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.

The NHL coaching carousel is in full swing as the playoffs progress, with several teams looking for new leadership. Notably, Mike Sullivan has parted ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins, while Rick Tocchet has also exited the Vancouver Canucks. Speculation is rife around potential candidates, with David Carle and Joel Quenneville emerging as frontrunners for the Anaheim Ducks' vacant position. Carle, currently under contract with the University of Denver, has withdrawn from consideration for the Blackhawks job but remains a strong fit for the young Ducks roster, which includes promising talents like Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish.

Quenneville, on the other hand, might not resonate well with the current players, especially after their experience under the previous coach, Greg Cronin. The Ducks are looking to build upon a recent improvement in performance, and many believe a younger coach like Carle would be better suited for their developmental phase. The team's general manager, Pat Verbeek, has expressed confidence in the Ducks becoming a competitive squad in the coming seasons, indicating they are ready to take the next step.

With Mike Sullivan's departure from the Pittsburgh Penguins, P.K. Subban has identified the New York Rangers as the ideal next stop for the two-time Stanley Cup champion coach. Subban emphasized the Rangers' potential as a Stanley Cup contender, noting that with the right coach and strategic trades this offseason, they could quickly return to championship form.

After a disappointing season, the Rangers parted ways with head coach Peter Laviolette, raising questions about their future direction. Subban believes that the right coaching leadership, paired with star players like Igor Shesterkin, can propel the team back into serious contention for the playoffs and beyond.

Speculation regarding Mitch Marner's future has intensified as former NHL player Paul Bissonnette connected him to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This follows the recent departure of Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, who had a successful decade with the team. Bissonnette suggested a potential reunion with Kyle Dubas, the ex-Maple Leafs GM now with the Penguins, due to Dubas' favorable history with Marner.

Marner, coming off his first 100-point season, is likely to demand a hefty contract on the open market, potentially around $14 million. This speculation arises amid tensions between Marner and Toronto, stemming from trade discussions that could have sent him to another team, illustrating a complicated relationship heading into the offseason.