Is the NHL’s newest franchise on track to become one of the league’s top-scoring teams? Will Pierre-Luc Dubois finally settle down with the Washington Capitals for the long haul? Are we anticipating a significant increase in production from talented young players like Juraj Slafkovský?
These questions reflect some of the bold predictions The Athletic gathered this week from its NHL staff concerning the 2024-25 season.
Below is one prediction for each team as we progress through the early regular season.
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Trevor Zegras will remain with the Ducks this season: Looking for a bold statement? How about challenging the common belief that the Ducks must trade their talented 23-year-old forward? In the world of hockey social media, it seems he has been dealt over a thousand times! However, it would be illogical for Anaheim to trade Zegras after a 2023-24 season marred by injuries, which has affected his trade value. This year provides him an opportunity for redemption, and the Ducks should aim to create the best circumstances for his success. It’s important to note the “this season” clause, as he has another year remaining on his contract, and a potential deal could arise next summer. General manager Pat Verbeek might consider a significant player swap like he did with Jamie Drysdale, but the Ducks require more offensive talents, not less. Bonus bold prediction: Cutter Gauthier will capture the Calder Trophy. Remember this if it doesn’t pan out, but also keep it in mind if it does. — Eric Stephens
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Jeremy Swayman is likely to face early challenges: Swayman has missed all of training camp and embarks on his first season without Linus Ullmark by his side. He now bears the pressure of being the fourth-highest-paid active goalie in the league. The four goals he allowed on Thursday are just a glimpse of the rough patches ahead. — Fluto Shinzawa
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Owen Power is set to double his previous goal total: Power has yet to score more than six goals in a season during his fledgling NHL career, yet signs indicate he is ready for a significant increase in his production.
that department. His shot this season has noticeably improved, thanks to the strength he gained over the summer. The Sabres have also prioritized increasing traffic in front of the net. Consequently, Power scored two goals during the preseason and has already netted one in the regular season. Aiming for a total of at least 12 goals is definitely within reach. — Matthew Fairburn
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OP nets the first Sabres goal of the season ⚔️#LetsGoBuffalo | #NHLGlobalSeries pic.twitter.com/cfmt0x7Zws
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 4, 2024
Jonathan Huberdeau will surpass the 80-point mark: Huberdeau accumulated 107 points over his last two seasons in Calgary. What fuels the optimism? For one, it’s hard to imagine a repeat of his nearly pointless month in December last season. Following that rough patch, he played well, even though he ended up with fewer points than during his first season with the Flames. Additionally, the team hopes he will build chemistry with Anthony Mantha. The two have been playing together for most, if not all, of the preseason and have shown glimpses of becoming a strong duo along with Martin Pospisil. Huberdeau is also expected to receive his usual PP1 minutes at the beginning of the year. Furthermore, the expectations for success in Calgary are significantly lower compared to his first two seasons. — Julian McKenzie
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Seth Jarvis will receive an opportunity at center: Although the Hurricanes have their No. 1 center in Sebastian Aho, finding a suitable player to fill the position behind him has proven challenging. Last year’s acquisition of Evgeny Kuznetsov didn’t work out, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi has struggled to maintain the job despite numerous chances. Jarvis has already demonstrated his skills as one of the top defensive wingers in the league, and one of the following factors—ineffectiveness from Kotkaniemi or Jack Drury, or an injury—may prompt coach Rod Brind’Amour to try Jarvis in the center position, at least temporarily. — Cory Lavalette
The Blackhawks will finish with 25 more points than last season: While the Blackhawks might once again find themselves near the bottom of the league, they are expected to achieve a significantly higher point total compared to last season’s 52. — Scott Powers
Can Cale Makar, who recorded 90 points last season, reach the century mark in 2024-25? (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
Cale Makar will achieve 100 points: In the past 30 years, only one defenseman has reached the century milestone: Erik Karlsson, who did so two seasons ago with San Jose. Last year, Makar tallied 90 points across 77 games, and I anticipate an even more impressive performance for the 2024-25 season. He ranked among the top 10 in the league after leading all defensemen with 39 power play points last season, and there’s potential for Colorado’s power play to become even more effective this time around. Makar is expected to average over 26 minutes of ice time per game, primarily playing alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen on the Avs’ potent top line. This could be the best season of Makar’s career. — Jesse Granger
