Bad teams that are ready to turn it around....

[Darth Milbury]

Which of the likely nonplayoff teams do you all see turning it around next year? I'm talking about a team making a rise like Columbus did last season, and the Isles are doing this season?


My money is still on Toronto because I view them as only a grizzled vet on defense away (in fact, I had picked them to make the playoffs this season and still see them as only a hair below my Islanders).


Other candidates?

Click to read more...

 

[Mrb1p]

Buffalo. I like the way they drafted and where they're going.

With McEichel, they'll be set for 15 years.

Also, Arizona. With McEichel, they'll turn around, IMO. Even Hanifin.


The Leafs have an internal problem... Much like the Oilers and much like the Habs did before Bergevin. The loser mentality these three team had is/was bad.

 

[Darth Milbury]

Buffalo. I like the way they drafted and where they're going.

With McEichel, they'll be set for 15 years.

Also, Arizona. With McEichel, they'll turn around, IMO. Even Hanifin.

Buffalo has drafted well, but they likely will not be making that rise anytime soon. Long way before many of those kids are contributing.

 

[Aela*]

Columbus, the Avs, Minny.

 

[CraigsList]

The Blue Jackets are having an off year. Expecting them to come back roaring next year.

 

[Chloraflora]

Do Florida count? If so, them.

 

[Vesa Awesaka]

Jackets and i have a good feeling about Dallas

 

[Gary Batman]

Leafs are ready to turn it around... in the sense that they'll blow up this rotten core.

Source: Steve Simmons article, and the guy does have inside info on Leafs.

 

[Mrb1p]

Buffalo has drafted well, but they likely will not be making that rise anytime soon. Long way before many of those kids are contributing.

I don't know.

Reinhart will likely make the big jump next year, McEichel might also be ready, with the good leadership they have right now, it might be faster than you think.

I don't think they effectively make the PO's next year, but I don't see them challenging for the top pick either. Bubble team.

 

[FlaPantherSwe*]

"my team" but honestly if Panthers can get a hold of a top 6 Rw i see us as a playoff wild card team

 

[obey86]

I don't know.

Reinhart will likely make the big jump next year, McEichel might also be ready, with the good leadership they have right now, it might be faster than you think.

I don't think they effectively make the PO's next year, but I don't see them challenging for the top pick either. Bubble team.

good leadership?

 

[projexns]

Do Florida count? If so, them.

I like the way the Panthers are doing it. Bjugstad-Barkov down the middle, Ekblad-Gudbranson-Kulikov on the back-end, anchored by Luongo. Sprinkle in some vets and some other good youngsters and it's trending in the right direction.

 

[TimoneX]

Minnesota - currently showing what they can do with competent goaltending. Likely too late to make the postseason.

Philly - Still searching for stability on D and between the pipes. I can see them getting it done with a busy offseason.

 

[Mrb1p]

good leadership?

Gorges, Gionta, etc. They know the drill. While I was pretty vocal around Gionta being a bad captain for MTL, he's a good captain for Buffalo or any rebuilding team.

 

[Aceboogie]

Buffalo for sure, solid core and good mix of vets and prospects

Columbus isn't a bad team but affected by injuries. But they'll be a top 4 eastern team next season. Book it

 

[Kevin27NYI]

Buffalo. I like the way they drafted and where they're going.

With McEichel, they'll be set for 15 years.

Also, Arizona. With McEichel, they'll turn around, IMO. Even Hanifin.


The Leafs have an internal problem... Much like the Oilers and much like the Habs did before Bergevin. The loser mentality these three team had is/was bad.

That would be one hell of a turn around from this year to next. Even if they add McDavid and bring in Reinhart next year I think their C depth will be too young and weak. Their whole offence, actually.

 

[projexns]

Minnesota - currently showing what they can do with competent goaltending. Likely too late to make the postseason.

Philly - Still searching for stability on D and between the pipes. I can see them getting it done with a busy offseason.

I'm pulling for the Canucks because I like that they tried to re-tool rather than rebuild, but I don't think they'll make it to the finish line. The defence lacks high end, the Sedins are quiet on too many nights and they need to figure out Miller management. He has great games but also more than a few awful games. With age he's going to need some more days off.

 

[obey86]

Buffalo has drafted well, but they likely will not be making that rise anytime soon. Long way before many of those kids are contributing.

Agreed. Their team will look largely the same next season except adding McEicel and Reinhert as many of the same players will be back next season and be counted on. Sorry, I simply don't see two rookies (no matter how talented) making the worst team in the NHL (and one of the worst in recent history) a competitor in one offseason. Their top 4 D will likely still be the same and they still have really poor contracts for forwards who will likely be back next season and expected to play big roles...Ennis, Moulson, Gionta, Hodgson ( although heard he may be bought out though I guess).

I guess they could go out and sign some high priced free agents and decrease their time to competitiveness, but I don't think that would be a good idea long term for the team.

Idk, just don't see it next season.

 

[Carolinas Identity*]

At the risk of sounding like a homer (which I am), I will say Carolina. The core is reasonably young and has talent (we've been p good since we got healthy)

A couple smart pick ups in FA and a top draft pick will push us over the top I think.

 

[Mrb1p]

That would be one hell of a turn around from this year to next. Even if they add McDavid and bring in Reinhart next year I think their C depth will be too young and weak. Their whole offence, actually.

Well, I'm not saying they'll be contenders right off the bat. I see them as a bubble team, kinda like Colombus and the Panthers this year.

 

[Mrb1p]

Agreed. Their team will look largely the same next season except adding McEicel and Reinhert as many of the same players will be back next season and be counted on. Sorry, I simply don't see two rookies (no matter how talented) making the worst team in the NHL (and one of the worst in recent history) a competitor in one offseason. Their top 4 D will likely still be the same and they still have really poor contracts for forwards who will likely be back next season and expected to play big roles...Ennis, Moulson, Gionta, Hodgson ( although heard he may be bought out though I guess).

Idk, just don't see it next season.

You're also discouting the progression the kids already in place should make.

 

[Darth Milbury]

Buffalo for sure, solid core and good mix of vets and prospects

Columbus isn't a bad team but affected by injuries. But they'll be a top 4 eastern team next season. Book it

Columbus is basically the Isles from last season. The Isles were on the rise the season before, and then got derailed by injuries.


I agree they should be back soon.

 

[obey86]

You're also discouting the progression the kids already in place should make.

Fair enough, I just don't see much progression so far this season though.

 

[Sam Spade]

Calgary and the Islanders look poised to be good and stay good for a bit of time.

I really hope Calgary doesn't pull an Avalanche. I am rooting for them.

I know the OP said non-playoff, but until you are guaranteed a spot you are not safe.

 

[Darth Milbury]

Calgary and the Islanders look poised to be good and stay good for a bit of time.

I really hope Calgary doesn't pull an Avalanche. I am rooting for them.

I know the OP said non-playoff, but until you are guaranteed a spot you are not safe.

True dat!

I think Calgary is going to be excellent, very shortly.