As the dust settles on the previous NHL season, fans and analysts alike are already turning their attention to the future. One of the most intriguing aspects of the offseason is evaluating the non-playoff teams from the previous year and assessing their potential for the upcoming season. In particular, there is a growing interest in ranking these teams based on their quality of young talent, current NHL roster, and star or potential star players. Let's dive into the analysis of the top non-playoff NHL teams from last season.
1. New Jersey Devils: The Devils boast an impressive array of young talent, including the likes of Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance and are expected to be key contributors in the future. Additionally, the Devils have a solid NHL roster with players like P.K. Subban and Mackenzie Blackwood providing veteran leadership. With the potential for Hughes and Hischier to develop into star players, the Devils are a team to watch in the upcoming season.
2. Buffalo Sabres: Despite their struggles in recent years, the Sabres have a promising young core led by Rasmus Dahlin and Casey Mittelstadt. Dahlin, in particular, is considered one of the top young defensemen in the league and has the potential to be a future star. With players like Jack Eichel anchoring the roster, the Sabres have a solid foundation to build upon. If their young talent continues to develop, the Sabres could surprise many in the upcoming season.
3. Los Angeles Kings: The Kings may have missed the playoffs last season, but they have a wealth of young talent waiting in the wings. Players like Quinton Byfield and Alex Turcotte are highly touted prospects who could make an impact sooner rather than later. With a mix of veteran leadership from Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, the Kings have a balanced roster with the potential for young stars to emerge. Keep an eye on the Kings as they aim to return to playoff contention.
4. San Jose Sharks: The Sharks have faced some challenges in recent years, but they still have some bright spots on their roster. Young players like Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl have shown flashes of brilliance and have the potential to be key contributors in the future. With veterans like Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns providing stability, the Sharks have a mix of experience and youth that could propel them back into playoff contention.
5. Ottawa Senators: The Senators may have finished near the bottom of the standings last season, but they have a promising group of young players to build around. Players like Brady Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot have already established themselves as key pieces of the team's future. With a solid foundation of young talent and the potential for more prospects to make an impact, the Senators are a team on the rise.
In conclusion, while these teams may have fallen short of the playoffs last season, their future looks bright thanks to their quality of young talent and potential star players. As the new season approaches, fans can look forward to seeing these teams develop and compete for a spot in the postseason. It will be exciting to see which of these non-playoff teams can make the leap and become contenders in the near future.