NHL Offseason Team Strategies: Draft, Free Agency and Trades

April 14: Anaheim Ducks

What went right? Young players progressed. Leo Carlsson had a 20-goal season. Lukas Dostal achieved 20 wins with a strong save percentage. Cutter Gauthier neared 20 goals as a rookie. Jackson LaCombe significantly increased his points and ice time. Mason McTavish reached 20 goals and 50 points for the first time.

These young players helped the Ducks exceed 70 points after multiple sub-60-point seasons.

What went wrong? Defense around Dostal was weak. Despite improving their goal differential from -91 to -34, underlying metrics show they still allowed the most shots, scoring chances, and high-danger chances per 60 minutes in the NHL.

Keys to the offseason: Focus on the young core. Dostal and McTavish, both restricted free agents, need new contracts. Securing these deals while maintaining cap space is key to adding supporting players.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Similar trajectory to Utah in 2024-25. Playoffs unlikely, but with another year of development and smart free agency, they could contend for a wild card.

April 14: Boston Bruins

What went right? Embraced a rebuild. After a decade of contention, they took a step back. GM Don Sweeney made coaching changes and became a seller at the deadline, acquiring draft capital and prospects like Casey Mittelstadt and Fraser Minten. Pastrnak and Geekie showed late-season chemistry.

What went wrong? Poor start, losing 7 of 11 games. Lindholm`s injury and Montgomery`s firing hurt. Swayman`s goaltending was inconsistent. Offense struggled, ranking 29th in scoring and power play.

McAvoy`s injury further impacted the team. Major changes, including potentially moving on from Marchand, are needed.

Keys to the offseason: Hire a permanent head coach. Prepare for a crucial draft with multiple early picks. Determine which young players are ready for the NHL and add veteran support in free agency. Rebuild is underway.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Pastrnak remains a top scorer. If Lindholm and McAvoy return healthy and Swayman rebounds, they could be competitive, but playoffs are uncertain after a likely one-year absence.

April 14: Buffalo Sabres

What went right? Showed playoff potential early in the season. Thompson had a strong 44-goal season, and Dahlin continued to excel. Adams traded Cozens and added Norris.

What went wrong? Missed playoffs for the 14th straight season. A 13-game winless streak derailed their season. Adams did little at the deadline. Goaltending was poor, with the league`s second-worst save percentage. Defense allowed the fourth-most goals per game.

Inconsistency and lack of growth from some young players hindered progress.

Keys to the offseason: Will Adams remain GM? He hired Ruff as coach. Decisions on RFAs like Quinn, Peterka, Byram, Levi, and McLeod. Address goaltending. Explore veteran goalie options if Luukkonen and Levi aren`t sufficient.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Playoffs are a must. They have the talent. Management needs to address gaps to end their playoff drought.

April 14: Chicago Blackhawks

What went right? The Seth Jones trade. Davidson traded Jones to Florida, acquiring a 2026 first-rounder and goalie Spencer Knight while retaining salary. This secured a goalie for now and the future and another first-round pick.

What went wrong? Minimal improvement despite aggressive free agency. 22 wins, goal differential improved but still poor. Richardson was fired and replaced by Sorensen.

Keys to the offseason: Decide on head coach – Sorensen or another option? Address Ryan Donato`s UFA status. Sign RFAs Kurashev and Soderblom. Use remaining cap space strategically for future plans.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Crucial season for progress. Another season without improvement raises questions. Aim for 70+ points for the first time since 2019-20. Future contracts for Bedard, Nazar, and Knight need consideration.

April 14: Detroit Red Wings

What went right? Showed resilience and tenacity. Coaching change to McLellan sparked a surge. Larkin and Raymond led offensively. Raymond`s development is positive. Strong power play (4th).

What went wrong? Defensive issues persist. Allowed the 12th-most goals against, ranked 23rd in scoring. Worst penalty kill in the league. Yzerman did little at the deadline and hasn`t added impact free agents.

Consistency and defensive structure are lacking, extending their playoff drought.

Keys to the offseason: Yzerman needs to consider bolder moves. Decisions on RFAs Johansson and Soderblom, UFAs Kane and Lyon. Personnel turnover could indicate future direction. Improve scoring depth and defensive talent.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Playoff potential. Goal should be playoff contention. Yzerman needs to provide more resources.

April 14: Nashville Predators

What went right? Prospects are developing. Wood excelled in college before turning pro. Willis improved his scoring. Barron, L`Heureux, and Svechkov gained NHL ice time.

What went wrong? Everything else. Went from playoff team to third-worst record. Disconnected play. High shots per game but low goals per game. Good penalty kill but still allowed many goals.

Keys to the offseason: Three first-round picks and cap space provide options. Balance winning now and building for the future. Continue developing young players after a disappointing season.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Multiple directions possible. Could rebound like 2023-24 or continue to struggle. Playoff contention is expected; otherwise, front office faces scrutiny.

April 14: New York Islanders

What went right? Showed determination to contend, especially during an 11-3-0 run. Strong individual performances from Horvat and Lee. Dobson and Romanov developed well. Lamoriello traded Nelson for draft picks and Ritchie.

