In the 2024-25 NHL season, the only guarantee is uncertainty.
Some teams might emerge as Stanley Cup contenders while others could find themselves on the periphery of the playoffs. Players, too, might experience either significant breakout seasons or disappointing declines. The horizon is intriguingly unclear.
With that in mind, here are some audacious predictions for all 32 NHL teams for the upcoming 2024-25 season. These forecasts span everything from statistical milestones and award predictions to potential coaching changes and playoff forecasts. While many will prove accurate, a few might not hit the mark. Enjoy, and welcome back to hockey!
How to view the 2024-25 NHL season on ESPN networks — featuring 100 exclusive games along with an out-of-market package (over 1,050 games).
Atlantic Division
This is Jim Montgomery’s last season in Boston
During his preseason press conference, Bruins GM Don Sweeney revealed that discussions have taken place regarding a contract extension for head coach Jim Montgomery. However, this (a) doesn’t equate to an agreement being reached, and (b) isn’t necessarily a sign of job security even if it were to happen.
The Bruins have faced early postseason exits at the hands of the Panthers, suffering a Game 7 defeat in the 2023 first round and a Game 6 loss in the 2024 second round. Historically, the path for Boston coaches to maintain their positions involves vying for the Stanley Cup. If the team fails to deliver this season, management could resort to a swift change, even if such a decision might seem harsh or unjust. After all, Boston’s management has a record of being quick to make coaching changes rather than parting ways with general managers, with five different GMs since 1972.
The end of the playoff drought
The last time the Sabres reached the playoffs, “Fast 5” was playing in cinemas, Katy Perry and Kanye West topped the charts with their duet, and their current coach was … the same one currently at the helm? Could that possibly be correct?
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Indeed. Lindy Ruff returns to the organization he coached for 15 seasons and is now faced with a Sabres roster that hasn’t made it to the postseason since 2011. He finds a team with solid defensive foundations in Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, a promising group of young forwards in the top six, and a restructured bottom six that injects the speed lacking under Don Granato. While he might not have legends like Dominik Hasek or Ryan Miller to rely on, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen showed strength last season, and Devon Levi’s underlying statistics indicate potential.
For the Sabres to emerge as playoff contenders, numerous factors must align in their favor. First and foremost, Ruff needs to instill a defensive commitment in this young team that it has yet to display, drawing from the successes he had during his previous tenure in New Jersey. Additionally, maintaining player health and consistent performances from key players will be crucial.
on their growth trajectories. Most importantly, this necessitates an opportunity for them to secure a position in the conference, potentially opening up two vacancies if we assume the Devils re-enter the playoff picture.
Let’s refer to this as an “educated prayer.” Ultimately, I am optimistic that Buffalo will catch enough favorable breaks to rise above the other rebuilding teams in the Atlantic. The steak wraps up. The playoff tailgates in Buffalo commence.
Red Wings go backward in Motor City
Last season, the Red Wings fought until the end for a playoff spot, buoyed by the NHL’s ninth-best offense (3.35 goals per game) compensating for the ninth-worst defense (3.33).
The goaltending struggles were partially responsible for the latter, prompting GM Steve Yzerman to bring in 37-year-old Cam Talbot to help stabilize that position. He joins a group of no fewer than five goaltenders vying for a chance to secure NHL playing time during training camp. I recall the famous John Madden — the football coach, not the former NHL player – being attributed with the saying, ”if you have two quarterbacks, you have none.”
However, in truth, their goaltending (17th in save percentage) wasn’t the primary issue; rather, it was their 5-on-5 defense (22nd in expected goals against) from last season. The Red Wings must demonstrate they can defend adequately to earn a playoff berth. I am not confident in their ability to do so, nor do I believe they’ll achieve another 12.1% shooting percentage.
Regression, thy name is Sam Reinhart
For elite goal-scorers, timing is critical. Sam Reinhart’s timing for the 2023-24 season couldn’t have been more opportune: he netted 57 goals in 82 games during a contract year leading up to unrestricted free agency, resulting in him securing an eight-year, $69 million extension; and he added another 10 goals during the playoffs, contributing to the Panthers’ first Stanley Cup victory.