Yegor Chinakhov will emerge as a goal scorer: While Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson have showcased their potential in the preseason as breakout candidates for 2024-25, another young player is flying under the radar. Chinakhov, who netted 16 goals in 53 games last season, is set to take on a significantly larger role than the 15:10 he averaged per game. With Boone Jenner sidelined for an extended period due to an upper-body injury, Chinakhov has ascended to the top line alongside center Sean Monahan and right winger Kirill Marchenko. If he stays healthy, Chinakhov could easily surpass 25 goals. — Aaron Portzline
The Stars will clinch the Stanley Cup: Frankly, I’m not certain this assertion even qualifies as “bold.” The Stars have established themselves as a model NHL franchise, with general manager Jim Nill crafting a team that combines depth, talent, and an ideal mix of youth and veteran experience. While the loss of Chris Tanev to Toronto was a setback, the Stars will likely be active buyers at the trade deadline, addressing any gaps that may arise. This prediction largely depends on Jake Oettinger and Jason Robertson bouncing back after surprisingly subpar performances during the 2023-24 season (by their lofty standards). My belief is that they will recover, and the Cup will remain in the Sun Belt for the third consecutive year, marking the fifth time in the last six years. — Mark Lazerus
Dylan Larkin will score 40 goals: The Red Wings have not boasted a 40-goal scorer since Marian Hossa achieved this feat in 2008-09. However, Larkin came closer than many may realize last season, finishing with 33 goals in 68 games, which extrapolated to a potential total of 40 over an 82-game schedule.
He is on track for a pace of 39.7 goals. Over the last three seasons, he has reached a new level as a scorer, and Detroit has finally provided him with the talent necessary to aim for 40 goals. The only remaining concern is his health, as he hasn’t completed a full 82-game season since 2017-18. However, he did manage to play 80 games just two seasons ago, and if he can replicate that performance, this prediction may well come to fruition. — Max Bultman
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Stuart Skinner will finish in the top five of Vezina voting: Skinner performed well in the playoffs, with the exception of the series against Vancouver, and he enters this season as the clear-cut No. 1 goalie for the first time in his career. He appears ready for a breakout year. With a Stanley Cup-contending team in front of him, there’s no reason to assume he won’t excel. However, this isn’t just a case of Skinner benefiting from his teammates’ efforts. The defensive lineup has several significant uncertainties. While the penalty kill was outstanding in the postseason, it has experienced considerable changes. Skinner will earn recognition for an excellent season, and his probable inclusion on Team Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament will only amplify his visibility, giving NHL GMs—who vote for this award—more justification to support him. — Daniel Nugent-Bowman
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Adam Boqvist will have a breakout season: Florida didn’t make many offseason changes since it already possesses a championship-caliber core. The Panthers are still expected to work their magic on 24-year-old Boqvist, their latest defensive reclamation project. He displayed power-play potential and transition skills during his time with the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets. Given the Panthers’ track record of successfully positioning their defensemen, Boqvist is set to thrive. — Sean Gentille
Quinton Byfield will emerge as the Kings’ best player: The Kings find themselves in a precarious playoff position, but they possess enough talent to potentially secure a wild-card spot in the West, so I won’t make any definitive claims. Byfield, however, is showcasing the determination to become a star following a confidence-boosting breakout season with 20 goals and 55 points in 2023-24. He recorded a hat trick in the preseason and established a strong connection with Kevin Fiala, who benefits from Byfield’s speed. Byfield also has been decisively winning faceoffs and exhibiting improvement with his shot. He possesses the size and developing skills necessary to create scoring opportunities. The Kings are in search of a successor to Anze Kopitar as their top center, and Byfield is poised to take significant strides toward becoming that player. “He’s much more mature than he was a few years ago, physically,” stated Kings GM Rob Blake. “We saw his ability to play some there last year, and we expect him to continue to grow there.” — Eric Stephens
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QUINTON BYFIELD.
