They aren't missing the playoffs. Every team in this expanded playoffs is in the playoffs. The NHL may want us to think that this "play-in" round isn't the playoffs, but if it isn't the playoffs, why aren't all the teams playing? It's a one-time extended playoffs with a different format.
I agree with you that I don't want any placeholder teams getting a top pick, or at least no really good teams that get eliminated ending up with one. The last few teams in, sure.