Reinhart rightfully earned a hefty contract as one of the NHL’s top scorers over the past seven seasons. He achieved four consecutive seasons with 20-plus goals and the last three with over 30 goals, culminating in last season’s impressive 57-goal high. Yet, he boasted a shooting percentage of 24.5% last season, while his career average stands at 15.6%. Moreover, 27 of his goals came on the power play, at a time when the Panthers lost defensemen Brandon Montour (17 power-play points) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (11) to free agency.
The silver lining for Florida is that a regression from Sam Reinhart will probably reduce him back to 30 goals, which every team in the NHL would gladly accept.
Lane Hutson is a Calder Trophy finalist
Often, the Calder Trophy finalists are evident: first-year players who lead the rookie class in goals, points, or wins, even occasionally including a goaltender among the top three.
This year is relatively sparse for elite rookie defensemen, especially compared to earlier seasons, creating an opening for Lane Hutson to lead all rookie blueliners in scoring. However, this alone might not secure him a finalist spot. Fortunately, Hutson can enhance his statistical performance by filling highlight reels and social media feeds with his dazzling offensive plays, an accomplishment he has already begun during the preseason.
Cette passe de Lane Hutson! 😮💨🍝 pic.twitter.com/vMEl9SQwLG
Remember when Ducks winger Trevor Zegras finished second in the Calder voting for the 2021-22 season? His impressive numbers were compelling, but what truly distinguished him was the unique pass he executed—one that even became known by his name—when he flipped the puck over the net for Sonny Milano to score. It’s often those viral moments that define a rookie’s season. Hutson has the capability to create similar buzz. Fans love a standout, as shown by Cole Caufield’s popularity.
The success of Hutson hinges on his ability to withstand NHL physicality and whether coach Marty St. Louis will grant him some power-play time. This isn’t guaranteed, especially given how effectively Mike Matheson managed those duties last season. However, as various forwards vie for attention from voters, the 20-year-old defenseman smoothly positions himself among the final three contenders for rookie of the year.
Linus Ullmark’s time in Ottawa may be brief
It’s rare that I hope to be proven wrong about a bold prediction, but this instance qualifies.
Linus Ullmark was acquired from the Bruins in the offseason and is approaching the final year of his contract before entering unrestricted free agency. The Senators are reportedly allowing him time to adjust before approaching him about an extension. With Ullmark and Anton Forsberg—another upcoming UFA—the goaltending situation in Ottawa looks promising. Stability is vital for this franchise, and it’s hoped that they can secure Ullmark’s commitment to avoid another situation akin to Alex DeBrincat’s departure.
Jake Guentzel poised to score 40 goals or more
Some hockey fans might relish the thought of seeing the Lightning part ways with Steven Stamkos for a younger player, only to watch Jake Guentzel struggle to replace the former captain.
However, Guentzel has established a reputation for thriving alongside elite offensive talent, first with Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh and later with Sebastian Aho in Carolina, where he tallied 25 points in just 17 games following the 2024 trade deadline.
Now, he joins forces with two of the NHL’s top offensive stars, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov—the latter making history as the fifth player in NHL history to achieve 100 assists in a season during 2023-24. While it is difficult to replicate the chemistry that Point and Kucherov shared with Stamkos over the years, it is hard to envision a versatile player like Guentzel failing to blend in with Lightning’s stars, potentially forming one of the most potent lines in the league.
Mitch Marner likely to re-sign
Observing the Toronto media cover the Maple Leafs from a distance is akin to watching a predator in confinement. Frequently, one is struck by their relentless intensity when fresh news breaks; at other times, one can detect subtle behavioral changes indicating a shift in circumstances.
For example, speculation regarding potential trade destinations for the star winger Mitch Marner, who is in the last year of his contract and possesses a full no-movement clause, has transitioned to discussions about his willingness to negotiate a contract extension during the season and whether it’s in Toronto’s best interest to do so. Marner has been steadfast in his desire to continue with the Maple Leafs, although he carries the weight of past playoff disappointments.
His teammates hold him in high regard, and the team likely fears they might spend the remainder of Auston Matthews’ contract searching for someone of Marner’s caliber. Mitch Marner, a Maple Leaf for life. Nature has its way.
