NHL Offseason Team Strategies: Draft and Free Agency Focus

Anaheim Ducks

Projected cap space: $39.55 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (WPG), 3rd, 3rd (TOR), 4th (DET), 5th, 5th (EDM), 6th, 7th

What Went Right?

The Ducks saw significant development in their young core players. Leo Carlsson had a full season and scored 20 goals. Goalie Lukas Dostal achieved 20 wins and a strong save percentage. Cutter Gauthier approached 20 goals as a rookie. Jackson LaCombe improved his scoring and ice time. Mason McTavish reached 20 goals and 50 points for the first time.

These young players contributed to the Ducks improving their point total after several seasons below 60 points.

What Went Wrong?

The defense in front of Dostal was a major weakness. While they improved their goal differential from the previous season, underlying defensive metrics remained poor. They allowed the most shots, scoring chances, and high-danger chances per 60 minutes in the NHL, according to data from Natural Stat Trick.

Keys to the Offseason:

Focus on securing the young core. Dostal and McTavish are due for new contracts and raises. Even with these contracts, the Ducks should have considerable cap space to add supporting players to their core.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

The Ducks are progressing similarly to the Utah Hockey Club in the previous season. Playoffs might still be out of reach, but with another year of development and strategic free agency signings, they could contend for a wild card spot later in the season.

Boston Bruins

Projected cap space: $27.14 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (CAR), 2nd (STL), 3rd, 4th (PHI), 5th, 6th, 7th

What Went Right?

Boston embraced a rebuild, accumulating draft picks and adding prospects like Casey Mittelstadt and Fraser Minten. The late-season chemistry between David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie is a positive sign.

What Went Wrong?

A poor start and defensive struggles plagued Boston. Key injuries to Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy, combined with inconsistent goaltending and a weak offense (29th in scoring), led to major changes at the trade deadline.

Keys to the Offseason:

Hire a permanent head coach and prepare for a crucial draft with multiple early picks. Focus on developing young players and adding veteran support in free agency to accelerate the rebuild.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

With Pastrnak and potentially healthy Lindholm and McAvoy, the Bruins could be a more exciting team to watch. Playoffs might be a stretch, but they are not starting from zero.

Buffalo Sabres

Projected cap space: $22.32 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 4th (MIN), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (NSH), 7th (WSH)

What Went Right?

Buffalo demonstrated playoff potential early in the season. Tage Thompson had a strong offensive season, and Rasmus Dahlin continued to excel on defense.

What Went Wrong?

The Sabres extended their playoff drought to 14 seasons, hampered by a long winless streak in December and inaction at the trade deadline. Poor goaltending and defensive play (second-worst save percentage, fourth-most goals against) undermined their strong offense.

Keys to the Offseason:

Ownership will decide on the future of the GM. Key RFAs need contracts. Improving goaltending is crucial, potentially through free agency if current goalies don`t improve.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

Playoffs are a must for Buffalo. They have the talent, and management needs to address the gaps to end their playoff drought.

Chicago Blackhawks

Projected cap space: $29.17 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (TOR), 2nd, 2nd (DAL), 3rd, 4th, 4th (NYR), 6th, 7th

What Went Right?

The Seth Jones trade was a positive move, acquiring a first-round pick and goalie Spencer Knight while shedding salary.

What Went Wrong?

Despite aggressive free agency moves, improvement was minimal. They remained near the bottom of the league, leading to a coaching change.

Keys to the Offseason:

Decide on the permanent coach and the future of pending UFA Ryan Donato. Address contracts for RFAs and strategically use remaining cap space with an eye on the future.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

Significant progress is needed next season. Another season without improvement will raise serious questions for the front office. Reaching the 70-point mark is a key goal.

Detroit Red Wings

Projected cap space: $22.98 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd (NYR), 4th (TB), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (STL)

What Went Right?

Detroit showed resilience and made a coaching change that sparked a surge. Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond had strong offensive seasons, and their power play was highly ranked.

What Went Wrong?

Defensive issues persisted, with poor goals against and a league-worst penalty kill. Lack of impact free agent signings and trade deadline inactivity contributed to another playoff miss.

Keys to the Offseason:

GM needs to consider bolder moves. Decisions on RFAs and UFAs are pending. Addressing scoring depth and improving the blue line are crucial.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

Detroit has playoff potential and should aim to contend. The key is whether management provides the necessary resources.

Nashville Predators

Projected cap space: $17.26 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (TB), 1st (VGK), 2nd, 2nd (TB), 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 6th (COL)

What Went Right?

Prospect development was a bright spot. Several prospects showed promise in junior and professional leagues, and some young players gained NHL experience.

What Went Wrong?

Almost everything else. After heavy free agency spending, the team drastically underperformed, with a poor record, disconnected play, and bottom-tier goal scoring despite high shot volume.

Keys to the Offseason:

With multiple first-round picks and cap space, they have options to improve both now and for the future. Strengthening the plan for integrating young players is essential.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

The Predators` direction is uncertain. Another season out of the playoffs will raise serious questions for management.

New York Islanders

Projected cap space: $28.90 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th

What Went Right?

The Islanders showed resilience to contend, with strong performances from Bo Horvat and Anders Lee. Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov progressed, and a trade netted future assets.

What Went Wrong?

