Just over a quarter of the way into the NHL season, we're starting to see contenders separate themselves from the field and struggling teams define themselves as more than just slow starters.
Looking through each division, it's clear that some clubs at the bottom of their division are already turning to the future and others are looking for measures that will get them back in the race. Both will require smart short- and long-term decisions to be contenders again, sooner or later.
How should these teams handle their situations in the present, the near future and into the next offseason and 2018-19?