Canes miss the playoffs
The Hurricanes were unable to keep Jake Guentzel, Brett Pesce, Brady Skjei, or Teuvo Teravainen over the offseason. They also face other uncertainties, such as whether Jesperi Kotkaniemi can reliably perform as the second-line center. Nonetheless, they possess a dynamic top line, two competent goaltenders in Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov, and a solid system that has yielded success for coach Rod Brind’Amour throughout his previous six seasons with the Hurricanes.
Brind’Amour has led the Canes to the playoffs every year for six consecutive seasons, achieving a 100-point pace in each of the past four. The idea that they could fall short of the playoff cut is, admittedly, hard to comprehend. However, this appears to be a transitional year for the Hurricanes. They have lost considerable talent and are now looking forward to the emergence of new players, such as defensemen Alexander Nikishin and Scott Morrow, as well as forwards like Bradly Nadeau. It seems to be a temporary setback before a significant advancement under new GM Eric Tulsky.
Adam Fantilli has his breakout year
The No. 3 overall pick from 2023 delivered a season typical for a 19-year-old in the NHL, achieving modest offensive stats (27 points in 49 games) while also being a defensive liability on a struggling team. The most promising news for Fantilli this offseason was the addition of Sean Monahan as a free agent, not only as a mentor at center but also as someone who can help Fantilli face less challenging defensive matchups.
Fantilli is projected to tally 54 points in an 82-game season, and I believe he will surpass that, particularly with an increase in power-play contributions where he only managed one goal and two assists the previous year.
New Jersey wins the Eastern Conference
If it was issues with goaltending, they have been resolved with the acquisitions of Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen. If defensive instability was the problem, they have addressed it by bringing in Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, and a healthy Dougie Hamilton. If deficiencies in role players were at fault, that has been mitigated with the signings of Stefan Noesen, Paul Cotter, and former player Tomas Tatar. If coaching was a concern, Sheldon Keefe has been hired to restore defensive discipline and overall accountability within the Devils’ lineup.
This means that GM Tom Fitzgerald has effectively plugged all gaps and constructed a team that appears to be championship-caliber on paper, provided that key players remain healthy and their chemistry is validated.
Should they fail to reach the playoffs, the Devils would undoubtedly be regarded as the league’s biggest disappointment for the second consecutive year. Conversely, if they do qualify, they possess the talent required to contend for the title.
Mathew Barzal sets a new career scoring mark
The star of the Islanders finally regained his offensive rhythm last season, racking up 80 points in 80 games—his first point-per-game performance since he scored 85 points in 82 games during the 2017-18 season when he won the Calder Trophy. Under coach Patrick Roy, who took over for Lane Lambert, New York became a more potent offensive team.
Should Barzal line up alongside Bo Horvat and Anthony Duclair, it could represent the most talented trio he has ever played with. If he competes in 80 games, I anticipate he will set new career highs in both goals and points.
Shesterkin Secures a New Deal
The ongoing discussions regarding the contract between the Rangers and their star goaltender, Shesterkin, are not particularly optimistic. Reports indicate that Shesterkin’s representatives are aiming for an average annual value exceeding $12 million. Conversely, the Rangers are looking to agree on a figure closer to the $10.5 million AAV that Carey Price received on his monumental contract signed in 2017. There have been mentions of a potential “deadline” on opening night, suggesting that Shesterkin may not engage in negotiations until the conclusion of the season if an agreement isn’t reached. General Manager Chris Drury likely remains unfazed by this situation.
This predicament has sparked some preseason tension between the Rangers and their franchise goaltender. Ultimately, Shesterkin stands to lose more if these discussions extend into the regular season. A stellar performance this season would solidify his already sky-high asking price, though it may not elevate it further. Conversely, an average season would have a detrimental effect on his value. With this in mind, it would be reasonable to anticipate that both parties will reach a compromise soon, perhaps around an estimated $11 million AAV.
Jamie Drysdale Gains Health and Breaks Out
Drysdale, a 22-year-old defenseman whom the Flyers acquired from the Ducks in the Cutter Gauthier trade, has only had one notable season in the NHL: the 2021-22 season, where he played 81 games and compiled 32 points.
