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The first wave of the NHL offseason is complete, with the draft and first wave of free agency being completed. Although there are still some quality free agents left, the big moves of the offseason are complete.
With most NHL teams' rosters set, some teams got worse this offseason, while others improved a ton. Here are three NHL teams that face playoff uncertainty entering the 2024–25 NHL season.
3 NHL teams facing playoff uncertainty in the 2024–25 season after free agency moves
#1. Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings narrowly missed the playoffs last season, but that was considered a good sign for the team.
However, in the offseason, Detroit hasn't made enough key moves to really secure themselves as a playoff contender, while teams like the New Jersey Devils, who also missed the playoffs, got much better than Detroit.
A lot will have to go right for the Red Wings to make the playoffs next season.
#2. Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres have the longest playoff drought in the NHL following another disappointing offseason.
Buffalo acquired Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio in exchange for forward Matt Savoie from the Oilers, but they gave up top prospect Matthew Savoie, which was surprising. Outside of that, the Sabres haven't made a significant move, and for a team that missed the playoffs last season, that is a problem.
Buffalo needs to be more active to build around this young core, but the Sabres saw other non-playoff teams get much better, which will hinder their playoff hopes.
#3. Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights barely made the playoffs last season, but in the offseason, they were disappointing.
The Golden Knights saw key players like Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, Anthony Mantha, and Alec Martinez all walk in free agency.
Vegas also hasn't signed a notable player to fill the voids; instead, it has been depth signings. The Golden Knights are a much worse team and will have to compete for a playoff spot next season.
