How the Eastern Conference Teams That Missed the Playoffs Last Season Can Get Back

Eight Eastern Conference teams failed to reach the playoffs last season and intend to expand their efforts for the 2026-27 season. After the close of the regular season, the priority for each has been to understand what changes are needed to hope for a return in June.

As reported by the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets included core upgrades, bringing in Valeri Nichushkin and moving out captain Boone Jenner, in the hope that the combination of big offensive forwards and high-level defenseman Zach Werenski together with goaltender Jet Greaves will bring them back into the fight for a spot in the Metropolitan Division or a wild-card place.

The Detroit Red Wings, who finished close to the playoff zone with a 41-31-10 record, are reviewing their operational direction after the decision that Steve Yzerman move into an advisory role. With a new group of talented young defensemen like Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson, the dilemma remains whether to build to be immediate contenders or to remodel gradually, while improved 5-on-5 play and the development of young players are expected to bring contention for a wild-card spot.

The Florida Panthers, who were affected by injuries last season, changed in goal by acquiring Jacob Markström and strengthened the forward line with moves that brought more physicality and experience. With Aleksander Barkov’s return marked at the World Tournament and the offensive group including Tkachuk, Reinhart and Verhaeghe, the Panthers are expected to fight again for the top spots in the Atlantic Division if the goaltender performs to expectations.

The New Jersey Devils began a new chapter with Sunny Mehta as general manager and changes to the forward group including the arrivals of Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist and Luke Evangelista. With Jack Hughes as the heart of the offense, the club’s success may depend largely on goaltending stability and whether the revamped forward trio can keep pace after the second half of last season.

The New York Islanders lost icon Anders Lee during the offseason and are looking for lineup replacements, with additions like Matias Maccelli and possible promotions from young talent. With coach Peter DeBoer having a longer period to apply his philosophy during preparations, the team aims to gain more consistency and make better use of its offensive potential.

All these teams changed key elements during the summer — from management staff to moves on the offensive board and goaltending roles — and each change could determine the degree of their success next season. According to the NHL, team cohesion, the health of the team’s stars and goaltender performance will be the determining factors for the return to the playoffs.

Source: NHL