BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 6: David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Florida Panthers during the first period at the TD Garden on April 6, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins won 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
These are 9 teams who are either on the Stanley Cup bubble or need to refine their roster in a big way.
Buffalo Sabres:
BUFFALO, NY – JANUARY 14: A general view of the Buffalo Sabres logo on a jersey during the game against the Washington Capitals at KeyBank Center on January 14 , 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
Add a veteran top-6 winger and leadership for the young core to break through
Los Angeles Kings:
MONTREAL, CANADA – OCTOBER 17: A closeup view of the Los Angeles Kings crest during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on October 17, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
The Kings still boast one of the deepest blue lines in the league and a strong two-way core.
Pittsburgh Penguins:
MONTREAL, CANADA – OCTOBER 17: A detailed view of the Pittsburgh Penguins logo during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on October 17, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Infuse youth, speed on the wing; re-evaluate Sid-era underperformance.
Calgary Flames:
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 25: A detailed view of the jersey logo worn by the Calgary Flames during the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on November 25, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Decide between re-signing UFAs vs trading for assets; shape the next 5 years.
Vancouver Canucks:
MONTREAL, CANADA – NOVEMBER 12: A detailed view of the Vancouver Canucks logo during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on November 12, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC – MARCH 21: A detailed view of the Boston Bruins’ logo is seen during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on March 21, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
With a lot of cap space, pursue marquee forward(s)—careful spending despite flexibility
Philadelphia Flyers:
MONTREAL, QC – DECEMBER 16: A detailed view of the Philadelphia Flyers’ logo seen on a jersey during overtime against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on December 16, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Likely to add veteran help on the bottom-six and goaltending – analysis not found, but typical needs.
Vegas Golden Knights:
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 15: A general view of the Vegas Golden Knights jersey logo during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on October 15, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Maintain depth, track defense, and supporting scoring behind the core.
Chicago Blackhawks:
Add veteran scoring wingers, top-4D, and PP quarterback to support Connor Bedard.
