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

[Halakitlikethat]

I think buffalo will take another step next season same with florida.

 

[mgeise]

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.

Yeah, they won't be historically bad next year, but they'll still be outside the playoff picture. Reinhart and McDavid/Eichel (assuming they stay in last place) will be here and they'll likely add one top nine center, a top four defenseman, and a goalie in free agency or by trade, but this is still going to be a really young team. Girgensons, Reinhart, McDavid/Eichel, and Grigorenko will all be in the top nine forwards and Ristolainen, Zadorov, and Pysyk will all be in the top six on D. It's tough to rely on that many young players and still be able to contend for the playoffs in this league, no matter how talented they are.

What an exciting young core, though. The growing pains next year will be a lot more fun to watch than this year.