TOUR DU CHAPEAU 🎩🎩🎩
4-1 LAK pic.twitter.com/pCeGBWtqWp
— LA Kings (@LAKings) October 4, 2024
Matt Boldy is set to achieve 40 goals and 40 assists: General manager Bill Guerin has suggested that Boldy may eventually reach the milestone of 50 goals and 50 assists. While we are being slightly more cautious for this upcoming season, we still project him to establish a new career high (previously 69 points). John Hynes speaks admirably of Boldy, and rightly so. Last season, under Hynes, Boldy registered 28 goals and 61 points in 63 games, translating to a projected 36-goal, 79-point pace over an 82-game schedule. Additionally, during the World Championship, where Hynes coached Boldy, he emerged as the leading scorer from the United States, tallying 14 points in just eight games. After missing exhibition games due to a lower-body injury, the 23-year-old commenced the 2024-25 season with 3 points in his opener. — Michael Russo
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Boldy coming in hot 🥵 pic.twitter.com/TIHbV0JAL7
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) October 11, 2024
Juraj Slafkovský will reach 70 points: Given how Slafkovský concluded last season and his current position on the Canadiens’ top line and power-play unit, the conditions are ideal for him to increase his production by 20 points this season. The significant improvement in his playmaking observed during the latter half of last season will be pivotal in supporting this more than 40 percent increase in his output. — Arpon Basu
Juuse Saros is poised to win the Vezina Trophy: Saros starts the season with a lower-body injury, but it won’t be long before the Predators heavily rely on him following his eight-year contract with a $7.74 million average annual value signed during the offseason. Although players don’t always perform at their peak immediately following a contract signing, Saros is expected to be a key figure once he returns.
Signing significant deals is nothing new, but Saros now possesses clarity — the organization has opted for him instead of the top prospect Yaroslav Askarov — which is likely to benefit him. Additionally, receiving support from skaters in their second season under Andrew Brunette’s system should also aid him. It’s Saros’s time to achieve a win. — Joe Rexrode
The Devils will secure the best record in the East: I’m quite optimistic about the Devils following their offseason acquisitions. Jacob Markström represents a significant improvement in goal, and the additions of Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon provide considerable enhancements to a defensive line that previously missed Ryan Graves and Damon Severson. Coupled with the development of young players, this should make New Jersey a formidable contender, at least during the regular season. — Peter Baugh
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Noah Dobson will attain 70 points again — and earn a significant extension: Last season, Dobson elevated his status among NHL defensemen, showcasing elite production while also logging substantial minutes during the injuries of Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, and Scott Mayfield. A fully healthy defense will help prevent Dobson from being overwhelmed while still allowing him to shine. He’s set to join Denis Potvin as the only Islanders defenseman with multiple 70-point seasons and secure a lucrative deal, likely an eight-year extension around Ilya Sorokin’s $8.25 million per year. — Arthur Staple
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Igor Shesterkin will claim the Vezina Trophy: Shesterkin has consistently managed pressure effectively. He boasts a career .928 save percentage in the playoffs and was unquestionably the Rangers’ standout player last postseason. With his contract set to expire next summer, he will be under significant pressure this season. Shesterkin already holds the reputation of being worthy of the highest-paid goalie title in the league. A standout season akin to his performance in 2021-22 will further solidify this expectation, and the Rangers will need to determine how much they are willing to offer to retain him. — Peter Baugh
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Travis Green will earn the Jack Adams Award: If the Senators reach the playoffs this season, their coach will receive considerable recognition for the team’s upward trajectory. The young core is already established, and they have secured a goaltender. The Senators now require a coach who can lead them to
that next level. Green has previously led a team to the playoffs, although just once. If he manages to end Ottawa’s playoff drought, he should be viewed as a top candidate for coach of the year. — Julian McKenzie
