Every NHL Team's New Year's Resolution in 2015

As the calendar turns to 2015, many NHL fans make resolutions to improve themselves in the New Year. Resolutions would be a good idea for NHL teams as well.  

Some clubs have a specific need to address in 2015, like a better backup goaltender, a top-two defenseman or a first-line scoring forward. Others could use improvement in a certain area of play. Several are in such sad shape that they require major changes on and off the ice.

The following slideshow will list a New Year's resolution for each NHL club, explaining why it is needed and if the resolution can be kept. Happy New Year, everyone.

Anaheim Ducks

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The Resolution: Add a top-four defenseman with a right-handed shot.

Why It's Needed: Sami Vatanen (pictured above) and Ben Lovejoy are the only Anaheim Ducks defensemen with right-handed shots. On Dec. 4, TSN's Bob McKenzie said he believed the Ducks will continue to shop for defense. The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch claims they're among the teams with interest in Buffalo Sabres' rearguard Tyler Myers.

Can They Keep It: Ducks general manager Bob Murray has depth in young talent and prospects to pursue another defenseman if needed. It remains to be seen if he targets a big fish like Myers or someone more affordable.

Arizona Coyotes

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The Resolution: Rebuild the roster.

Why It's Needed: The Arizona Coyotes need an overhaul. The Arizona Republic's Sarah McLellan reports they are struggling at both ends of the ice this season. Barring a significant second-half turnaround, they're poised to miss the playoffs for the third straight season. 

Can They Keep It: Now that investor Andrew Barroway finally received league approval to become the Coyotes' majority owner, management can soon begin rebuilding in earnest. It's possible the Coyotes start by moving out ending unrestricted free agents Antoine Vermette and Zbynek Michalek by the March 2 trade deadline.

Boston Bruins

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The Resolution: Bolster the scoring.

Why It's Needed: The Boston Bruins have tumbled from third last season in goals per game (3.15) to 20th entering 2015 (2.60), which could throw their playoff chances into jeopardy. Injuries to first-line center David Krejci and defenseman Zdeno Chara contributed to the decline, but they're also missing a proven right winger for Krejci's line.

Can They Keep It: It could prove difficult to suitably address this issue. The Bruins currently have $1.775 million in salary-cap space. There are also not many teams currently in sell mode in the trade market. That should improve by the March 2 trade deadline, but they cannot afford to wait that long.

Buffalo Sabres

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The Resolution: Get a decent return for their unrestricted free agents.

Why It's Needed: The Buffalo Sabres are in the midst of a significant rebuild. It's unlikely they'll re-sign players like Chris Stewart (pictured above), Drew Stafford and Andrej Meszaros, who are unrestricted free agents at season's end. It's worthwhile to gauge their value to playoff contenders leading up to the March 2 trade deadline.

Can They Keep It: It will be surprising if they don't. General manager Tim Murray could seek a return of draft picks, young players or prospects for Stewart and Stafford. He might hang onto both players until the trade deadline in hopes of increasing interest among playoff contenders.

Calgary Flames

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The Resolution: Stay the course with the rebuilding program.

Why It's Needed: In only the second season of a major roster rebuild, the Calgary Flames turned heads with their strong early-season play. However, they struggled in December and slid down the standings. It could be tempting for management to pursue a scoring forward to improve their playoff chances, but the team must avoid doing so at the expense of its promising young talent.

Can They Keep It: On Nov. 24, ESPN.com's Craig Custance reported (subscription required) Flames general manager Brad Treliving is always on the lookout to improve his club but is not interested in quick fixes. As long as Treliving maintains that opinion, the Flames won't make any hasty moves just to improve their playoff chances this season.

Carolina Hurricanes

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The Resolution: Rebuild their offense.

Why It's Needed: The Carolina Hurricanes have reached a nadir. They're among the NHL's worst teams and, barring a second-half miracle, will miss the playoffs for the sixth straight season. Their struggling offense is the culprit. Entering the New Year, they were 20th in power-play percentage, 22nd in shots per game and 29th in goals per game.

Can They Keep It: They have no choice. HockeyDB.com indicates their attendance has steadily declined since the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign. To win back their fans, they must show signs of improvement. They're long overdue for a rebuild, and it could begin leading up to the March 2 trade deadline and continue through the offseason. 

Chicago Blackhawks

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

The Resolution: Win the Stanley Cup.

Why It's Needed: Thanks to salary-cap constraints, this season will be the last for the current Chicago Blackhawks roster. They already have nearly $65 million invested in just 14 players for next season. Even if the salary cap increases as projected to $73 million, they simply won't have enough cap space to re-sign everyone. Management has no choice but to shed salary in the offseason.

