Weather they're in a soft rebuild, in for the long haul, or exiting their rebuild, there is no denying theses teams are not contenders yet.
Ducks- They honestly look like they should be exiting the rebuilding phase soon. They could make a possible return to the playoffs in a few years, probably before 2025.
Buffalo Sabres- I don't know what's going on with this team. This team has been rebuilding for a while and needs to get it's act together before they make a playoff appearance. Hopefully they indulge themselves with a solid goalie in the free agent market to give them more stability. I could be wrong so if your a Sabres fan and I am wrong, feel free to correct me.
Chicago Blackhawks- Bowman has finally committed to a soft rebuild, finally realizing that the team has not been a contender for a few years.
Detroit Red Wings- This is a no brainer. Not going to even try to explain because it would be a waste of time.
Edmonton Oilers- They are somewhat exiting a rebuild? Maybe? I'm not really able to tell. They look like they have one foot in and one foot out. They had some decent acquisitions during last season so maybe they're exiting a soft rebuild. Regardless, with McJesus and Dria on the team they have a good chance of being contenders. Just need a few more pieces. Still adding them to the list. Yet again, correct me if I happen to be wrong.
L.A. Kings- Much like the Red Wings, I feel this one is not worth explaining. They have some great young prospects so there is hope for the future which is why they would qualify.
Minnesota Wild- Looks like they are finally embracing the fact that they need to rebuild. This was long over due but it's finally happening.
New Jersey Devils- This team is a mess. the fact that they had to rebuild a rebuild is terrible. I feel sorry for those who support this team and hopefully you'll get a gm who could fix this wreck.
New York Rangers- This team just got a major boost to their roster. It might be a year or two before they become real contenders again but Rangers fans can now be more proud then ever about the status of their team. They are approaching the end of their rebuild and into thrill of being a fan of a continuous playoff contender. The only fear should be though is future contract negotiations with their young stars.
Ottawa Senators- The less said, the better, but there's a small bit of hope that you will suck less than last year. This team will face more suffering before things get better.
Vancouver Canucks- This is another team reaching the end of their rebuild, and if I'm being honest, I'm kinda happy about it. I actually now dread the Hawks playing this team. Let's see if Benning could actual get this team to a contender status.
Lines- Half Original 6 Line
VAN/Zadina Line
Rakell/Staal/White
2019 Draft/Tkachuk Line
Defense- Chabot/Dumba
BUF Line
Hughes/Boqvist
Lindholm alternates in and out of line up, but Ideally he'd be paired with Dumba and Chabot pairs with Boqvist
As a Sabres fan our goalies suck....Yea, but the more obvious issue is team defense. Our Goalies could both turn around next year and have solid years if the team would play better. Also I heard Hutton had a problem with his eyes last season. We also didn't get growth from some pick in recent years because of the management playing them way 2 young.