NHL Offseason Primer: Free Agency and Draft Plans for All 32 Teams

A comprehensive look at the offseason plans for all 32 NHL teams, including free agency, draft, and outlook for next season.

The 2024-25 NHL regular season will end Thursday, with exciting races for playoff seeding and the draft lottery order right until the final horn. But not every team gets to participate in the postseason. This is the place where we look ahead to the offseason for all the teams eliminated from contention: Who will those teams try to add via free agency, trades and the draft? How much better will the team be in 2025-26? Read on for a look at what went wrong for each eliminated team, along with a breakdown of the biggest keys this offseason and realistic expectations for next season. Note that more teams will be added to this story as they are eliminated.

Relation NHL Schedule
2025-04-20 星期日

St. Louis Blues

06:00 USA, NHL - 1st Round, Game 1

Foresee

06:00

Winnipeg Jets

Colorado Avalanche

08:30 USA, NHL - 1st Round, Game 1

Foresee

08:30

Dallas Stars

2025-04-21 星期一

New Jersey Devils

03:00 USA, NHL - 1st Round, Game 1

Foresee

03:00

Carolina Hurricanes

Ottawa Senators

07:00 USA, NHL - 1st Round, Game 1

Foresee

07:00

Toronto Maple Leafs

Minnesota Wild

10:00 USA, NHL - 1st Round, Game 1

Foresee

10:00

Vegas Golden Knights

What to Read Next

The Last Canadian Stanley Cup Victory and Its Cultural Milestones
NHL

The Last Canadian Stanley Cup Victory and Its Cultural Milestones

A look at the last Canadian Stanley Cup win in 1993 and the pop culture of that era.
By /
2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Unveiling the Hopefuls and Their Chances
NHL

2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Unveiling the Hopefuls and Their Chances

An in-depth look at the 16 NHL teams in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs
By /
NHL Playoff Race Heats Up: Critical Tuesday Night Clashes & Draft Lottery Implications
NHL

NHL Playoff Race Heats Up: Critical Tuesday Night Clashes & Draft Lottery Implications

A high-stakes Tuesday slate with playoff berths, seeding battles, and draft lottery positioning on the line across 10 pivotal NHL matchups. Analysis of key games and scenarios.
By /
Stanley Cup Playoff Watch: What to Expect on Monday's Six-Game Slate
NHL

Stanley Cup Playoff Watch: What to Expect on Monday's Six-Game Slate

With the NHL regular season winding down, here's what to watch for in Monday's six-game slate, including playoff clinching scenarios and draft lottery implications.
By /
The numbers behind Lane Hutson's breakout rookie campaign
NHL

The numbers behind Lane Hutson's breakout rookie campaign

The Canadiens defenseman has had a breakout rookie season, leading all rookies in scoring and looking like a lock for the Calder Trophy.
By /
Stanley Cup Playoff Frenzy: Key Friday Battles for Seeding, Wild Card Spots and Lottery Positioning
NHL

Stanley Cup Playoff Frenzy: Key Friday Battles for Seeding, Wild Card Spots and Lottery Positioning

As the NHL regular season winds down, Friday's games carry massive implications for playoff seeding, wild card races, and draft lottery positioning. Here's what to watch.
By /
Alex Ovechkin Shatters NHL Goal-Scoring Record: The Anatomy of a Hockey Legend
NHL

Alex Ovechkin Shatters NHL Goal-Scoring Record: The Anatomy of a Hockey Legend

Alex Ovechkin cements his legacy as hockey's greatest goal scorer by surpassing Wayne Gretzky's record with 895 career goals in unforgettable fashion.
By /
NHL Playoff Watch: Key Thursday Matchups That Could Reshape the Postseason Picture
NHL

NHL Playoff Watch: Key Thursday Matchups That Could Reshape the Postseason Picture

A deep dive into Thursday's pivotal NHL games that could determine playoff seeding and draft lottery positioning as the regular season winds down.
By /
NHL Playoff & Draft Watch: Key Matchups to Track on Wednesday Night
NHL

NHL Playoff & Draft Watch: Key Matchups to Track on Wednesday Night

Breaking down Wednesday night’s pivotal NHL games with playoff implications & draft positioning battles as the regular season winds down.
By /
Zach Werenski's Stellar Season: Leading the Blue Jackets Through Adversity and Playoff Push
NHL

Zach Werenski's Stellar Season: Leading the Blue Jackets Through Adversity and Playoff Push

Zach Werenski's career-best performance is driving the Columbus Blue Jackets' unexpected playoff push while honoring Johnny Gaudreau's legacy.
By /
NHL 25 Team of the Season Unveiled: MacKinnon, Kucherov Headline First Wave of Elite Honorees
NHL

NHL 25 Team of the Season Unveiled: MacKinnon, Kucherov Headline First Wave of Elite Honorees

EA Sports reveals the first group of NHL 25 Team of the Season selections, featuring top performers MacKinnon, Kucherov, and Draisaitl in ultimate hockey honor.
By /
NHL Playoff Push: Key Battles and Standings Updates on a High-Stakes Tuesday Night
NHL

NHL Playoff Push: Key Battles and Standings Updates on a High-Stakes Tuesday Night

As the NHL season enters its final stretch, Tuesday night features 10 crucial games impacting playoff seeding and draft positioning. Key matchups analyzed.
By /
Revitalizing USA Hockey: How the IIHF World Championship Can Shape the Future of American Elite Talent
NHL

Revitalizing USA Hockey: How the IIHF World Championship Can Shape the Future of American Elite Talent

Exploring USA Hockey's challenges and opportunities in attracting elite NHL players to the IIHF World Championship and building a winning culture.
By /
NHL Playoff Race Heats Up: Can the Rangers Overcome the Odds? Key Battles Ahead in Final Stretch
NHL

NHL Playoff Race Heats Up: Can the Rangers Overcome the Odds? Key Battles Ahead in Final Stretch

As the NHL season nears its climax, the New York Rangers face a daunting path to the playoffs while Montreal holds the wild-card edge. Full playoff projections and key matchups analyzed.
By /
Alex Ovechkin Makes NHL History: Breaking Wayne Gretzky’s All-Time Goals Record with No. 895
NHL

Alex Ovechkin Makes NHL History: Breaking Wayne Gretzky’s All-Time Goals Record with No. 895

Alex Ovechkin surpasses Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer with his 895th career goal, cementing his legacy as one of hockey's greatest.
By /
Load More