As the dust settles on the 2024-25 NHL regular season and teams gear up for the playoffs or the offseason, it's time for a comprehensive assessment. The Athletic's NHL experts have meticulously graded all 32 teams based on their performance, expectations, and final standings.

**Anaheim Ducks - B-** Progress was made with a jump from 59 points last season to 80 this year, yet the Ducks failed to challenge for a playoff spot. Young stars like Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish showed promise, but inconsistency and leaky defense marred their efforts.

**Boston Bruins - D-** Expected to compete for the playoffs, the Bruins limped to a bottom-five finish. Their aggressive strategy at the trade deadline hints at futures in mind, but this season was a massive letdown.

**Buffalo Sabres - F** With playoff aspirations dashed, the Sabres regressed from their previous season, sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference for months. A deeply disappointing season ends their hopes of playoff contention for a staggering 14th consecutive year.

**Calgary Flames - C-** The Flames almost clinched a playoff spot, thanks to rookie goalie Dustin Wolf and solid performances from veterans. However, they lost a valuable draft pick due to earlier trades, indicating there's still work to be done.

**Carolina Hurricanes - B+** Despite a few roster changes and skepticism, the Hurricanes excelled, finishing near the top of the Eastern Conference. They look poised to make an impact in the playoffs.

**Chicago Blackhawks - C** Struggling again with a last-place finish, the Blackhawks showed slight improvement with a younger roster and the ability to trade key players like Seth Jones. Promising debuts from younger players leave fans hopeful.

**Colorado Avalanche - C** With higher expectations at the season’s outset, the Avalanche still made the playoffs after significant roster changes. Their performance will ultimately be judged on playoff success.

**Columbus Blue Jackets - A-** Despite missing the playoffs, the Blue Jackets showed remarkable resilience, overcoming adversity and delivering standout performances from players, giving fans hope for the future.

**Dallas Stars - A-** With lofty aspirations, the Stars showed great strength despite injuries to key players. They bolstered their depth at the trade deadline, setting themselves up as contenders in the playoffs.

**Detroit Red Wings - D+** Pushing for the playoffs, the Red Wings faced a major setback with a poor start and late-season collapses, leading to another disappointing post-season absence.

**Edmonton Oilers - B-** The Oilers fell short of their division championship goals, hindered by injuries and underperformance from many players, yet Leo Draisaitl's solid play helped salvage the season.

**Florida Panthers - B** The defending champions had a challenging season but remain a threat with key players returning from injury as they focus on repeating their success.

**Los Angeles Kings - A** Defying expectations, the Kings tied their franchise record for wins and proved their naysayers wrong, setting the stage for a promising playoff run.

**Minnesota Wild - B-** Despite significant roster challenges, the Wild managed to clinch a playoff spot, showcasing resilience and determination throughout the season.

**Montreal Canadiens - A** The youngest team in the playoffs defied expectations, improving throughout the year and learning valuable lessons as they prepared for the playoffs.

**Nashville Predators - F** Described as a disaster season, the Predators faced disappointing performances and inconsistency, resulting in one of the worst years in franchise history.

**New Jersey Devils - C+** A step back towards playoff contention, the Devils faced setbacks but saw strong performances from key players, giving them something to build on.

**New York Islanders - C-** Struggling with injuries, the Islanders finished at .500 without excelling in any key area, leading to a lackluster season overall.

**New York Rangers - F** Once a top team, the Rangers fell to non-playoff status amid off-ice drama and a lack of defensive play, setting the stage for a long offseason.

**Ottawa Senators - B+** After eight long seasons outside the playoffs, the Senators re-emerged, improving their roster and securing a playoff spot, aiming to gain valuable experience.

**Philadelphia Flyers - D+** An unsurprising season of struggle, the Flyers’ poor goaltending and coaching decisions led to frustrations, but a draft pick is on the horizon.

**Pittsburgh Penguins - D** With dreadful defensive play, the Penguins couldn’t compete in a weak division, despite Crosby’s excellence, missing out on the playoffs.

**San Jose Sharks - C+** More competitive than last season, the Sharks still face challenges but have promising young talent, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.

**Seattle Kraken - C-** Inconsistency plagued the Kraken as they showed some signs of life but ultimately failed to meet expectations after a large offseason investment.

**St. Louis Blues - B+** With a change in coaching, the Blues persevered under pressure and clinched a playoff spot, marking progress towards recovery.

**Tampa Bay Lightning - A** Proving their championship window is still open, the Lightning finished strong with a new roster setup, ready to make a deep playoff run.

**Toronto Maple Leafs - B+** Securing their first division title in 25 years, the Leafs excelled thanks to stellar goaltending, despite being a bit mediocre in other areas.

**Utah Hockey Club - C+** Making strides from last season despite injury setbacks, they showed promise that a brighter future could be ahead.

**Vancouver Canucks - D** Expected to be competitive, the Canucks faced setbacks and struggles throughout the season, showing they need to find a consistent path forward.

**Vegas Golden Knights - A** Despite offseason uncertainties, the Knights excelled, achieving their fourth Pacific Division title and solidifying their status as a top contender.

**Washington Capitals - A** With a historic performance from Ovechkin and significant contributions from new players, the Capitals emerged as a top contender in the league.

**Winnipeg Jets - A+** Surprising everyone, the Jets dominated to clinch the Presidents' Trophy, setting new records and marking a standout season.