Assessing NHL Non-Playoff Teams Division

Hope is high for NHL fans dreaming of a playoff run in 2024-25.

In this four-part series, we look at non-playoff teams from last season to see if they’ve improved enough to make it. We’ve grouped the 16 teams into four categories: “Long National Nightmare,” “Groundhog Day,” “Scratch-off,” and the bottom tier, “Puh-leeze.”

First up, let’s dive into the top tier: “Long National Nightmare Division.” These teams are close but can’t seem to get over the hump.

The St. Louis Blues finished last season with a record of 43-33-6 and 92 points, placing them 17th. They made waves by snagging winger Dylan Holloway and defenseman Philip Broberg from Edmonton Oilers through an offer sheet, keeping their first-round picks intact. Despite financial constraints preventing a full rebuild, they bolstered their core team that struggled offensively last year. According to Natural Stat Trick, they were among the bottom five in goals scored per 60 minutes, expected goals per 60 minutes, and high-danger chances per 60 minutes.

Yet, without committing to a complete overhaul , it feels like they’re stuck on a hamster wheel.

Next up is Minnesota Wild with a record of 39-34-9 and 87 points, ranking them at 20th. The team has often overachieved under coach Dean Evason who now coaches Columbus after starting last season poorly at 5-10-4. This offseason saw minor changes: adding forwards Yakov Trenin and Jakob Lauko while letting Vinny Lettieri go. Trenin’s defensive skills might make them tough opponents this season. With solid defense, depth in the lineup, star power and strong goaltending—there’s potential here! But can they finally be great?

Fans might wonder if this will be another year of disappointment since Minnesota hasn’t won a playoff series since 2015.

Lastly for today—the Buffalo Sabres ended with a record of 39-37-6 and tied for the longest playoff drought in major North American sports alongside New York Jets. They haven’t won a playoff series since way back in ’07! In April though—they brought back Lindy Ruff as head coach (he led them from ’98-’13). GM Kevyn Adams revamped their bottom six by signing forwards Sam Lafferty; Jason Zucker; Nicolas Aube-Kubel; plus trading for Ryan McLeod & Beck Malenstyn emphasizing speed & experience!

So—is this finally what turns things around? Fans sure hope so!

What do you think? Can these teams break free from their nightmares?