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Fun fact: In the NHL, the “pre” in preseason signifies predictions. Everyone has to make them, including you—be prepared for the reader prediction contest coming later this week. For now, it’s my moment to reveal my insights with my annual division-based analysis of the league.
The rules remain unchanged: I am assigned four divisions, each containing exactly eight teams. We will categorize teams into bottom-feeders, mid-tier contenders, genuine Stanley Cup challengers, and teams about which I’m completely uncertain. Just to make things more challenging for myself, that strict eight teams per division guideline is non-negotiable. (Feel free to insert a humorous remark here about the “no clue” division containing all 32 teams otherwise.)
Let’s begin with the teams at the bottom and move our way up…
The Bottom-Feeder Division
The silver lining for teams landing in this category is that one of last year’s bottom-dwellers made it to the playoffs, leaving room for optimism. The downside? Another team from last year does not exist anymore, so… yeah.
San Jose Sharks
Last season: 19-54-9, -146 goal differential, finished last in the league.
Their offseason in six words: Won the lottery, selected Macklin Celebrini.
Why they’re here: Even the most hopeful Sharks fan couldn’t have envisioned a different outcome. While they did sign a bona fide player in Tyler Toffoli, they are still in the rebuilding phase, focused on managing aging contracts and bringing in young talent. The good news? They are excelling at the latter. The bad news is this effort won’t yield results for a year or two, at least.
Anaheim Ducks
Last season: 27-50-5, -90, placed seventh in the Pacific.
Their offseason in six words: Made few additions, retained Zegras.
Why they’re here: Their performance last season was poor, and the offseason saw no significant improvements, leading me to conclude they would struggle again. They are a youthful team, and young squads can sometimes make unexpectedly strong advancements. Additionally, John Gibson’s recent health issues mean we’ll start the season with Lukáš Dostál in goal, adding to the uncertainty; unpredictability can be beneficial when hoping for a surprise outcome. However, the Ducks still have too much ground to cover, making another season in the bottom-feeder category an easy call.
Chicago Blackhawks
Last season: 23-53-6, -111, finished last in the Central.
Their offseason in six
It feels as though there’s an overwhelming amount of ground to cover. Last year’s team performed poorly, so even in the most optimistic scenario, outcomes don’t look promising… at least for now.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Last season: 27-43-12, -64, last in the Eastern Conference.
Their offseason in six words: “I just miss him so much.”
Why they’re here: The situation surrounding Johnny Gaudreau has been tragic, as a struggling team lost its star player, likely setting the stage for another rough season. Adding to this challenge is the exit of Patrik Laine. Even with a new coach and general manager, it’s hard to envision this squad escaping the lower ranks.
Nevertheless, we lack a definitive guide on how a team copes with the unimaginable loss of a player like Gaudreau. It’s conceivable that the team and community could rally together, reminiscent of the Vegas team’s response in 2017, particularly if they can gain early-season momentum by surprising strong teams like Florida, Colorado, and Toronto. That would be an inspiring narrative, and it’s difficult not to hope for it. Still, the more likely scenario is that they face yet another challenging season.
Philadelphia Flyers
Last season: 38-33-11, -27, sixth in the Metro.
Their offseason in six words: The Matvei Michkov era has arrived.
Why they’re here: Last year felt like a stretch of success, and there’s uncertainty surrounding the goaltending situation behind a roster that appears only moderately strong on paper. This could mitigate the excitement surrounding Michkov’s debut, possibly placing them outside the playoff contention. However, it’s worth noting that they were underestimated last year too, and they spent the initial months of the season proving skeptics wrong.
Calgary Flames
Last season: 38-39-5, -14, fifth in the Pacific.
Their offseason in six words: Markström traded, maybe rebuilding, maybe not.
