Only one NHL team gets to raise the Stanley Cup in June. But all of them will be working hard this summer to try to get there at the end of next season.
As each NHL team is eliminated from playoff contention -- either mathematically or by losing in the postseason -- we'll take a look at why its quest for the Stanley Cup fell short in 2017-18, along with three keys to its offseason and a way-too-early prediction of what 2018-19 will hold.
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks looked overwhelmed -- and old -- in a first-round sweep by the Sharks. Here's what they should do to get younger this summer.
Arizona Coyotes
GM John Chayka & Co. have an expensive decision to make on Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and must also figure out what to do with Max Domi. (FREE)
Boston Bruins
A Cup pick for some, the Bruins were out after two series in the 2018 playoffs. Here's how they get better for 2018-19.
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres brought in a new coach and GM last summer, hoping for better results. Unfortunately, they're back in the draft lottery. Nevertheless, there are some impressive youngsters in the system around whom they can build. Here's what they should do. (FREE)
Calgary Flames
The Flames have a talented young core to build around, including Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, but it could be time for a new voice behind the bench. Plus, a preview of where they should spend their resources in free agency.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have been a popular "sleeper" pick for the postseason in recent preseasons -- yet never seem to get over the hump. With a new owner taking over, it may be time for a new strategy as well in Carolina.
Chicago Blackhawks
All good things must come to an end -- although we don't think the current dynasty-esque core in Chicago is quite done. Here's what went wrong this season, and what GM Stan Bowman & Co. should focus on this summer to get back in the postseason in 2018-19.
Colorado Avalanche
After finishing dead last in 2017-18, the Avs were one of the NHL's most improved teams. How do they get better this summer?
Columbus Blue Jackets
Another season filled with dominant stretches ended in an early playoff exit. Here's how the Blue Jackets take the next step.
Dallas Stars
The Stars made shrewd moves last summer in bringing in coach Ken Hitchcock, goalie Ben Bishop and winger Alexander Radulov. After falling short of the playoffs in 2017-18, here's what they must do this offseason to get back in the postseason mix.
Detroit Red Wings
After compiling a 25-year run of playoff appearances, the Red Wings are now working on two straight seasons watching from home. Here's a look at how it all went wrong in 2017-18, along with three keys to the offseason and an early look at 2018-19.
Edmonton Oilers
After a thrilling run in the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs seemed to portend big things for Connor McDavid's team, the 2017-18 season was a major disappointment. Here's how GM Peter Chiarelli gets this team back on track.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers were one of the hottest teams in the league in the second half of the season, but the early hole they'd dug themselves in prevented a playoff berth. Here are the moves they should make this offseason to take the next step.
Los Angeles Kings
After a first-round sweep by the Golden Knights, the Kings must now sort out the Drew Doughty situation.
Minnesota Wild
It was another one-and-out in the playoffs for Minnesota. How do the Wild get over the hump? Here are keys to their summer.
Montreal Canadiens
Injuries and inconsistency up and down the lineup doomed the Habs in 2017-18. Big changes could be on the way this summer, beginning with captain Max Pacioretty. Here's what GM Marc Bergevin should do, along with an early look at 2018-19.
Nashville Predators
The Predators ran into a tough Jets team and are out of the playoffs early. Here's how they get better for next season.
New Jersey Devils
After finishing last in the Eastern Conference last season, the Devils were back in the playoffs this year. Here's how they boost their upward trajectory.
New York Islanders
Re-signing franchise center John Tavares will be the primary mission for the Islanders this offseason. But holes remain on other parts of the roster, as well. Here's what they should do to fill them, along with an early look at what to expect in 2018-19.
New York Rangers
The Rangers fell short of the playoffs in 2017-18, as they commit to a refresh of the roster while Henrik Lundqvist is still at the top of his game. Here are the areas that GM Jeff Gorton & Co. should focus on this summer.
Ottawa Senators
After getting all the way to Game 7 in the Eastern Conference finals in 2017, the Sens missed the playoffs entirely this season. They have some big decisions to make this offseason, the biggest one being what to do with All-World blueliner Erik Karlsson.
Philadelphia Flyers
We know they'll address the goaltending (yet again), but what other moves should the club make to get better this summer?
Pittsburgh Penguins
The quest for a third straight Stanley Cup fell short. Here's how the Penguins load up as they go for three in four years next spring.
San Jose Sharks
After sweeping past the Ducks, the Sharks hit a wall against the Golden Knights. It's time to take a big swing in free agency.
St. Louis Blues
For a healthy portion of the 2017-18 season, it looked like the Blues would be back in the playoffs. Alas, they fell one win short, and will look to regroup this offseason. Here's how they get back in the playoff mix again in 2018-19.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Given the contracts coming up in the summer of 2019, there must be a sense of urgency for Tampa Bay this offseason.
Toronto Maple Leafs
After another first-round exit, how does Toronto take the next step? Here's where they must focus this summer.
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks continue to be something of an enigma, with high-priced (and past-their-prime) veterans taking up big chunks of cap space despite the presence of encouraging youngsters. Here's what GM Jim Benning and his staff should do this summer. (FREE)
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights' magical playoff run ended a few games earlier than they'd like. Here's how they maintain the momentum for 2018-19.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals have won the Stanley Cup. Here are three key steps they should take the help defend it next year.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets made the Western Conference final, but fell short against Vegas. Here's what they should do to take the next step in 2018-19.