The initial phase of the Stanley Cup Playoffs has been packed with excitement, featuring close matchups and even overtime thrillers. While the playoff picture is still unfolding and trailing teams are expected to fight back, for half the league, the season has already concluded.
These non-playoff teams are now holding meetings and addressing the media, beginning the process of evaluating their performance and planning for the future. Some anticipated missing the postseason and are focusing on strategic moves to improve next year. Others had playoff aspirations and are now grappling with what went wrong and how to prevent underlying issues from worsening.
This discussion zeroes in on the 16 NHL teams that did not qualify for the playoffs and highlights the most significant question each one must confront this summer.
Anaheim Ducks: How can GM Pat Verbeek position them to take a run at the playoffs?
The Ducks had a generally positive season, showing a 21-point improvement from the previous year. Jackson LaCombe emerged as a notable player, and Lukas Dostal provided optimism in goal, potentially allowing for a John Gibson trade. Despite some weaknesses, including ranking low in goals and power play efficiency, the team showed progress.
However, significant work remains. Even with more wins, Anaheim was still 16 points shy of a playoff spot. The focus is now on making impactful changes to move past the rebuilding phase.
The coaching change was the first step, with roster adjustments likely to follow. As Elliotte Friedman noted on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, this summer is crucial for Anaheim, making their coaching vacancy particularly appealing. He suggests many coaches see the Ducks as a team on the rise with promising young talent. Additionally, their substantial salary cap space offers flexibility for free agency or acquiring assets through trades involving their prospects.
Boston Bruins: How quickly can they turn it around to become a contender again?
Falling from a Cup contender at the start of the season to finishing 28th overall, the Boston Bruins find themselves at a critical juncture. Injuries played a role, and Jeremy Swayman`s season after signing a new deal wasn`t ideal, though a full training camp might help him rebound and boost the team.
The Bruins began acquiring draft picks and prospects at the trade deadline to reshape their future. A surprising move was the trade of Captain Brad Marchand. The team is searching for a permanent head coach replacement this summer after the in-season change. Even GM Don Sweeney, entering the final year of his contract, faces uncertainty, as the team did not publicly commit to him beyond next season.
While a lengthy rebuild doesn`t seem to be the plan, the rise of teams like Ottawa and Montreal in their division, coupled with Tampa Bay, Toronto, and Florida maintaining strong positions, makes the path back challenging.
Bruins president Cam Neely emphasized building back stronger, not just aiming for the playoffs, but constructing a team capable of competing for the Stanley Cup. The key question is the strategy and timeline for achieving this goal.
Buffalo Sabres: With Kevyn Adams or not, what is the plan from here?
With their playoff drought now extending to 14 years, the questions begin at the top. Speculation suggests changes in the front office. Elliotte Friedman mentioned on a podcast that while he`s unsure if GM Kevyn Adams` title will change, he anticipates at least some staff around him will be replaced.
Under Adams` five years as GM, Buffalo`s point totals have declined from 91 to 84 to 79 over the last three seasons. Will he retain his position, or will the front office undergo a shuffle?
Regardless of leadership decisions, the current team structure hasn`t delivered results. This vision hasn`t worked. Beyond simply initiating yet another rebuild, the pressing question is what strategic direction the Sabres will take moving forward to break their playoff drought.
Calgary Flames: What is going to become of Rasmus Andersson?
Finishing with point totals comparable to playoff teams, the Flames had a season they view as a base to build upon. Prospects like Dustin Wolf in goal and young players such as Matt Coronato and Zayne Parekh offer promise for the future. The team aims to acquire a younger center this summer via trade or potentially an offer sheet.
However, the most significant question centers on their No. 1 defenseman, Rasmus Andersson. He has one year left on his contract and becomes eligible for an extension on July 1.
Reports from Eric Francis suggest that Andersson`s year-end media session felt like a potential farewell. The 28-year-old might seek a substantial long-term contract elsewhere. The Flames must decide whether to commit significant cap space to Andersson during his prime years while the team may not be immediate contenders or explore trading him this summer for a potentially large return.
