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Offseason draft, free-agency game plans for eliminated NHL teams

Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire

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 2018-19, along with three keys to its offseason, impact prospects for 2019-20 and a way-too-early prediction for what 2019-20 will hold.


June 12

St. Louis Blues

The Blues have a solid core and some big decisions to make this summer. Here's what they should do. Read more

Boston Bruins

Though the key players are all locked in, the B's still need to make some tough calls. Here's what they should do. Read more


May 21

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks' Stanley Cup journey fell short again and some key veterans are without a deal for 2019-20. Here's what's in store this offseason. Read more


May 16

Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have arrived earlier than expected, so their defeat in the conference final isn't all bad. Here's how they improve for 2019-20. Read more


May 8

Colorado Avalanche

It was another surprisingly good season for Colorado, with elite young players leading the way. Here's how they level up to the top tier in 2019-20. Read more


May 7

Dallas Stars

A number of key members of Dallas' roster will hit free agency this offseason. Here's who they should re-sign, along with a look at top prospects. Read more


May 6

Columbus Blue Jackets

After a first-round sweep of the Lightning, Columbus' run ended in Round 2, setting up an offseason in which they'll try to re-sign their stars. Read more


May 3

New York Islanders

Though they were a quick out in the second round, the Isles got farther than anyone imagined. Here's how they take the next steps. Read more


April 24

Washington Capitals

The Capitals' Stanley Cup title defense ended in the first round. Here's how they can get right back into contention in 2019-20. Read more


April 23

Vegas Golden Knights

After an epic run last spring, Vegas was ousted in the first round. Here's how they get better for 2019-20. Read more

Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews and William Nylander got paid. Now, it's Mitch Marner's turn, and that deal will have a big impact on Toronto's offseason. Read more


April 22

Nashville Predators

It was another great regular season for the Predators -- and a quick playoff exit. What steps should they take this offseason? Read more


April 20

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets' playoff run came to a close sooner than they'd expected. Here's how they get better for 2019-20. Read more


April 19

Calgary Flames

The Flames had an impressive regular season, but were a quick out in the playoffs. Here's how they get better for 2019-20. Read more


April 16

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning's collapse in the first round was epic. But, this remains a loaded team poised to contend for the Cup in 2019-20. Read more

Pittsburgh Penguins

A quick first-round playoff exit could mean the team is in store for a big move or two this summer. Plus, a look at the prospect pipeline. Read more


April 5

Montreal Canadiens

The Habs stayed in the playoff picture right until the end. An injection on defense could do wonders. Plus, a look at the top prospects. Read more


April 4

Arizona Coyotes

The Coyotes made it to the final week in the playoff hunt but fell just short. To take the next step to contention, they need to add some goal scorers. Read more


April 2

Chicago Blackhawks

It was a tumultuous season, with a coaching change and some big lineup changes. Here's how the Blackhawks get better for 2019-20. Read more

Minnesota Wild

GM Paul Fenton is poised for some big moves, and that could include a new coach and more trades. Plus, a look at the top prospects. Read more


April 1

Edmonton Oilers

That's two straight Connor McDavid-less Stanley Cup playoffs. Is there really something in the water in Edmonton? We look ahead to a pivotal summer. Read more


March 30

Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers finally found a franchise goalie in Carter Hart, but need help elsewhere. Here are the players they should target, plus a look at top prospects. Read more


March 29

Vancouver Canucks

Thanks to Elias Pettersson, Vancouver is arriving ahead of schedule. Here's how the Canucks take the next step, plus a look at their top prospects. Read more


March 26

Anaheim Ducks

Despite John Gibson's season, the Ducks finished well outside the playoff race. Here's how they get back on track, plus a look at the top prospects in the system. Read more

Florida Panthers

It was a dud of a season, but two particular free agents could have a transformative effect for 2019-20. Plus, we take a look at the top prospects. Read more


March 23

New York Rangers

The Rangers are loaded with draft capital and cap space heading into the summer. Will they land a big free agent? Trade some of those picks? Read more

Buffalo Sabres

Jeff Skinner had a great season alongside Jack Eichel. Will that relationship continue? Plus, a look at the top prospects on the way. Read more


March 18

Los Angeles Kings

The NHL seemed to lap the Kings in 2018-19, and it's time for tough decisions on veterans this summer. Plus, a look at the team's top prospects. Read more


March 15

New Jersey Devils

After a playoff appearance in 2017-18, the Devils finished near the bottom in 2018-19. Here are the key offseason tasks, including a big decision on Taylor Hall. Read more


March 14

Detroit Red Wings

Might Red Wings icon Steve Yzerman join the front office? How does the team take its next steps to return to contention? Plus, a look at top prospects. Read more


March 10

Ottawa Senators

The big names have been traded, but the prospect system is the NHL's best. What should Senators GM Pierre Dorion do this summer? Read more