Reports indicate that he has entered Flyers camp in excellent shape. Drysdale is expected to team up with defensive-minded Nick Seeler, who effectively complemented Sean Walker last season and should do the same for Drysdale. Should he maintain his health, Drysdale could set new career highs in both goals and points while potentially competing with Travis Sanheim for the team lead in points among defensemen.
However, that all hinges on if he remains healthy, which has consistently been a concern for Drysdale.
Power Play Ranks in the Top 10
Although the Penguins boast elite, Hall of Fame-caliber offensive players, their power play has not consistently thrived. From 2019 to 2023, the Penguins’ power play ranked 13th overall with a conversion rate of 21.2%. However, their performance last season was disappointing, striking at only 15.3% and landing them in 30th place in the NHL, even with stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson, and Jake Guentzel on the roster for most of the season.
Enter David Quinn. As the former head coach of the Rangers and Sharks, and friends with Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, he will take charge of Pittsburgh’s defense and power play. His fresh perspective and innovative ideas are precisely what the unit needs. Quinn previously coached Karlsson to a remarkable 101-point season in 2022-23, and the Penguins are optimistic this partnership will yield improved results for the star defenseman this time around.
Alex Ovechkin Surpasses Wayne Gretzky
John Buccigross, my colleague, was notably the first individual to express confidence that Alex Ovechkin could one day surpass Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record of 894, making this prediction back in 2010. He even charted a realistic production trajectory for Ovechkin over the next 15 seasons to surpass the record, estimating 32 goals for last season; Ovechkin scored 31.
According to Buccigross, Ovechkin is projected to net 28 goals this season, successfully breaking the record in 2025-26. However, I believe he can do even better. The Capitals boast an enhanced offensive lineup. Ovechkin recorded an 11.4% shooting percentage on 272 shots last season, both of which are unusually low figures for him.
It’s a fact: Now 39, he appeared as if he were skating through oatmeal during the Capitals’ short playoff stint last season. Nevertheless, he is just 42 goals away from a monumental achievement. The ambition is evident in his eyes. What better way to honor Washington’s 50th anniversary season than to witness D.C.’s most iconic sports figure becoming the all-time greatest goal scorer?
Central Division
Seth Jones is traded
The rapidly increasing NHL salary cap will soon reshape our perceptions of various contracts. Projected at $88 million for the 2024-25 season, it is likely to surpass $100 million in the near future. Even with a rising cap, Seth Jones will still carry a $9.5 million AAV on his existing contract that extends through 2029-30 with the Blackhawks. However, as the cap continues to increase, the likelihood of a team trying to acquire that contract for a top-pairing defenseman also rises.
There’s no denying the hit to Jones’s reputation since he signed his sizeable contract extension, coinciding with the downfall of the Blackhawks’ dynasty on and off the ice. In 217 games, he has managed 25 goals and 119 points, but his performance has been marred by a minus-90 rating during that stretch, which ranks among the worst in the NHL.
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These teams were designed to be subpar. While Jones’s performance wasn’t stellar, it wasn’t entirely poor either. His underlying statistics showed he outperformed his teammates in shot generation and expected goals at 5-on-5. Although Jones faced criticism prior to his trade from Columbus, it is fair to speculate how his stats would differ outside of the Chicago struggle.
The league doesn’t have a surplus of 29-year-old defensemen capable of logging top-pairing minutes—Jones averaged 25:29 per game last season. Each season makes his contract seem less daunting. This could be the year Jones is moved if GM Kyle Davidson seizes the right opportunity, especially since he wasn’t the one who acquired and signed Jones to that deal.
Interestingly, the general manager responsible for that signing is now with the Edmonton Oilers, a team which also has a much-criticized 26-year-old defenseman locked into a $9.25 million cap hit through 2029-30. Could a Seth Jones-Stan Bowman reunion be on the horizon?
Gabriel Landeskog wins the Masterton Trophy
The captain of the Avalanche last played on June 26, 2022, when he celebrated the Stanley Cup victory with his team. Following knee surgery and a cartilage transplant, he has been sidelined for two seasons.