The Flyers will possess a top-15 power play: Does that not seem daring enough? Keep in mind that the Flyers have recorded the worst power play in the league for the last three seasons. Last year, they completed the season with a mere 12.2 percent efficiency, almost three full percentage points behind the 31st-ranked Blue Jackets. However, with the arrival of Matvei Michkov, who has had an exceptional preseason, coupled with a presumably healthy Jamie Drysdale effectively leading the top unit, the Flyers have a significant opportunity for improvement on the power play. — Kevin Kurz
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Tic-Tac-Goal. @tfoerster8 scores the season’s first goal with a power play goal. Thanks to @FarabeeJoel and @BobbyBrink19 for the assists. #PHIvsVAN | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/m1vnc3IfKk
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 12, 2024
Marcus Pettersson will become a target at the trade deadline: Being in his prime and a reliable top-four defender, Pettersson is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He’s the kind of defenseman that general managers usually aim to retain, preventing him from exploring free agency. Nonetheless, Kyle Dubas appears to recognize that his Penguins are closer to lottery contention than a Stanley Cup run, and his choice not to extend a contract to Pettersson before the season implies that Pettersson may be this season’s equivalent of Jake Guentzel in Pittsburgh. — Rob Rossi
A goal for Marcus 🚨 pic.twitter.com/SuDgelEwct
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 11, 2024
San Jose Sharks
William Eklund will top the team in scoring: While there was an inclination to predict Macklin Celebrini as the Calder Trophy recipient in this section, is that truly a bold statement?
Could Eklund emerge as a top pick, considering he enters this season as a leading Calder contender amidst a strong rookie class? At just 18 years old, he’s bound to showcase impressive skills, and we must also acknowledge the potential contribution of his fellow rookie, Will Smith. Eklund, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday on Saturday, is considered an unconventional selection. During the latter part of last season, the left winger quietly made his mark by accumulating 27 points over his last 35 games. He will begin the season on the top line alongside Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli and will also play a role in their power play. This combination could lead to a well-rounded point distribution at the top of San Jose’s roster. To align with our colleague Sean McIndoe’s tendency for oddly specific predictions, we’ll estimate that Eklund will finish the season with 26 goals and 40 assists, totaling 66 points. — Eric Stephens
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Matty Beniers is set to score 30 goals: Following a challenging sophomore slump during his second NHL season, Beniers remains an incredibly talented, confident young center renowned for his adventurous play style and game-changing abilities, which he displayed in his rookie season. In his third year, Beniers will return to form and surpass expectations, netting 30 goals and reaffirming his status as one of the NHL’s most promising young centers. — Thomas Drance
Success for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway may lead to increased offer sheets: Broberg has demonstrated physicality while Holloway has shown impressive speed thus far. It’s still early in the season, so why does this matter? Both players are precisely what the team required, and general manager Doug Armstrong acquired them from the Oilers through offer-sheet contracts. While executed offer sheets are uncommon, many speculate about their potential to spark more transactions, though historically, this has not been the case. However, with Broberg’s and Holloway’s anticipated success in St. Louis, an increase in offer sheets could be on the horizon. — Jeremy Rutherford
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Andrei Vasilevskiy is poised to be a Vezina Trophy finalist: Vasilevskiy will demonstrate that his underwhelming performance last season stemmed from back surgery. With a healthy offseason dedicated to training and getting back into rhythm, he is ready to resume his top-tier play from the 2022-23 season. In the previous season, he proved capable of making a significant impact despite facing defensive weaknesses. With the return of Ryan McDonagh and the addition of Jake Guentzel, he will benefit from enhanced two-way support, propelling him back to his previous elite level. — Shayna Goldman
Can Mitch Marner, known for his passing skills, reach 40 goals this season? (Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)