Lack of excellence in key areas: mediocre scoring, goals against, and poor special teams (power play and penalty kill). Mathew Barzal`s injury significantly impacted the team, and inaction at the trade deadline raised questions.

Keys to the Offseason:

A major strategic decision is needed: continue competing or rebuild? Key RFAs need contracts, and scoring depth needs to be addressed. Honest assessment of the team`s direction is crucial.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

Without significant offseason changes, another first-round playoff exit is likely the best-case scenario.

New York Rangers

Projected cap space: $9.67 million

2025 draft picks: 2nd, 3rd (SEA), 4th (ANA), 4th (COL), 5th (MIN), 6th, 6th (SEA), 7th

What Went Right?

Offloading underperforming players early in the season was a positive move. Young players like Will Cuylle developed, and Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox performed well.

What Went Wrong?

Major disappointment. Presidents` Trophy winners last season became a shadow of themselves, lacking consistency, veteran contributions, a functional power play, and resilience. Rumored locker room issues and coaching effectiveness are questioned.

Keys to the Offseason:

Coach`s future is uncertain. Drastic changes are expected. Core assessment is needed: decide who to build around and who to trade. Blue line needs improvement. Address the root causes of this season`s failures.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

Playoffs are achievable with changes. Standing pat would be a mistake. A renewed sense of urgency is needed to regain their potential.

Philadelphia Flyers

Projected cap space: $25.64 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (COL), 1st (EDM), 2nd, 2nd (ANA), 2nd (CGY), 2nd (CBJ), 3rd, 5th, 5th (CAR), 6th

What Went Right?

The arrival of Matvei Michkov signals a new era. Other young players are promising. Veteran Travis Konecny had a strong season. Management made moves to kickstart the team for 2025-26.

What Went Wrong?

Numerous issues: poor goaltending (worst save percentage since 2009-10), weak power play, and struggling offense. Coaching change was made after a long losing streak.

Keys to the Offseason:

Hire a head coach quickly. Capitalize on a draft with multiple early picks. Focus on player development, not major free agency signings. Foster competition for roster spots.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

Playoff contention is expected. Five seasons without playoffs is too long. Investments in youth must start paying off.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Projected cap space: $24.58 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (NYR), 2nd (WSH), 3rd, 3rd (MIN), 3rd (OTT), 4th, 5th (CHI), 5th (NYR), 6th, 7th

What Went Right?

Sidney Crosby continued to perform at a high level. GM brought up prospects to gain NHL experience, signaling a youth movement.

What Went Wrong?

Lack of depth scoring beyond the top line and Evgeni Malkin`s struggles. Poor goaltending and leaky defense contributed to significant goals against.

Keys to the Offseason:

Coach expected to stay. Focus on capitalizing on youth movement. Add veteran scoring depth and improve the defense through strategic free agency additions.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

Playoffs are unlikely without significant changes. Addressing weaknesses could make them playoff contenders, but it`s a big question.

San Jose Sharks

Projected cap space: $42.19 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (DAL), 2nd, 2nd (OTT), 3rd (COL), 4th (STL), 4th (WPG), 5th (COL), 7th (NJ)

What Went Right?

Building for the future. Rookies Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith are key players. Acquired more draft picks, continuing rebuild trend. Improved goal differential slightly.

What Went Wrong?

Expected struggles of a rebuilding team. Bottom-tier offense and defense in most statistical categories.

Keys to the Offseason:

High draft pick expected again. Utilize cap space strategically, though major free agency signings might be further out.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

Continue developing young stars. Aim for incremental improvements. Strategic free agency or trades could add future assets.

Seattle Kraken

Projected cap space: $21.75 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 2nd (TOR), 4th, 4th (DAL), 5th, 7th

What Went Right?

Successful trades acquired prospects and draft capital. Kaapo Kakko has been a positive addition.

What Went Wrong?

Inconsistent goaltending and defense. Defensive metrics declined, and goaltending was unreliable despite some individual bright spots.

Keys to the Offseason:

Find a defensive solution similar to the offensive improvement under the new coaching staff. Consistency is key for the franchise.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

Playoff contention (wild card minimum) is expected. Another playoff miss will raise concerns for the front office.

Utah Hockey Club

Projected cap space: $21.53 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th

What Went Right?

Significant progress. Improved point total compared to previous seasons. Playoff contention late in the season marks a step forward.

What Went Wrong?

Overtime and shootout losses were frequent. Improving performance in close games is needed.

Keys to the Offseason:

Cap space is available. Improve the offense (goals per game and power play) to support the defense.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

Playoffs are the clear goal. Core has experience, and management has cap space to add key pieces.

Vancouver Canucks

Projected cap space: $15.08 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (SJ), 4th (OTT), 5th, 6th, 7th

What Went Right?

Despite inconsistencies and injuries, they remained in wild-card contention. Strong individual seasons from Quinn Hughes and Pius Suter.

What Went Wrong?

Inconsistencies, injuries, and team friction impacted performance. Good defensive metrics but high goals allowed indicate issues. Lack of scoring depth became apparent after a key trade.

Keys to the Offseason:

Head coach situation needs resolution. Future of pending UFA Brock Boeser is uncertain. Address scoring depth.

Realistic Expectations for 2025-26:

Future clearer after free agency. Most of the team is under contract. Addressing key questions and concerns could lead to a playoff return.