Based on the underlying numbers, the Winnipeg Jets and Anaheim Ducks are among the disappointing teams of 2015 whose fortunes may reverse with the coming new year. Although they are last place in their respective divisions today, neither team is as bad as its record suggests, and could compete for the final wild-card position at season's end.
There are several other teams with the potential to break out in 2016 as well. In reality, only three NHL teams should be writing off their seasons, and only roughly as many have their playoff tickets already punched -- the jury is still out on the league's other 24 teams.