The 2024-25 NHL regular season has concluded, leading to an offseason of reflection for nine eliminated teams. Each team will evaluate their performance, assessing failures and successes while strategizing for free agency, trades, and the upcoming draft.

The New Jersey Devils showed resilience despite injuries and the absence of star Jack Hughes, bolstered by strong performances from Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt. In contrast, the Columbus Blue Jackets made strides but struggled with goaltending and injuries. The Calgary Flames improved their identity but faced offensive challenges, while the Anaheim Ducks' youth showed promise, highlighted by Luka Dostal's goaltending.

Other teams like the Boston Bruins embraced a rebuild, trading assets for future potential but suffered a disappointing season. The Buffalo Sabres are desperate to snap their long playoff drought, while the Chicago Blackhawks are rebuilding around young talent. The Detroit Red Wings are seeking consistency to end their playoff absence, while the Nashville Predators and New York Islanders need to reassess their roster dynamics in preparation for a more competitive future.

The upcoming NHL draft lottery promises to be an intriguing event, with the San Jose Sharks once again holding the best odds for the top pick. With a 25.5% chance to secure the coveted number one spot, the Sharks are looking to replicate their success from last year when they selected Macklin Celebrini. Despite Celebrini's impressive rookie season, the Sharks struggled overall, finishing with the league's worst record.

The draft features two standout prospects in defenseman Matthew Schaefer and center Michael Misa, ranked as the top North American skaters. Following the Sharks, the Chicago Blackhawks hold the second-best odds at 13.5%, having previously won the lottery and chosen Connor Bedard in 2023. Other teams in contention include Nashville, Philadelphia, and Boston, with stakes high for teams hoping to elevate their standings through a successful draft.

The NHL Draft Lottery for 2025 is set for May 5, 2025, at the NHL Network’s studio in Secaucus, NJ, and will be broadcast on ESPN, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports. The Lottery will determine the order for the first 16 picks in the draft, involving teams that missed the playoffs. This event occurs in two phases to select the first and second overall picks, with a limitation on the number of selections a team can move up. The San Jose Sharks lead the odds with an 18.5% chance of winning the first draw, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks at 13.5% and the Nashville Predators at 11.5%. The complete odds outline a competitive landscape among teams for prime picks.

Meanwhile, NHL Central Scouting has ranked top prospects for the draft, with Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters at the top. The NHL Scouting Combine will take place from June 1-7 in Buffalo, NY, showcasing eligible prospects. The Draft will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles across two days, starting on June 27, 2025. Tickets will go on sale on May 5.

The Original Six era of the NHL, spanning from 1942 to 1967, remains a golden age celebrated for its fierce rivalries and legendary players. However, the 2024-25 season has seen a somber turn for the four American teams: the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks, all failing to secure playoff spots—an unprecedented occurrence in league history. The Rangers and Bruins, both playoff favorites, fell short of expectations. The Blackhawks continued their downward spiral, finishing last in the Central Division for the third consecutive year, while the Red Wings faced their ninth consecutive postseason absence. In contrast, the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, the two Canadian teams, are poised for a playoff run, maintaining hopes of lifting the Stanley Cup this season.

Pat Maroon electrified the Enterprise Center upon his return, rallying fans just before the St. Louis Blues’ pivotal playoff game against the Winnipeg Jets. After chugging a Bud Light and waving a rally towel, Maroon, now retired after a 14-year NHL career, expressed his emotional connection to the Blues, recalling their 2019 Stanley Cup victory. His presence undoubtedly boosted the team, which went on to dominate the Jets 5-1, leveling the series at 2-2.

The Blues showcased impressive teamwork with contributions from Jake Neighbours, Tyler Tucker, Brayden Schenn, Justin Faulk, and Robert Thomas, overwhelming Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck. The atmosphere was electric, with fans chanting as the Blues rallied from an early deficit. This win set the stage for an exciting Game 5 in Winnipeg.