Mitch Marner will score 40 goals: Attaining this feat may seem ambitious, especially considering that Marner’s primary talent lies in his passing, and he plays alongside the NHL’s leading goal scorer, Auston Matthews. Nonetheless, Marner consistently scores more than he receives credit for. Over the past three seasons, he netted 91 goals, which is just one goal shy of John Tavares, while playing in 18 fewer games. Last season, his scoring pace was equivalent to 30 goals, and he achieved exactly 30 the season prior. In the 2021-22 season, he scored 35 goals in a mere 72 games, reflecting a pace for 40. For Marner to reach 40 goals, he would need to actively seek his own scoring opportunities more frequently and potentially benefit from some lucky shooting beyond his current career-high shooting percentage of 16.5 percent. At some point, possibly even this season, I anticipate he will either reach or come remarkably close to that milestone. — Jonas Siegel
They will finish as one of the NHL’s highest-scoring teams: It’s certain that Utah will emerge as an electrifying hockey club, fueled by the excitement of a new market, an unconventional arena, and a roster full of young talent. The array of skilled players has the potential to elevate the team into the ranks of the league’s most formidable offensive squads. Players like Clayton Keller and Dylan Guenther could each achieve 40 goals. Moreover, it’s feasible that up to eight players on the team reach the 20-goal mark, propelling them into the top 10 for scoring across the NHL. — James Mirtle
Elias Pettersson will bounce back and lead the team in scoring: Last season, Pettersson faced significant challenges toward the end and during the playoffs, leading to growing impatience among Canucks fans with their star center. In the opening game of the current season, after Pettersson mishandled a deke near the offensive blue line, the crowd at Rogers Arena responded with a somewhat sarcastic cheer. The team had squandered two separate three-goal leads, intensifying the frustration, but this moment encapsulated the pressure Pettersson finds himself under. Despite this external noise, Pettersson remains a top-tier performer, capable of achieving 40 goals and 100 points. With Vancouver focusing on fast-paced offensive play this season and talented wingers such as Daniel Sprong and Jake DeBrusk flanking him, I predict Pettersson will rejuvenate his performance and finish as the highest scorer among all Canucks players in the 2024-25 regular season. — Thomas Drance
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Pavel Dorofeyev will end up as the team’s second-highest goal scorer: As a rookie, Dorofeyev demonstrated his scoring ability by netting 13 goals in 47 games with the Golden Knights last year. His wrist shot features a deceptive release, and he possesses a talent for locating loose pucks near the net. With a projected lineup that includes pass-first players such as Mark Stone, William Karlsson, and/or Tomas Hertl, Dorofeyev finds himself in an excellent position to significantly increase his production in the 2024-25 season. — Jesse Granger
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Washington Capitals
The Pierre-Luc Dubois trade will yield benefits: It’s difficult to envision a prediction bolder than Dubois finally securing a long-term place, so we’ll settle on that notion. He is expected to deliver for the Capitals what was anticipated when he joined the Kings — a productive two-way presence as a high-caliber second-line center. Does this guarantee they will receive $8.5 million worth of value? Let’s temper our expectations. Nonetheless, achieving 70 points could significantly repair his reputation and help the Capitals re-enter the playoff race. — Sean Gentille
Nikolaj Ehlers will complete the season and depart as a UFA: In a broader discussion about his future, Ehlers mentioned, “We talk. Chevy, my agent. There’s communication.” While Ehlers is cognizant that fans desire clarity regarding his future, he also expressed uncertainty about what lies ahead — whether it’s a contract extension, a trade, or moving on to free agency in the summer of 2025. The notion of continuing dialogue might inspire optimism, given Winnipeg’s demonstrated ability to secure high-profile players late. Additionally, if they are unable to sign Ehlers, it would be wise for the Jets to explore trade options at the deadline rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer. My speculative October prediction suggests that the Jets will retain Ehlers for the playoffs, adjust their defense through other means if necessary, and then Ehlers will choose a team that offers him more than the sixth-most minutes per game among forwards. — Murat Ates
(Illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic. Photos: Jamie Sabau, Jason Mowry / Getty Images; Vincent Ethier / Icon Sportswire)
Bold NHL Predictions for the 2024-25 Season: From Breakout Stars to Championship Contenders
Breakout Stars to Watch
The 2024-25 NHL season is expected to be electrifying, with several young players poised to make their mark. Here are some breakout stars we anticipate will shine brightly on the ice:
- Owen Power (Buffalo Sabres): The promising defenseman had an impressive rookie season, and with a year of experience under his belt, he is expected to elevate his game significantly. Look for him to be a key player in the Sabres’ playoff aspirations.
