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.

Mike Sullivan's recent departure from the Pittsburgh Penguins sends shockwaves through the NHL coaching landscape. With the Rangers looking to rebound from a disappointing season, they could view Sullivan as a prime candidate given his track record. The marketplace is shifting, and the Rangers may need to act quickly to secure his services before other teams take notice.

The Rangers, with their coaching vacancy, are expected to strongly pursue Sullivan, leveraging their past working relationship. Sullivan’s coaching prowess was evident during a recent tournament, showcasing his ability to maximize player potential. Teams currently without head coaches will be watching this situation closely as Sullivan's availability could change their plans.

Rick Tocchet will not return as the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, entering yet another chapter in the team's tumultuous coaching history. This announcement comes after a mixed tenure of 2.5 seasons, where he achieved significant milestones, including winning the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year in 2024. Under his leadership, the Canucks reached 50 wins and claimed the top spot in the Pacific Division, despite facing internal conflicts, injuries to key players like Quinn Hughes, and ultimately falling short of the playoffs.

During his time, the Canucks dealt with notable locker room issues, particularly surrounding J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. The organization made a critical move by trading Miller to the New York Rangers, and Tocchet expressed dissatisfaction with Pettersson’s performance at the season's end. As he opts to prioritize his family and explore new opportunities, his departure has reignited speculation about his next coaching destination, with several NHL teams eyeing his experience.

Rick Tocchet's tenure with the Vancouver Canucks has officially come to an end, as he departs the team following a disappointing season. Despite being offered a lucrative new contract by Canucks president Jim Rutherford, Tocchet opted for a fresh start, highlighting the importance of family and the opportunity to explore new avenues in his coaching career.

During his time, Tocchet led the Canucks to a successful campaign, securing 50 wins and a Pacific Division title, but internal conflicts, notably between star players J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, marred the season's later stages. The Canucks now join the list of NHL teams searching for a new head coach, with Tocchet emerging as a leading candidate for several franchises.

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.