, Adams did not make any moves at the trade deadline to improve the team despite its numerous weaknesses. The Sabres` collective goaltending was poor, with the league`s second-worst save percentage. Buffalo allowed the fourth-most goals per game (3.47), which is even more frustrating considering they ranked seventh in scoring (3.27). The Sabres were often their own worst enemy. This is evident in how they started strong – with the third-most first-period goals – only to allow the fourth-most in the third period. The Sabres` attention to detail was insufficient, and expected growth from players like Jack Quinn and Zach Benson did not fully materialize.
Keys to the Offseason:
This was Adams` fifth season in Buffalo, all without a playoff appearance. Will ownership retain him for another attempt? Adams did re-hire Lindy Ruff as coach last season, which alone might secure his position. From there, the Sabres have several personnel decisions. Quinn, JJ Peterka, Bowen Byram, Devon Levi, and Ryan McLeod are all restricted free agents. Who will Buffalo keep, and who will not receive a qualifying offer? Next, the focus shifts to external additions. The Sabres need stronger goaltending next season. If Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Levi cannot provide it as a tandem, Adams must explore the market for a veteran who can either support one of them or take on the role of a No. 1 goaltender. This would significantly help Buffalo in consistently playing like they did recently, winning 10 out of 13 games through March into April – albeit unfortunately, too little, too late.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
Dare we say it? Playoffs. That is the absolute minimum expectation for Buffalo. They possess the talent to achieve it. The responsibility lies with management to address the deficiencies and end the Sabres` historic skid.
Chicago Blackhawks
Projected Cap Space: $29.17 million
2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 1st (from TOR), 2nd, 2nd (from DAL), 3rd, 4th, 4th (from NYR), 6th, 7th
What Went Right?
The Seth Jones trade. After Jones informed Blackhawks management that he wanted to be traded to a contender, the challenge was how to strike a deal for a player with three years remaining on a contract worth $9.5 million annually. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson found a buyer in the Panthers and acquired a 2026 first-round pick and goaltender Spencer Knight, while retaining $2.5 million of Jones` salary for the remaining seasons. The trade secured the Blackhawks their goaltender for both the present and future in Knight and provided them with another first-round pick for 2026, extending a streak of multiple first-round picks dating back to 2022.
What Went Wrong?
There was only marginal improvement after one of the more aggressive free agency periods among all teams last offseason. They finished with 22 wins through 78 games, and while they reduced their goal differential from minus-111 in 2023-24 to minus-74, it was still a frustrating season that culminated in the firing of coach Luke Richardson after 26 games and his replacement by interim coach Anders Sorensen.
Keys to the Offseason:
Will Sorensen be given the full-time coaching position, or will the Blackhawks pursue another direction? There is also discussion about Ryan Donato, who led the team in goals this season. Donato is a pending unrestricted free agent having the best season of his career. The Blackhawks certainly have the cap space, but might the money be better allocated elsewhere? Once new deals are agreed upon for their four restricted free agents, including Philipp Kurashev and Arvid Soderblom, the Blackhawks could utilize their remaining cap space while also keeping an eye on the landscape after the 2025-26 season.
Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:
Next season will be crucial, primarily because another season without significant progress could prompt the front office to face bigger questions; after all, the Blackhawks are aiming to reach the 70-point mark for the first time since 2019-20. So, what does the future hold? Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Knight, all central to their future plans, will be entering the final years of their respective contracts. Bedard and Nazar will be coming off their entry-level deals, while Knight would be seeking his third contract – his first as a potential No. 1 goaltender.
Detroit Red Wings
Projected Cap Space: $22.98 million
2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd (from NYR), 4th (from TB), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (from STL)
What Went Right?
Detroit displayed tenacity and resilience multiple times this season. The Red Wings overcame a slow start by making a coaching change – from Derek Lalonde to Todd McLellan – which fueled the team`s surge into a playoff spot in December. Detroit moved in and out of contention until February and appeared poised for a strong run. Leading the charge were captain Dylan Larkin, who scored 29 goals this season, and Lucas Raymond, who leads Detroit in points with 75.
*(Note: The provided text excerpt ended mid-sentence for the Detroit Red Wings section. The analysis for this team is incomplete based on the source material.)*