What went wrong? Failed to excel in any area. Ranked low in scoring, goals against, power play (31st), and penalty kill. Barzal`s injury was significant. Sorokin`s goaltending was good but not exceptional.

Lack of difference-makers. Lamoriello didn`t make deadline additions. Tensions rose, with Roy publicly criticizing Duclair.

Keys to the offseason: Consider a major change. Lamoriello has cap space and draft picks. Decide on franchise direction – contention or rebuild? Personnel decisions on RFAs Dobson, Romanov, Perunovich, and Boqvist. Address scoring depth.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Sputtered after consecutive playoff appearances. Without significant changes, another first-round exit is likely the ceiling.

April 14: New York Rangers

What went right? Drury offloaded Trouba and Kakko, handled swiftly. Miller acquisition attempted to boost offense. Cuylle showed growth. Panarin and Fox performed well.

What went wrong? Major disappointment. Shadow of Presidents` Trophy team. Lacked consistency, veteran contributions (Zibanejad, Kreider struggled), functional power play (27th), and resiliency. Missed playoffs after loss to Carolina.

Lack of urgency and determination. Locker room issues or Laviolette`s message not resonating? Game never came together.

Keys to the offseason: Laviolette`s job security uncertain. Drastic changes expected. Assess core, decide who to build around and who to trade (Kreider, Zibanejad?). Re-evaluate blue line. Address leaks from this season.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Playoff team potential. Requires change. Standing pat sends wrong message. Need to regain urgency and determination.

April 14: Philadelphia Flyers

What went right? Moments of promise. Michkov`s arrival signals a new era. Konecny had a strong season. Briere made moves, trading Farabee and Laughton, firing Tortorella, to initiate 2025-26.

What went wrong? Mess in key areas. Worst even-strength save percentage since 2009-10. Ersson struggled as No. 1 goalie. Poor power play (30th) and offense. Tortorella fired after losing streak.

Something still missing.

Keys to the offseason: Hire head coach (Shaw or new hire). Capitalize on draft with multiple first and second-round picks. Focus on development. Less active in free agency, relying on internal growth.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Fifth straight season missing playoffs. Must challenge for a spot into April. Time for investments in youth to pay off.

April 14: Pittsburgh Penguins

What went right? Crosby continued to perform at a high level. Dubas brought up McGroarty and Koivunen to gain NHL experience and energize the team.

What went wrong? Death by a thousand cuts. Lack of depth scoring beyond top line. Malkin struggled. Goaltending issues with Jarry demoted. Leaky defense allowed many goals.

Issues in all three phases of the game.

Keys to the offseason: Sullivan likely to stay as coach. Count on McGroarty and Koivunen to compete for roster spots. Dubas needs to address scoring depth with veteran additions and improve defense.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Playoffs uncertain without changes. Addressing leaks could make them contenders again, but it`s a big question.

April 14: San Jose Sharks

What went right? Blueprint for the future. Celebrini and Smith are leading rookies. Added draft picks at the deadline, continuing to build draft capital.

Goal differential improved from -150 to -98.

What went wrong? Significant struggles expected in a rebuild. Bottom 10 in offense and near worst in defense across many metrics.

Keys to the offseason: High draft pick expected again. Multiple first-round picks to advance rebuild. Cap space to address roster but free agency might not be immediate focus.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Focus on developing Askarov, Eklund, Celebrini, and Smith. Continue improving under Warsofsky. Potential for free agency or trades to add draft capital for future.

April 14: Seattle Kraken

What went right? All trades this season. Traded Borgen for Kakko and picks. Traded Bjorkstrand and Gourde for first-rounders. Traded Tanev for a second-rounder. Kakko performed well for Kraken.

What went wrong? Inconsistent goal prevention. Defensive metrics worsened after coaching staff changes. Grubauer struggled, Daccord was more consistent.

Keys to the offseason: Find a defensive solution like Bylsma`s staff improved offense. Consistency needed after missing playoffs in three of four seasons.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Must contend for a wild-card spot minimum. Front office faces questions if they miss playoffs again.

April 14: Utah Hockey Club

What went right? Significant strides. Sergachev trade set stage. Exceeded Coyotes` point totals pre-relocation. Fought for playoff spot late in the season.

What went wrong? Overtime and shootouts. Many OT losses demonstrate close games. Winning these next season will improve results.

Keys to the offseason: Cap space is not an issue. Invested in defense last offseason. More space to improve offense, which ranked 21st in goals per game and 15th in power play.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Making the playoffs. Core has progressed. Roster mostly under contract. Cap space to add players for playoff push in second Salt Lake season.

April 14: Vancouver Canucks

What went right? Despite inconsistencies, injuries, and Miller-Pettersson issues, remained in wild-card contention. Hughes and Suter had strong seasons.

What went wrong? Inconsistencies, injuries, Miller-Pettersson friction. Good shot suppression metrics but average goals allowed. Needed scoring depth after trading Miller.

Keys to the offseason: Tocchet`s coaching situation uncertain. Boeser`s UFA status needs addressing. Long-term deal or open market?

Realistic expectations for 2025-26: Situation clearer after free agency. Most of team under contract. Uncertainty around Tocchet, Boeser, and Suter. Addressing concerns could lead to postseason return.