Evaluating NHL Non-Playoff Teams Division

Hope is in the air for NHL fans as summer rolls around.

Could the 2024-25 season be the year when teams that missed out last time finally make it to the playoffs? This series looks at those non-playoff teams and whether they’ve improved enough to give their fans hope. We’ve sorted these 16 teams into four categories: “Long National Nightmare,” “Groundhog Day,” “Scratch-off,” and lastly, “Puh-leeze.”

Let’s dive into the second tier, known as the “Groundhog Day Division.” It’s like living in a loop, much like Bill Murray’s movie. How can this keep happening? When will it end? These teams have a shot at making it to the playoffs.

Groundhog Day Division:

8. Philadelphia Flyers | 38-33-11, 87 points, 21st

The Flyers made a big move by buying out Cam Atkinson’s contract. They also brought Matvei Michkov from Russia , one of the best players outside North America last season. Michkov was picked seventh overall in the 2023 NHL Draft and arrived earlier than expected after being released by his KHL club.

For a team that hasn’t seen playoff action in four years, Michkov is their shining star after years of struggle. However, weak center depth and goalie issues might still hold them back from breaking their playoff drought since 2019-20.

Fans might think this could finally be their year!

Sometimes life feels repetitive; other times, it’s full of surprises. Maybe this season will bring something new for these hopeful teams.

What do you think? Will they make it this time?