Landeskog is on the path to rejoining the team and appears closer to a comeback than ever before. As he expressed over the summer: “I feel like a hockey player again.”
If Landeskog returns to the ice for the Avs, it’s reasonable to expect the Masterton Trophy for dedication to the sport of hockey to be his—celebrating a heartwarming story of the season.
Dallas Claims Victory in the Western Conference
While much of the focus has been on the Oilers, who narrowly missed out on the Stanley Cup and are strengthening their roster for another shot at a championship with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, there’s another team in the Western Conference eager to make their mark: the Dallas Stars. They have been thwarted in the conference finals for two consecutive seasons.
With Jake Oettinger as their goaltender and Miro Heiskanen as their leading defenseman, Dallas has a solid core. What sets them apart, however, is their impressive balance between offense and defense, physicality and finesse, as well as experience and youthful talent. Their blend of established veterans, prime stars, and emerging talents like Wyatt Johnston creates a winning formula. This year, I predict they will finally break through to the Stanley Cup Final.
Jesper Wallstedt Takes Over Filip Gustavsson’s Position
The Minnesota Wild boast one of hockey’s premier goaltending prospects in Jesper Wallstedt, a 21-year-old Swede selected 20th overall in 2021. Last season, he had a brief three-game stint in the NHL but spent most of his time in the AHL with Iowa. Expect more time in the AHL this season while he also serves as a third option in the NHL behind Marc-Andre Fleury (in his farewell season) and Filip Gustavsson.
Minnesota considered trading Gustavsson last summer, though no deal came to fruition. If he performs more like he did last season, where his save percentage was .899 (20-18-4), rather than in 2022-23 (22-9-7, .931 save percentage), the Wild might look to move him before he gains limited trade protection next summer. This scenario would allow Wallstedt to gain valuable NHL experience and learn from Fleury regularly.
Roman Josi Set to Win the Norris Trophy
Last season, Josi finished second to Quinn Hughes for the Norris Trophy, trailing him by seven points and Cale Makar by five in the defenseman scoring race. This marked the second time in three years he was the runner-up after previously winning the award in 2019-20.
Herein lies the challenge: while Josi is a former winner, the Norris Trophy often favors first-time recipients. We could see a rise for contenders like Charlie McAvoy, Miro Heiskanen, or Evan Bouchard in 2024-25. Nevertheless, given the Predators’ style of play and their offensive enhancements, including signing Steven Stamkos, Josi has a strong chance to lead all NHL defensemen in scoring, which could earn him his second Norris Trophy.
Doug Armstrong Excels with Offer Sheet Signings
General Manager Doug Armstrong created a buzz in the NHL by extending offer sheets to Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway. Armstrong asserts that his decision was not intended to provoke old rival Stan Bowman as he adjusts to his new role in Edmonton.
“That couldn’t be further from the truth. Honestly, I’d do it to my mother if she were managing the Oilers,” Armstrong remarked to the press afterward.
Both signings are poised to succeed this season. Holloway seems to fit the bill perfectly for the St. Louis Blues: a fast forechecker with a keen hockey IQ and offensive potential. He is likely to surpass his career-high points total, which currently stands at nine. Broberg has yet to skate more than 14 games in a season, but he presents immense potential.
averaging 00 per game over three NHL seasons, could very well be surpassed by him on the team’s top pairing with Colton Parayko by the end of his fourth season.
This might inspire more general managers to actively pursue offer sheets for young restricted free agents from teams struggling with salary cap issues. However, this is unlikely to happen.
Let’s start referring to them as “The Yetis”
The hurried relocation of the Coyotes from Arizona to Salt Lake City resulted in the NHL’s newest team being dubbed “Utah Hockey Club” for this season. In June, Smith Entertainment Group conducted an online poll to select the team’s permanent name. The complete branding will not be established until the 2025-26 season, yet everyone within the NHL anticipates it will be the Yetis.
Clayton Keller may have let it slip during the NHL/NHLPA Player Media Tour. Recently, Utah HC president Chris Armstrong mentioned that the name is “the popular choice,” although it involves “a complicated process concerning legalities, trademarks, and intellectual property.” This appears to suggest they are navigating the complexities of sharing a name with other well-known brands. (Perhaps that’s the reason I’ve been informed they’ll be known as “Yetis” rather than “Yeti.”)
