San Jose Sharks: On Track and Happy
The San Jose Sharks have embraced their role at the bottom of the NHL standings, making the most of their situation and finding joy in the process. Despite their 15-36-7 record, which gives them just 37 points and a .319 points percentage, the Sharks are in a rebuilding phase that seems to be headed in the right direction. Key rookies like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith have shown promise, with Celebrini leading the charge as the NHL’s best rookie this season. He has firmly established himself as San Jose’s top center, demonstrating a level of skill and leadership that bodes well for the future. Smith, too, has improved significantly, adding depth to the young roster. Beyond the NHL, the Sharks’ prospect pool is flourishing. Sam Dickinson has been a standout in the OHL, and Igor Chernyshov, after recovering from injuries, has been nothing short of spectacular, notching 28 points in just 10 games. These players, all under 20 years old, are the foundation of San Jose’s rebuild. Another top-three draft pick could further accelerate their progress and set the stage for a more competitive season next year.
Chicago Blackhawks: On Track and Sad
The Chicago Blackhawks find themselves in a peculiar position: They are on the right track for a rebuild, yet a somber mood hangs over the team. Despite bringing in veterans like Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, and Taylor Hall to inject some competitive edge, the Blackhawks are mired in a 17-33-7 record, accumulating only 41 points and a .360 points percentage. Teravainen has managed to be second in team scoring with 41 points in 57 games, but the overall impact of the new additions hasn’t been as transformative as hoped. The departure of Hall mid-season underscores the challenges the team faces. Youngsters Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, however, offer a glimmer of hope. The Blackhawks must refocus on the development of their young players and rediscover the joy of playing hockey to break out of their season-long funk. Failing to do so could see them remain near the bottom of the standings next year.
Nashville Predators: Disappointingly Bad
The Nashville Predators are in a season they’d rather forget, with a 20-29-7 record and 47 points, resulting in a .420 points percentage. What was expected to be a competitive year has turned into a struggle, with players across the roster failing to live up to expectations. Notably, Jonathan Marchessault and Filip Forsberg have managed to average at least a point per game since the start of January, but the team’s overall performance remains bleak. The Predators finished the previous season strong and made significant off-season moves, including bringing in Steven Stamkos, but it appears these additions are not enough to sustain the team’s success. This season could be a one-year blip, but significant decisions need to be made at the trade deadline and in the summer to ensure they return to form. Their prospects and young talent will be crucial in navigating this reset.
Buffalo Sabres: Trending Down Once Again
The Buffalo Sabres, with a 23-27-5 record and 51 points, are once again among the NHL’s worst teams. This is a significant concern given the talent and investment in top-end draft picks the team possesses. General Manager Kevyn Adams and Coach Lindy Ruff are under scrutiny, as simply blaming the lack of palm trees and higher taxes won’t suffice. The Sabres have a wealth of skilled players, but they struggle to gel as a cohesive unit. Adams is committed to building a competitive team and avoiding another season of selling, but the players and the coaching staff need to figure out how to turn their potential into results. The team’s 13-year playoff drought is a stark reminder of the urgency to improve. With the right adjustments, Buffalo could find themselves in a better position next season.
Seattle Kraken: On Track and Building Slowly
The Seattle Kraken, despite a 25-30-4 record and 54 points (.458 points percentage), are showing signs of progress in their rebuild. As a relatively new franchise, they have made steady strides this season, particularly with the development of Shane Wright. Trade acquisition Kaapo Kakko has also been a positive addition, contributing 18 points in 26 games. Matty Beniers, despite a tough statistical season, has demonstrated potential and value beyond the score sheet. The Kraken’s backup goalie situation remains a weak link, but they have a promising young core that could push them towards playoff contention in the near future. With continued development and strategic moves, the Kraken are on track to become a more consistent presence in the NHL.
Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers: Toiling Away and Staying Competitive
The Pittsburgh Penguins, with a 23-27-9 record and 55 points, are enduring a difficult season as they toil away in the twilight of Sidney Crosby’s legendary career. Crosby continues to play elite hockey, but the aging core of the team lacks the depth and talent to compete effectively. The Penguins’ prospect pool is not strong, and little help is on the horizon. It’s poignant to see one of the game’s greatest players and winners finishing his career with the team near the bottom of the standings. However, Crosby’s leadership and talent will undoubtedly propel the Penguins into a final championship run next season, especially as he represents Canada at the Olympics.
The Philadelphia Flyers, also with 24-26-5 record and 55 points, are focused on building a competitive future rather than winning this season. While their chances of making the playoffs are slim, they are developing key players like Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, and Bobby Brink, who are expected to be the leaders of tomorrow. The Flyers’ persistent struggle to find a reliable goaltender remains a significant concern. Despite years of effort, they haven’t secured the next goalie of the future. The team’s ability to solve this issue and continue to attract high-end talent through the draft will be crucial in their journey to becoming a perennial contender. The Flyers are carving their own path to sustainable success, much like the Philadelphia Eagles did with their Super Bowl formula, and fans should remain optimistic about their future.
Montreal Canadiens: Feisty but Not Quite There Yet
The Montreal Canadiens are a team that’s close to breaking into the playoff picture but hasn’t quite managed to make the leap yet. With a 25-26-5 record and 55 points, they sit just above the .500 mark, giving them a .491 points percentage. The Canadiens have a dynamic young core, with Lane Hutson emerging as a top contender for the Calder Trophy. Hutson’s performance on the blueline, along with the growth of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, offers a bright future. The team also has promising prospects in the pipeline, such as Ivan Demidov, who is currently excelling in the KHL. Demidov is expected to join the Canadiens next season, bringing the elite-level skill and offensive talent they desperately need. While there is still work to be done, the Canadiens’ progress and the talent they are cultivating should give fans reason to be optimistic about the team’s long-term prospects.
St. Louis Blues: Retooling on the Fly
The St. Louis Blues, with a 25-26-5 record and 55 points, are another team that remains feisty and competitive despite being near the bottom of the standings. Known for their ability to retool effectively, the Blues have not undergone a full teardown but have managed to stay in the mix. They have a solid foundation with players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, and their prospect pool includes promising talents like Dalibor Dvorsky, Otto Stenberg, and Theo Lindstein. The Blues lack a standout difference-maker, but they have consistently proven that they are more than the sum of their parts. Their approach to rebuilding is methodical and patient, and while they might not make a significant leap this year, they are well-positioned to remain competitive and potentially return to the playoffs in the future. The key for the Blues is maintaining this balance and finding ways to stay in the fight.
