The seven clubs that aren't part of the 24-team expanded playoff format are now eligible to make trades with one another, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
The eliminated teams are the Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Anaheim Ducks. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman officially declared the season is over for those squads during his announcement earlier this week.
While the situation may feel unique under current circumstances, the 15 teams that don't qualify for the playoffs during a normal campaign are permitted to make trades with each other in April, when the postseason typically begins.
Bettman also announced a multifaceted plan for the June 26 draft lottery on Tuesday, with each of the seven eliminated teams receiving the traditional odds for landing the No. 1 pick.
