4 Teams That Are Looking To Make Big Changes This Offseason

There are always changes with every team every season, whether that be during the season or in the offseason. Some teams change more than others because of free agents, prospects breaking in, or other players failing to play up to expectations. Teams that miss the playoffs or struggle when it matters are bound for the most changes, and according to Arthur Staple, the New York Rangers, Seattle Kraken, Utah Mammoth, and Buffalo Sabres are looking to shake up their roster.

The Rangers have a lot of RFAs to deal with, but there are also reports and rumors that Chris Kreider's contract is going to be dumped and Mika Zibanejad could be traded. Both will have their hurdles if true. K'Andre Miller also doesn't seem safe despite the defense looking much weaker without him. The Rangers won the Presidents' Trophy and then missed the playoffs while making many moves throughout the season. There are some talented young players who are looking for full time jobs and room that has to be made for bigger contributions.

The Kraken are stuck in the middle until everything comes together as they hope. Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson were big free agent additions, but that isn't enough. The core has to step up, the secondary scoring has to provide, and the young guns have to continue developing into what Seattle expects. Matty Beniers, Kaapo Kakko, Shane Wright, Vince Dunn, Ryker Evans, and Joey Daccord are at the forefront of that charge. There's also $20 million to spend, and that's without a Philipp Grubauer buyout that should be coming.

The Mammoth are ready to take that next step. They were close and are a very exciting team with exciting young talent. They also have $20 million to spend and a number of players on the last years of their deals, whether that be as an RFA or UFA. The young players have started to take that next step, but more firepower is required on both offense and defense. Health will be a big factor in how the season goes again, but ownership and management seem ready to spend and compete.

The Sabres are trying to appease the core players that have voiced frustration and/or players who are tired of losing. The only way to do that is use the assets and space available to upgrade in a major way. This will see prospects and picks be moved out as well as a possible key player, but something drastic has to be done and it appears as though the team understands that.

I can see 1-2 of these teams get into the playoffs next season and I hope all four are very active this offseason as expected.