Regardless, by the end of the season, fans will likely have observed enough hints to start calling them Yetis, irrespective of what the official standings reflect. The question remains: Will they chant it during games?
Connor Hellebuyck guides the U.S. to a 4 Nations Faceoff victory
In February, the 2024-25 NHL season will take a break for the 4 Nations Faceoff, where the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Finland will compete for hockey supremacy, while Leon Draisaitl and David Pastrnak watch from the sidelines. Rachel Doerrie predicts that Hellebuyck will serve as the starting goaltender for the U.S. national team, even with other talented netminders available on the American roster.
The 4 Nations Faceoff serves as a precursor to the main event—the 2026 Winter Olympics. The U.S. has eagerly awaited the opportunity for this generation of players to participate in a best-on-best tournament since the Sochi Games. This includes Hellebuyck, who recorded a 9-1-0 record in two appearances with Team USA at the IIHF World Championships.
The U.S. clinches the NHL/NHLPA midseason classic thanks to their standout goaltender, much to the disappointment of Hellebuyck’s fans back in Winnipeg.
Pacific Division
Cam Fowler gets traded now, Trevor Zegras later
Trade speculation surrounding Zegras flourished last season, and for good reason. It’s not often that a dynamic offensive player in his early 20s becomes available. However, Zegras faced a disappointing offensive season following a lengthy contract negotiation during the preseason, amassing only 15 points in 31 games, while his season was marred by a broken ankle. GM Pat Verbeek refrained from trading Zegras at his low point of value, ensuring his return to the Ducks for this season, where he is likely to line up with Troy Terry and Mason McTavish.
The Ducks might value him enough to retain him as part of their core. Alternatively, if his statistics improve sufficiently, it could attract trade suitors willing to offer more. In any case, the prevailing thought here is that he will be dealt in the offseason, particularly with only one year remaining before restricted free agency.
Fowler,
On the other hand, he has two seasons remaining on his contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent. He carries a cap hit of $6.5 million and has limited trade protection. Verbeek and the 32-year-old Ducks defensive cornerstone have engaged in discussions regarding his future. It’s anticipated that he will be traded, likely before the deadline.
The front office remains adamant against tanking
Each season features a team that should fully commit to a tanking effort but instead performs just well enough to dwell in the limbo between the playoff bubble and the bottom of the division. This season, that team is expected to be the Calgary Flames.
GM Craig Conroy has been dismantling parts of the roster through trades and free agency in preparation for a rebuild. They currently have over $19 million in cap space due to minimal efforts in replacing lost talent. However, the Flames possess solid goaltending, even without Jacob Markstrom, and a roster filled with forwards who will compete irrespective of the expectations. Coach Ryan Huska effectively guided the team through a “transition” year in 2023-24.
There remains a possibility that Conroy might go all-in on a full rebuild, trading players like Mikael Backlund, Blake Coleman, and Nazem Kadri to enhance their draft lottery chances. Yet, as it stands, the Flames fall short of being as strong as the top three in the division while being clearly ahead of the two teams at the bottom. But that likely won’t yield them James Hagens in the draft.
Evander Kane receives the LTIR treatment
Kane had abdominal surgery on September 20, which is somewhat late in the offseason for such a procedure. The team has indicated that “the recovery from the surgery is anticipated to take at least five to six months.”
If it takes six months, Kane’s return would align around March, just one month prior to the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Evander Kane holds an average annual value of $5.125 million, placing the team right at the salary cap ceiling. According to the current CBA regulations, teams can have a player on long-term injured reserve until Game 82 of the regular season, after which he can rejoin the lineup for Game 1 of the playoffs. The Oilers’ new GM, Stan Bowman, faced criticism nine years ago for allowing Patrick Kane to transition from LTIR to playoff-ready, marking one of the early instances of this CBA “loophole.”
In summary: Best of luck with your (lengthy, as we assume) rehabilitation, Evander Kane.
Quinton Byfield surpasses 70 points
Among the significant moves made by the Kings this offseason was a positional change: Quinton Byfield transitioned from the wing back to his natural center position, following the departure of Pierre-Luc Dubois.
