NHL Non-Playoff Teams Breakdown Part 1

Hope is high for NHL fans whose teams missed the playoffs last season.

Could 2024-25 be the year one of those teams makes it to the postseason?

We will explore if these non-playoff teams have improved enough to give their fans hope.

The ‘Puh-leeze’ Division:

When someone suggests these teams could make the playoffs, you might just say “puh-leeze” with a grin.

16. San Jose Sharks | 2023-24: 19-54-9, 47 points, 32nd in the NHL

The Sharks have made some changes. They added forwards like Tyler Toffoli, Alex Wennberg, Barclay Goodrow, Klim Klostin, and Ty Dellandrea. This means blue-chip prospects Macklin Celebrini (2024 first overall pick) and Will Smith (2023 fourth overall pick) won’t be thrown into a mess . But even with these additions, their defense is weak and their goaltending is shaky. New coach Ryan Warsofsky might need a mulligan for his first year.

Unless Celebrini and Smith turn out to be superstars right away, San Jose won’t see the playoffs.

15. Calgary Flames | 2023-24: 38-39-5, 81 points, 24th

Calgary spent its offseason shaking things up by making room for young players who aren’t exactly top prospects. They added big defenseman Kevin Bahl (6-foot-6 and 230 pounds) and smart center Ryan Lomberg but lost key players like winger Andrew Mangiapane, defenseman Noah Hanifin, and goalie Jakob Markstrom. Mixing old veterans with unproven youngsters usually isn’t a winning strategy.

Fans might wonder if this mix of players can really work out well for Calgary this season.

So what do you think? Can any of these teams surprise us?