Can They Keep It: The Blackhawks are among this season's top teams. Most of their current roster was part of their 2013 Stanley Cup Championship. They'll face a tough challenge in the competitive Western Conference, but the knowledge this could be this roster's last hurrah could provide the motivation needed to win the Cup.

Colorado Avalanche

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The Resolution: Improve the defense.

Why It's Needed: The Colorado Avalanche are in danger of missing the playoffs this season. Their poor defensive game is chiefly to blame, as they enter 2015 having given up the third-most shots against. Starting goalie Semyon Varlamov was able to offset that problem last season, but he's been hampered by injury this season, and rival clubs are exploiting the Avalanche's defensive weaknesses.

Can They Keep It: They cannot ignore this problem. If they can stay within striking distance of a playoff berth, management could go shopping for help leading up to the March 2 trade deadline. Otherwise, they could be forced to wait until the offseason. Missing the playoffs could also compel head coach Patrick Roy to re-examine his defensive system.

Columbus Blue Jackets

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The Resolution: Remain competitive in the face of adversity.

Why It's Needed: The Columbus Blue Jackets have been decimated by injuries this season. As of Dec. 29, they've lost 223 man games to injury. Though they posted a 10-1-1 record in December, they enter 2015 eight points out of playoff contention. If they want to gain ground in the postseason chase, they must not allow their injury woes to dampen their hopes.

Can They Keep It: They have over a half-season still to play and a lot of ground to gain in the standings. Maintaining their never-say-die attitude should help, though they'll be better off getting some of their injured teammates back. At the very least, it will be a good test of character for this promising team.

Dallas Stars

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

The Resolution: Find a reliable backup goaltender.

Why It's Needed: While the Dallas Stars young defense needs improvement, goaltending is the more pressing issue. Entering 2015, the Stars' 3.25 goals-against per game was third worst in the NHL. Backups Anders Lindback and Jussi Rynnas were among the league's worst in goals-against average and save percentage. Starter Kari Lehtonen's numbers are suffering as a result.

Can They Keep It: They better if they harbor any playoff aspirations for this season. It could take until the offseason to find a backup to sufficiently address this need. Ideally, they need a promising young goalie who can one day take over for Lehtonen as the starter.

Detroit Red Wings

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

The Resolution: Land a top-four defenseman with a right-handed shot.

Why It's Needed: The Detroit Red Wings possess too many left-handed shots on their blue line. They've been searching for a right-shooting rearguard since the summer, when MLive.com's Ansar Khan reported of this need on July 2. They've been linked to Buffalo's Tyler Myers and Washington's Mike Green, per Khan.

Can They Keep It: It depends on who's available and the asking price. On Dec. 15, Khan reported the Sabres wanted a top prospect, a good young roster player and/or a first-round pick for Myers. Green could be a more affordable option, but that depends on where the Capitals are in the standings by the March 2 trade deadline.

Edmonton Oilers

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The Resolution: A clean sweep in the front office.

Why It's Needed: The Edmonton Oilers are a mess. They've missed the playoffs eight straight seasons. Mired in the bottom of the Western Conference standings entering 2015, they are once again poised to miss the postseason. They lack depth throughout the roster. HockeyDB.com indicates their draft record since 2000 beyond the first round has been very poor.

Can They Keep It: Owner Daryl Katz has given no indication a much-needed front office shake-up is in the works. Without it, there's little reason to believe any significant improvement is coming for the Oilers.

Florida Panthers

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The Resolution: Acquire a proven scorer.

Why It's Needed: While the Florida Panthers possess solid goaltending and defense, they're among the NHL's lowest-scoring teams. They desperately need an offensive boost if they're to remain in the playoff chase.

Can They Keep It: General manager Dale Tallon is trying to address the issue. The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch claims he's willing to move pending unrestricted free-agent forwards like Tomas Fleischmann, Scottie Upshall, Tomas Kopecky and Sean Bergenheim. Elliotte Friedman told Sportsnet 960 he's heard center Drew Shore could be available.

Los Angeles Kings

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The Resolution: Shed some cap space.

Why It's Needed: The Los Angeles Kings must re-sign key free agents like Justin Williams, Tyler Toffoli, Jarret Stoll and Tanner Pearson. They have over $61 million invested in 15 players for next season. Even if the salary cap makes its projected rise next season to $73 million, they won't have enough room to re-sign all those players. 