In the 2023-24 season, Byfield achieved his best performance in the NHL, scoring 20 goals and accumulating 55 points while playing in a defensive system that offered limited creativity. The Kings are apparently abandoning the 1-3-1 formation this season, which is pleasing both tactically and visually. Byfield is expected to be paired with winger Kevin Fiala on the second line, likely alongside Warren Foegele, who played alongside Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton.
All these factors indicate promising prospects for Byfield, who aims to transform last year’s increase in production into a substantial leap forward for the 6-foot-5 standout.
Macklin Celebrini wins the Calder Trophy
While it may seem like the No. 1 overall pick in the previous NHL draft is guaranteed to win the rookie of the year title, this is not always the case. Over the last 20 years, stars like Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane, Nathan MacKinnon, Aaron Ekblad, Auston Matthews, and most recently Connor Bedard have secured the Calder. Nevertheless, this achievement has only occurred 12 times since 1963.
Celebrini is poised to become the latest name on that list. The dynamic center is expected to excel with the Sharks; similar to Bedard’s situation last year with the Blackhawks, he won’t face excessive defensive pressures on a struggling team. General Manager Mike Grier has also facilitated his success by signing veteran winger Tyler Toffoli, who is an excellent pairing for a rising offensive talent.
Although the Sharks are anticipated to struggle, they will be entertainingly bad, thanks to Celebrini.
Shane Wright silences the critics
The 20-year-old center for the Kraken is not in need of a “breakout season” just yet. The hockey experts aren’t expecting that. What they desire is some indication of “proof of concept” that the careful development of the fourth overall pick in 2022 is yielding positive results.
This season will provide Wright the platform to deliver that proof. Likely to be paired with Jordan Eberle, with whom he found chemistry during limited NHL play last season, Wright will also benefit from having Dan Bylsma as the Kraken’s coach. Bylsma guided him to his best professional season (47 points in 59 games) at AHL Coachella Valley last year. The remainder will rely on Shane Wright himself.
Elias Pettersson makes a strong comeback
Last season, the star center for the Canucks experienced a decrease in his point total, going from 102 to 89. It’s worth noting that despite this drop, he remained better than a point-per-game player for Vancouver. Pettersson struggled with some tendonitis in his knee, dealt with a rotating cast of wingers, and faced uncertainties regarding his contract negotiations.
Although he continues to manage tendonitis, Pettersson signed an eight-year extension in March and seems to have a reliable linemate in Jake DeBrusk, a former Bruins scorer. He appears ready to reclaim his form and enjoy a standout season with the Canucks.
Win at least one playoff round
The Knights sandwiched their Stanley Cup victory between a postseason miss in 2022 and a first-round exit to the Dallas Stars last season. In typical fashion for General Manager Kelly McCrimmon, he made some tough personnel choices following the loss to the Stars, allowing long-term players Jonathan Marchessault, Alec Martinez, Chandler Stephenson, and William Carrier to sign with new teams.
Some have questioned whether it’s time to underestimate the Knights, considering their seemingly thin collection of wingers compared to other expected conference contenders. However, naysayers should think again: Vegas is not only set to qualify for the playoffs but also to win a first-round series.
The Knights will leverage their strength at center, an impressively deep defensive corps, and solid goaltending supported by coach Bruce Cassidy’s system to secure playoff advancement beyond the first round. This is especially true if wingers like Pavel Dorofeyev—who was second in individual expected goals for the Knights at 5-on-5 last season—and Victor Olofsson, a former Sabres teammate of Jack Eichel, step up significantly.
Moreover, the Knights are likely to enhance their roster with surprise trades as the deadline approaches, aided by clever financial maneuvering. That’s Vegas for you.
Bold Predictions for the Unpredictable 2024-25 NHL Season
Introduction: The Nature of the NHL
The NHL is renowned for its unpredictability, making it one of the most exciting leagues to follow. As we gear up for the 2024-25 season, we can expect surprises, breakout players, and possibly a few shocking trades. Here’s a look at some bold predictions that could shape the upcoming season.
