With the dust settling on the 2024-25 NHL regular season, it's the perfect moment to reflect on how each team fared. As teams gear up for the playoffs or turn their sights toward the offseason, The Athletic's NHL staff has handed out grades that reveal which franchises exceeded expectations and which fell woefully short.

### Anaheim Ducks (35-37-10): B- The Ducks aimed for growth, and a rise to 80 points from last year’s 59 is a step forward. However, their hopes for playoff contention were dashed as they never truly entered the wild-card race. Key players like Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish showed promise, but defensive inconsistencies plagued their season.

### Boston Bruins (33-39-10): D- With playoffs in their sights at the start, finishing in the bottom five was a bitter disappointment for the Bruins. Their ambitious trade deadline maneuvers were perhaps the only silver lining in an otherwise bleak season.

### Buffalo Sabres (36-39-7): F From playoff hopefuls to near the bottom of the standings, the Sabres experienced a regression this season. A disastrous 13-game winless streak shattered their postseason dreams, marking another year watching the playoffs from home.

### Calgary Flames (41-27-14): C- Surpassing expectations thanks to rookie goalie Dustin Wolf and contributions from stars like Jonathan Huberdeau, the Flames nearly secured a playoff berth. However, they face the challenge of giving up draft picks due to previous trades, adding pressure to their rebuild.

### Carolina Hurricanes (47-30-5): B+ After a tumultuous season marked by major trades, the Hurricanes emerged strong, finishing near the top of the Eastern Conference. With key roster changes and the addition of top prospect Alexander Nikishin, they are poised for a deep playoff run.

### Chicago Blackhawks (25-46-11): C Not a significant improvement in standings, but the Blackhawks’ younger roster hints at progress. Trading Seth Jones was a surprising highlight, adding flexibility for the future.

### Colorado Avalanche (49-29-4): C The Avalanche expected more than a third-place finish, yet they secured a playoff spot. General manager Chris MacFarland’s roster reshuffling will be judged on how far they can go in the postseason.

### Columbus Blue Jackets (40-33-9): A- Despite missing the playoffs, the Blue Jackets received high marks for their resilience, especially after the tragic loss of teammate Johnny Gaudreau. Strong performances from players like Zach Werenski signal hope for the future.

### Dallas Stars (50-26-6): A- A solid season marred by high expectations resulted in an A- grade. Despite missing the division title, they remain a formidable playoff contender, especially with key acquisitions strengthening their roster.

### Detroit Red Wings (39-35-8): D+ Promised a push for the playoffs, the Red Wings fell short once again with another season outside the postseason. While they showed some improvement, the failures in crunch moments were damaging.

### Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5): B- Though they aimed for divisional dominance, injuries and underwhelming performances meant the Oilers struggled down the stretch, leading to a lukewarm grade.

### Florida Panthers (47-31-4): B Last year’s champions faced their share of challenges, yet they remain a viable threat. With key players returning from injuries, they’ll be ready for playoff warfare.

### Los Angeles Kings (48-25-9): A Against all odds, the Kings matched their franchise record for wins, showing a surprise resurgence. Their mix of veteran leadership and young talent paid dividends throughout the season.

### Minnesota Wild (45-30-7): B- Despite major injuries to stars like Kirill Kaprizov, the Wild made the playoffs. Their resilience in overcoming such adversity is commendable.

### Montreal Canadiens (40-31-11): A Emerging from a dismal start, the Canadiens captured a playoff spot, showcasing growth and valuable lessons ahead of their postseason journey.

### Nashville Predators (30-44-8): F A season that began with promise quickly crumbled into disaster. Poor performances and significant underachievement have left the Predators searching for answers.

### New Jersey Devils (42-33-7): C+ While they secured a playoff berth, the Devils face challenges moving forward, especially without star player Jack Hughes for the rest of the season.

### New York Islanders (35-35-12): C- An average season for the Islanders saw them struggling with injuries and never achieving more than a mediocre record.

### New York Rangers (39-36-7): F The Rangers, once crowned Presidents’ Trophy winners, failed to make the playoffs amidst internal turmoil and a notable lack of defensive discipline.

### Ottawa Senators (45-30-7): B+ The long-awaited playoff return marks a major victory for the Senators, who improved their roster and showed significant growth.

### Philadelphia Flyers (33-39-10): D+ With subpar goaltending and a disappointing season, the Flyers are clearly in need of major reconstruction.

### Pittsburgh Penguins (34-36-12): D With defensive woes and a lackluster performance, the Penguins failed to live up to expectations this season.

### San Jose Sharks (20-50-12): C+ Despite finishing last, the Sharks' youthful talent shines through. The future seems bright even if the present is grim.

### Seattle Kraken (35-41-6): C- While the Kraken struggled, there were signs of positive development, especially in their younger players.

### St. Louis Blues (44-30-8): B+ Under new management, the Blues rallied together for a late-season surge and clinched the playoffs with remarkable teamwork.

### Tampa Bay Lightning (47-27-8): A With key roster changes, the Lightning proved they’re still a force to be reckoned with, showcasing a strong return to form.

### Toronto Maple Leafs (52-26-4): B+ Winning their first division title in 25 years, the Maple Leafs found success thanks to outstanding goaltending and star performances.

### Utah Hockey Club (38-31-13): C+ A significant improvement marked their rise through the standings, with signs of potential and a promising future.

### Vancouver Canucks (38-30-14): D Once expected to be contenders, the Canucks' season spiraled due to injuries and internal strife, leaving many questions unanswered.

### Vegas Golden Knights (50-22-10): A Despite a retooling phase, the Knights delivered once again, clinching a division title through strong team synergy and talent.

### Washington Capitals (51-22-9): A With numerous accomplishments, including Alex Ovechkin's remarkable milestone, the Capitals solidified their place as a top contender.

### Winnipeg Jets (56-22-4): A+ Dominating the league and taking home the Presidents’ Trophy, the Jets turned in a season for the ages, establishing themselves as the team to beat.