Where Every Non-Final NHL Team Really Stands in 2025
While the 2025 Stanley Cup Final has everyone’s attention, the teams not in the mix are already busy shaping their futures. For these franchises, the offseason is a chance to recalibrate, either through refining their roster, navigating tricky salary cap situations, or locking down key free agents. The next few months could define their seasons, and the decisions they make now will set the stage for a fresh push in 2025-2026.
Let’s dive into what’s happening with these teams as they gear up for their own battles in the season ahead.
Dallas Stars
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A pivotal offseason is underway for the Dallas Stars following their Western Conference Final exit and the recent firing of head coach Peter DeBoer. General Manager Jim Nill cited the need for a “new voice” to propel the team toward a Stanley Cup. This decision follows their third consecutive conference final appearance and addresses reported internal tensions, particularly with goaltender Jake Oettinger, after a key playoff benching.
Carolina Hurricanes
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For the Carolina Hurricanes, a familiar postseason narrative emerged with their elimination in the conference finals for the third time in seven years, still seeking to reach the Stanley Cup Final since 2006. Despite this recurring outcome, their consistent regular-season excellence remains evident, with 519 points accumulated since the 2020-21 season.
Colorado Avalanche
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The Colorado Avalanche experienced a sudden and disappointing playoff exit by losing to the Dallas Stars in a first-round series after squandering a significant lead. They allowed four unanswered goals in the final minutes of a critical game. Offseason intrigue also surrounds reports that newly acquired player Martin Necas was “not overly thrilled,” hinting at potential future roster adjustments or efforts to improve team morale.
Winnipeg Jets
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The impressive 2024-25 season for the Winnipeg Jets concluded with a disheartening second-round playoff exit to the Dallas Stars, which prevented them from converting their Presidents’ Trophy into a Stanley Cup. This outcome places them among a group of Presidents’ Trophy winners who did not ultimately win the championship. The series also carried a somber note with the sudden passing of Mark Scheifele’s father.
Toronto Maple Leafs
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The Toronto Maple Leafs’ postseason once again ended in disappointment as they were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in a 6-1 loss in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Second Round at Scotiabank Arena on May 19, 2025. Despite their strong regular-season performance, the Leafs struggled at home and faced a lack of production from key forwards. The future of star forward Mitch Marner is now under intense scrutiny, as his potential departure could significantly reshape the team’s “Core Four.”
Washington Capitals
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The 2024-25 season for the Washington Capitals was all about Alex Ovechkin chasing down Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record, which had fans on the edge of their seats. Looking ahead, the next season could very well be the final chapter in Ovechkin’s legendary career. In fact, an email from the Capitals’ sales team to season-ticket holders recently dropped a hint that Ovechkin might be planning to retire soon.
Vegas Golden Knights
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The Vegas Golden Knights appeared determined for another deep playoff run, but the Edmonton Oilers abruptly ended their hopes in the Pacific Final. This early exit necessitates significant roster decisions, as the team approaches the offseason with nine impending free agents and under $10 million in salary-cap space. Navigating these challenges is crucial for their competitive edge.
Los Angeles Kings
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The Los Angeles Kings saw the appointment of Ken Holland as their new General Manager, replacing Rob Blake. This hire is particularly noteworthy because Holland previously built the Edmonton Oilers team that eliminated the Kings from the playoffs in four consecutive seasons. The Kings are clearly looking to leverage Holland’s successful track record to contend for a championship.
Tampa Bay Lightning
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The Tampa Bay Lightning largely benefited from the outstanding performance of forward Nikita Kucherov, who reached the 120-point mark for the third time in his career. However, his individual brilliance was not enough to overcome the metropolitan Miami champions, who eliminated the Lightning in the first round for the second consecutive year.
New Jersey Devils
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The New Jersey Devils successfully secured a playoff berth in 2024-25, but a series of untimely injuries severely impacted their postseason aspirations. Offseason speculation continues to surround Vancouver defenseman Quinn Hughes, who has openly expressed a desire to play with his brothers.
Ottawa Senators
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Led by captain Brady Tkachuk, the Ottawa Senators broke a seven-year playoff drought by competing in a first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. General Manager Steve Staios aims to transform this into a consistent trend rather than a singular achievement. Critical decisions regarding four impending unrestricted free agents, all aged 30 or older, will significantly shape the team’s roster.
St. Louis Blues
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The St. Louis Blues concluded their season strongly by pushing the Winnipeg Jets to the brink in a hard-fought first-round playoff series before their elimination. With only three key players slated for imminent free agency, the team’s core roster is expected to remain largely intact. The Blues also have a relatively low average age, so there’s potential for future development.
Minnesota Wild
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The Minnesota Wild’s season was characterized by flashes of play, particularly when key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek were healthy. However, both played barely more than half of the season’s games due to injuries. As Kaprizov enters his final contract year and Marco Rossi is due for a restricted free agent deal, General Manager Bill Guerin faces crucial decisions.
Montreal Canadiens
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The Montreal Canadiens made it to the playoffs with a young core that looks like it’s ready to make regular postseason appearances. To take things up a notch, they’re eyeing a potential trade for Dallas’ Jason Robertson, who has just one year left on his contract. Adding him could really boost their offense, and the Canadiens are digging into the tricky logistics of making that big move happen.
Utah Mammoth
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The newly established Utah Mammoth has an intriguing opportunity for growth, despite missing the playoffs in their inaugural season. The team has an attractive collection of young talent, including second-tier star Clayton Keller and emerging quality NHL players Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley. If any established Western Conference playoff teams falter, Utah is well-positioned to ascend in the standings.