1. A New Stanley Cup Champion Emerges
After a season where traditional powerhouses dominated, expect an underdog team to rise and take the Stanley Cup in 2025. The landscape of the NHL has shifted towards parity, with teams like the New Jersey Devils and the Los Angeles Kings showing promise.
Key Factors for a New Champion
- Strong Draft Classes: The last few drafts have produced elite-level talent.
- Emerging Star Players: Teams will rely on their young stars to step up.
- Injuries: Health is always a wildcard in the NHL playoffs.
2. Breakout Players to Watch
The 2024-25 NHL season will undoubtedly see several players take their game to the next level. Here are a few names to keep an eye on:
| Player | Team | Position | 2023-24 Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hughes | New Jersey Devils | C | 99 |
| Quinn Hughes | Vancouver Canucks | D | 78 |
| Trevor Zegras | Anaheim Ducks | C | 72 |
The Impact of Young Talent
This season will see a shift as players who were previously secondary scorers now become primary options, which can drastically change their teams’ dynamics.
3. Goaltending Surprises
The NHL is always filled with surprises when it comes to goaltending. Expect to see a few backups become starters and lead their teams to unexpected success.
Expected Goaltender Breakouts
- Ilya Sorokin (New York Islanders): A potential Vezina Trophy candidate.
- Carter Hart (Philadelphia Flyers): Could finally find consistency.
- Spencer Knight (Florida Panthers): A young netminder poised to shine.
4. Trade Speculations and Shifting Power Dynamics
As NHL teams look to bolster their rosters, the trade deadline will undoubtedly provide some thrilling moments. Here are some potential trades that could shake up the league:
Hot Trade Candidates
- Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks): While it’s a long shot, a blockbuster could happen.
- Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers): Teams will be calling about the dynamic forward.
- Alex DeBrincat (Ottawa Senators): High demand for the skilled winger.
5. The Rise of Analytics in Player Performance
Analytics will play a larger role than ever before in player evaluations and team strategies during the 2024-25 NHL season.
Benefits of a Data-Driven Approach
- Player Development: Teams can tailor training regimens based on performance metrics.
- In-Game Strategy: Coaches can make real-time adjustments using analytics.
- Scouting: Better assessments of player potential through advanced metrics.
6. The Impact of Rule Changes
As the NHL continues to evolve, potential rule changes could have significant impacts on gameplay, including:
- Increased Penalties for Diving: Aimed at reducing embellishment in the game.
- Changes to Offside Rules: A bid to encourage more scoring opportunities.
- Expanded Video Review: To ensure accuracy in crucial game decisions.
Potential Effects on Teams
These changes will force teams to adapt their strategies and could lead to a more offensive style of play.
7. Case Studies: Teams to Watch
Looking back at the previous season, we can see patterns and trends that may predict the 2024-25 outcomes.
Teams with Promising Futures
| Team | 2023-24 Finish | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Devils | 2nd in Metro | Tyler Toffoli |
| Los Angeles Kings | 3rd in Pacific | Vladimir Tarasenko |
| Buffalo Sabres | 5th in Atlantic | Ryan O’Reilly |
8. Fan Engagement and the Future of the Game
The NHL is committed to engaging its fanbase through innovative approaches, such as:
- Enhanced Streaming Services: More accessible viewing options for fans around the globe.
- Interactive Experiences: Virtual meet-and-greets with players, live Q&A sessions.
- Augmented Reality: New ways for fans to immerse themselves in the game.
9. The Role of International Players
International players have significantly impacted the NHL landscape. Expect more players from Europe and beyond to make their mark in the 2024-25 season.
Emerging Stars from Overseas
- Adam Fantilli (Canada): A standout in the NCAA, now ready to make the jump.
- Leo Carlsson (Sweden): Highly touted and expected to make a big splash.
- Matvei Michkov (Russia): His skillset could change a franchise’s trajectory.
10. Practical Tips for Fans: How to Prepare for the Season
As we gear up for an unpredictable NHL season, here are some tips for fans to maximize their enjoyment:
- Stay Updated: Follow reliable sports news sources for the latest updates and analyses.
- Engage on Social Media: Join discussions and connect with fellow fans to share insights.
- Attend Games: Live experiences provide unparalleled excitement and atmosphere.
