25. Buffalo Sabres
Here’s a crazy idea. The Buffalo Sabres front office is a mess because there’s no accountability. How about the Sabres give current head coach Ralph Krueger a promotion to President of Hockey Operations and hire Bruce Boudreau to be their head coach? Krueger did well in a similar role for a soccer team and say what you want about Boudreau, but his teams win games.
24. Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks apparently weren’t too interested in giving Robin Lehner an extension. This begs the question, who’s going to be their starting goalie next year? They need someone other than Corey Crawford, who’s 35 years old and whose best days are behind him.
23. Montreal Canadiens
This offseason, the Montreal Canadiens are going to have to make some important decisions. They’ve been treading the waters of mediocrity for a few seasons now. That ain’t going to cut it with an aging Shea Weber and Carey Price. Either rebuild or load up for a Stanley Cup run.
22. Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets are a hard team to figure out. They have flaws, but they have a ton of talent. Their underlying stats are downright dreadful. This team is way too good to have to rely on Connor Hellebuyck to steal games for them. Good thing they gave head coach Paul Maurice an extension!
21. Florida Panthers
This has to be rock bottom for the Florida Panthers, right? They failed to bank points when the Toronto Maple Leafs were struggling. Now the Leafs are rolling and have a five-point lead over the Panthers. They gave way too much money to way too many guys this offseason to not make the playoffs.