Can They Keep It: It won't be easy. The obvious solution is to trade struggling center Mike Richards, who's earning an annual cap hit of $5.75 million. However, the decline in his production combined with his lengthy contract makes him difficult to move.

Minnesota Wild

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The Resolution: Find a healthy and reliable starting goalie.

Why It's Needed: While the Minnesota Wild possess the NHL's lowest shots-against per game, they are in the bottom third in goals-against per game. Following a strong start, young Darcy Kuemper was inconsistent through December. Niklas Backstrom is no longer effective even as a backup. Josh Harding is in the minors and struggling with health issues.

Can They Keep It: If they don't, they risk falling completely out of playoff contention. The Wild have the depth in young assets to shop for an upgrade between the pipes. Options could include Ottawa's Craig Anderson, San Jose's Antti Niemi and Toronto's James Reimer.

Montreal Canadiens

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The Resolution: Improve their offense.

Why It's Needed: Despite ranking among the top teams in the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens are among the lowest scoring. Entering 2015, they ranked 20th in scoring and 25th in power-play percentage. If they hope to go deep in the 2015 playoffs, they need to boost their scoring.

Can They Keep It: Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin has already made a couple of notable moves this season, adding Sergei Gonchar and Bryan Allen to his defense. At last season's trade deadline, he acquired sniper Thomas Vanek as a playoff rental. Don't be surprised if Bergevin swings another deadline deal to add some offensive punch.

Nashville Predators

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The Resolution: Bolster their second-line scoring.

Why It's Needed: The Nashville Predators are in the middle-third in goals this season. The bulk of their offense is coming from forwards Filip Forsberg, Mike Ribeiro and James Neal, along with defensemen Shea Weber and Roman Josi. They need more consistency from their second line.

Can They Keep It: Predators general manager David Poile recently shipped aging center Derek Roy to Edmonton for fourth-line center Mark Arcobello. Expect Poile to keep an eye on the trade market for a scorer leading up to the March 2 trade deadline.

New Jersey Devils

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

The Resolution: A change in management.

Why It's Needed: Despite a surprising run to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, the New Jersey Devils have descended into mediocrity. They missed the playoffs three of the last four seasons and are currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. While general manager Lou Lamoriello built the Devils into a three-time Cup champion, it's apparent his once-golden touch has faded.

Can They Keep It: It's up to ownership to make that call. Lamoriello's previous successes earned him considerable respect and admiration around the league. However, if the Devils miss the playoffs again, serious questions will be raised over his current management skills.

New York Islanders

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The Resolution: Improve their goaltending depth.

Why It's Needed: Though the New York Islanders are among the league leaders in fewest shots-against, they're among the league's worst in goals-against and penalty killing. That comes down to goaltending, particularly their backup. While starter Jaroslav Halak has solid numbers, backup Chad Johnson is struggling this season.

Can They Keep It: If Halak remains healthy, their goals-against and penalty-killing numbers could improve. If he falters or is sidelined and Johnson fails to improve, they'll have little choice but to seek help before the trade deadline.

New York Rangers

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The Resolution: Re-sign Marc Staal.

Why It's Needed: Staal will be eligible for unrestricted free agency in July. Though earning an annual cap hit of $3.975 million, this season he's making $5.45 million in actual salary. It could cost well over $6 million per season to re-sign the 27-year-old defender, but he's a key part of the blue line. The longer this drags on, the more it could become a distraction.

Can They Keep It: That remains to be seen. New York Rangers general manager Glen Sather went through the same thing last season with Dan Girardi and Ryan Callahan. He ultimately re-signed Girardi but traded Callahan. The Rangers also have only 12 players signed for next season. Staal's asking price could determine his fate.

Ottawa Senators

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The Resolution: Improve their offensive game.

Why It's Needed: The Ottawa Senators are among the league's lowest-scoring teams. Entering 2015, they were 22nd in goals and 19th in power-play percentage. The Ottawa Citizen's Ken Warren reports they're starting to outshoot their opponents but are still struggling to score. With the Senators striving to stay in the playoff hunt, they must bolster their scoring.

Can They Keep It: Senators management appears to be working on the issue, but there's currently not much depth in the trade market. The Ottawa Sun's Don Brennan reports the Senators are among the clubs interested in Buffalo Sabres winger Chris Stewart.

Philadelphia Flyers

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The Resolution: Find a true top-two defenseman.

Why It's Needed: The Philadelphia Flyers have lacked an experienced top blueliner since injuries forced Chris Pronger from the game. It's a key reason why they're among this season's worst defensive teams.