- Matty Beniers (Seattle Kraken): After winning the Calder Trophy, Beniers is set to take his game to the next level. His combination of skill and vision makes him a prime candidate for a breakout season.
- Lucas Raymond (Detroit Red Wings): This young winger showed flashes of brilliance last season. With added responsibility and experience, he could emerge as a top-point producer.
Championship Contenders: Teams to Watch
As the NHL landscape evolves, a few teams are positioning themselves as major contenders for the Stanley Cup in the 2024-25 season.
1. Colorado Avalanche
With a roster teeming with talent, including Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, the Avalanche are primed for another deep playoff run. Their blend of youth and experience makes them dangerous contenders.
2. New York Rangers
The Rangers have made significant strides in their quest for the Cup. With key acquisitions and the development of young stars like Alexis Lafrenière, they are set to challenge for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Solidified by a strong defensive core and explosive offense, the Hurricanes have the tools to make a serious run at the championship. Their depth and coaching will be critical factors in their success.
Key Trades and Acquisitions Impacting the Season
The NHL off-season has been bustling with trades and signings that will reshape team dynamics. Here are some key moves that could influence the upcoming season:
| Player | From | To | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connor Bedard | Chicago Blackhawks | Toronto Maple Leafs | High-scoring forward expected to lead the offense. |
| Patrick Kane | New York Rangers | Los Angeles Kings | Seasoned veteran bringing playoff experience and scoring ability. |
| Alex DeBrincat | Ottawa Senators | Boston Bruins | Dynamic winger adding to the Bruins’ already potent offense. |
Rookies to Keep an Eye On
The NHL is always bursting with young talent. Here are some rookies expected to make an immediate impact:
- Adam Fantilli (Columbus Blue Jackets): With his exceptional skill set, Fantilli is poised to become a fan favorite and a scoring leader for the Blue Jackets.
- Leo Carlsson (Anaheim Ducks): Known for his NHL-ready game, Carlsson has the potential to become a top forward in the league.
- Quinnipiac’s Jacob Melanson: This dynamic player has shown he can step up in crucial moments and is set to become a key contributor for his team.
Potential Dark Horses for the Stanley Cup
Every season has its surprises, and the 2024-25 season is no different. Here are a few teams that could surprise everyone and make a push for the Stanley Cup:
1. Winnipeg Jets
The Jets have a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. If their key players stay healthy, they could be a dark horse in the playoffs.
2. Nashville Predators
With a revamped roster, the Predators could leverage their solid defensive play and goaltending to advance further than many expect.
3. Vancouver Canucks
If their young stars, like Elias Pettersson, continue to develop, Vancouver could become a formidable opponent in the West.
Benefits of Following NHL Predictions
Keeping up with NHL predictions has multiple benefits:
- Enhanced Viewing Experience: Knowing about potential breakout players and key trades can deepen your appreciation for each game.
- Fantasy Hockey Insights: Predictions provide valuable insights that can help you strategize for your fantasy hockey league.
- Engaging with the Community: Discussing predictions fosters connection with fellow hockey fans and enhances your enjoyment of the sport.
Case Studies: Past Prediction Successes
Examining previous seasons can help illustrate the accuracy of bold predictions:
- 2021-22 Season: Many experts predicted the rise of the Florida Panthers, and they delivered with a historic point total.
- 2020-21 Season: The emergence of the Carolina Hurricanes as a top contender surprised many, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the league.
First-Hand Experience: Following the Predictions
As a dedicated fan, I’ve followed NHL predictions for several seasons. Engaging with various analyses, I’ve discovered that the excitement of watching games is amplified when you know what to expect:
- Increased Engagement: I’ve found myself more invested in games when I knew which players to watch and the implications of each match.
- Community Interaction: Joining forums and discussions around bold predictions has enriched my fan experience through shared excitement and debates.
Conclusion: The Excitement of the NHL Season Ahead
The 2024-25 NHL season promises to be filled with thrilling moments, breakout stars, and intense competition. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, following these predictions can enhance your connection to the game. Prepare for an unforgettable season of hockey!
