from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

Seven of last spring’s 16 playoff teams didn't qualify the season before. In 2016, five newcomers were in the playoff field. Seven new teams made the playoffs in 2015.

Many fans understand that the NHL postseason turnover rate is high, but no one believes it will be his or her team that doesn’t make it.

Here is our list of the top five teams most vulnerable to missing the playoffs in 2018:...

Chicago Blackhawks: It seems ridiculous to project that a 109-point team could miss the playoffs the following season, especially one that includes Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith.

But the Central Division is ultra-competitive, and it seems as if we must make room for the vastly-improved Dallas Stars. The Winnipeg Jets could also be a force if their goaltending holds up.

The St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators should be at least as strong as last season.

Can we say that about the Blackhawks? The loss of Niklas Hjalmarsson is significant, and the team’s defense now seems like a question mark. Marian Hossa is also out for the season with a medical issue. Will the Blackhawks score enough goals? How productive will Nick Schmaltz be? Yes, Brandon Saad will fit nicely back with Toews. But Artemi Panarin was a dynamic weapon. They will miss his chemistry with Kane.

Plenty of respect remains for the Blackhawks but they have to be on the list because they have more unknowns than other teams in this division.

four more teams...