Can They Keep It: Considering the lack of available talent in the trade market, this probably won't happen until the offseason. Even then, it will prove costly. Teams set a high asking price for a top-pairing defenseman. The Flyers could be forced to part with a good young forward (Sean Couturier, Wayne Simmonds or Brayden Schenn) as part of the return.

Pittsburgh Penguins

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The Resolution: Add a top-six winger.

Why It's Needed: Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Pascal Dupuis remains sidelined indefinitely by a blood clot in one of his lungs. The Hockey News' Jared Clinton reports Patric Hornqvist could miss “a few weeks” to an undisclosed lower-body injury.

Can They Keep It: Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford has been in the market to address this need for some time. Appearing on the NHL Network on Oct. 15, TSN insider Darren Dreger reported the Penguins sought a top-six winger to play alongside Evgeni Malkin. Expect Rutherford to monitor the trade market closely in the coming weeks.

San Jose Sharks

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The Resolution: Add another scoring forward.

Why It's Needed: The San Jose Sharks are relying on Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, Patrick Marleau and Tommy Wingels for most of their offense. Winger Tomas Hertl is struggling in his sophomore season. They're getting very little production from their bottom-six forwards. 

Can They Keep It? General manager Doug Wilson has often made late-season deals to address his roster needs. It won't be surprising if he do so again this season.

St. Louis Blues

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The Resolution: Improved production from their veteran scorers.

Why It's Needed: The St. Louis Blues offense is being carried by Vladimir Tarasenko's line. The combined production of forwards Paul Stastny, T.J. Oshie, David Backes and Alex Steen is down compared to last season. If they hope to be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, the Blues need more from these veterans.

Can They Keep It: Given their skills and experience, there no reason why these forwards shouldn't improve in the second half of the season. If they don't, the Blues can forget about winning the Cup in 2015.

Tampa Bay Lightning

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The Resolution: Add some experienced checking-line grit.

Why It's Needed: The Tampa Bay Lightning lack depth in experienced physical forwards on their checking lines.  Brenden Morrow is aging, and Brian Boyle shouldn't have to carry the burden by himself. Adding another rugged checker could prove invaluable for the playoffs.

Can They Keep It: It won't be surprising if general manager Steve Yzerman adds a big, gritty forward by the trade deadline. Such players are quite affordable, and Yzerman won't have to give up much of a return (perhaps a draft pick) to acquire one from a non-playoff club.

Toronto Maple Leafs

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The Resolution: Improve their defensive game.

Why It's Needed: It's the same old story for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They were among the NHL's worst defensive teams last season and are once again among the leaders in that dubious category. Poor defensive play killed their playoff hopes last season. Left unaddressed, it will do so again.

Can They Keep It: It will take at least a coaching change to improve the Leafs' shoddy defensive play. The front office stuck by coach Randy Carlyle last summer by giving him a contract extension. His future with the Leafs, however, depends upon the club's performance over the rest of this season.

Vancouver Canucks

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The Resolution: Bolster their defensive depth.

Why It's Needed: They've struggled since blue-line stalwart Dan Hamhuis was sidelined by a lower-body injury in late November. Top rearguard Kevin Bieksa appears to be in decline. Third-pairing blueliners Luca Sbisa and Yannick Weber aren't capable of becoming effective top-four defenders.

Can They Keep It: If rumors are to be believed, management is working on it. Pierre LeBrun told TSN 1040 he believes general manager Jim Benning could be laying the groundwork for potential moves. The Vancouver Sun's Elliott Pap reports Canucks winger Zack Kassian could become a trade candidate.

Washington Capitals

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The Resolution: Improve the penalty kill.

Why It's Needed: Though the Washington Capitals have steadily improved under coach Barry Trotz this season, their penalty kill still needs work. Entering 2015, the Capitals' penalty-killing percentage (77.8) was 25th overall.

Can They Keep It: Management could stay patient and see if those penalty-killing numbers improve over the rest of the season. If it remains an issue, the Capitals could shop for an affordable penalty-killing specialist.

Winnipeg Jets

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

The Resolution: Key players must step up.

Why It's Needed: Injuries have taken a toll on the Winnipeg Jets. Winger Evander Kane is out until February with a lower-body injury. He joins defensemen Tobias Enstrom, Zach Bogosian, Jacob Trouba and Mark Stuart on the sidelines. 

Can They Keep It: Forwards Andrew Ladd, Blake Wheeler, Bryan Little and Mark Scheifele and blueliner Dustin Byfuglien must shoulder the burden until their injured teammates return. The Jets' playoff hopes might depend upon it. 

All player and team stats via NHL.com. All salary information via CapGeek.com.