16. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins had a lot of roster turnover this offseason. Now it truly does feel like Kyle Dubas’s team. The 2023-24 season needs to be better for Pittsburgh and ever adding Erik Karlsson, Reilly Smith, Matt Nieto and Will Butcher there is a chance the Penguins get back into the postseason.
15. Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres deserve to be in the playoffs this season. The young stars are all a year older and it is time to finally show just how good this team can be.
14. Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken did not just make the playoffs in 2023, they knocked out the defending Stanley Cup Champs. The Kraken jumped up 40 points last season to make the playoffs, and this year is going to be about proving they can remain one of the top teams in the Pacific. Although one of their biggest questions going into the year has to be figuring out if Shane Wright is going to be in the NHL.
13. Boston Bruins
The Bruins went on their last dance ride in 2023 and feel flat when it matter the most in the playoffs. The list of departures is very long, and this season just making the playoffs might not be as easy.