Why they’re here: While this may seem overly negative, the Flames have let go of numerous veteran players over the past year, yet they haven’t completely dismantled the team. Based on statements from the front office, it doesn’t appear they intend to do so. There’s a chance that Dustin Wolf could fulfill expectations and keep them competitive, but it might be more beneficial for their long-term goals if this prediction of them being among the weaker teams holds true.
Montreal Canadiens
Last season: 30-36-16, -49, last in the Atlantic.
Their offseason in six words: Took a gamble on Patrik Laine.
Why they’re here: There’s a growing sense of optimism in Montreal, and the reasons are evident. The prospects look promising, and the team is young enough to develop naturally. While acquiring Laine poses a notable risk, he brings potential value if he can maintain his health. The persistent question is whether the combined talent of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and incoming prospects will reach the desired level. This question may remain unresolved for this season, as those uncertainties might take a few more years to clarify.
Seattle Kraken
Last season: 34-35-13, -18, sixth in the Pacific.
Their offseason in six words: Extended UFA contracts, plus new coaching staff.
Why they’re here: After waiting several years to see Ron Francis take a more aggressive approach to team building, reactions to his July 1 moves were less than enthusiastic. Besides a season where they performed exceptionally well in an unsustainable manner, this has been primarily a mediocre team. Perhaps they’ll improve enough to approach mid-tier status, but my optimism has its limits.
The Middle-of-the-Pack Division
It’s a fine place to pass through, but getting stuck here for an extended period can spell trouble for the future.
Ottawa Senators
Last season: 37-41-4, -31, seventh in the Atlantic.
Their offseason in six words: New goaltender, new coach, persistent optimism.
Why they’re here: I recently realized they finished just two points ahead of the Canadiens last season. Although I knew their performance was disappointing, I didn’t expect it to be that close. A year with Linus Ullmark should help them surpass the .500 mark, and with continued development among the younger players, they could find themselves in a playoff race. While that’s an annual claim, this time, we genuinely believe it.
Washington Capitals
Last season: 40-31-11, -36, eliminated in the first round.
Their offseason in six words: Honestly, they might have overdone it?
Why they’re here: They were a playoff team last year that appeared to improve over the offseason, yet few are backing them to reach the postseason this time around. I understand that sentiment, as I’m not predicting their success either. Nonetheless, with a clear upgrade in goal, the additions of Jakob Chychrun, Andrew Mangiapane, and the fourth-time-is-the-charm Pierre-Luc Dubois, it’s plausible to envision them sneaking into a wildcard position and surprising everyone.
New York Islanders
Last season: 39-27-16, -13, eliminated in the first round.
Their offseason in six words: Mostly quiet, but
Their offseason in six words: Guess Sid’s new AAV? You’re right.
Why they’re here: With Sidney Crosby secured for another three years, the Penguins are determined to fully commit. Whether that means aiming for another championship or merely a playoff appearance depends on how optimistic you feel, and I struggle to find enough optimism to elevate them to contender status. Regardless, the rebuild is paused, which makes this their only position.
Detroit Red Wings
Last season: 41-32-9, +2, fifth in the Atlantic, missed playoffs due to tie-breaker.
Their offseason in six words: Tarasenko in, Perron out, young talent extended.
Why they’re here: They have consistently found themselves in this situation ever since Steve Yzerman embarked on a painstakingly slow rebuild. While not exactly a compliment, it is commendable that the Wings continue to progress, unlike some other rebuilds we’ve witnessed. Last year, they came very close to making the playoffs, so a few more incremental advancements could secure their spot—assuming they aren’t surpassed by a quicker team.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Last season: 46-26-10, +37, you’ll never guess what transpired in the first round of the playoffs.
Their offseason in six words: Berube and Tanev join, core intact.
Why they’re here: After yet another offseason of minor adjustments, the Leafs are firmly in “I’ll believe it when I see it” territory regarding real Cup contention. Chris Tanev is expected to integrate well at least initially, and perhaps a new coach can shift the culture. However, this team still resembles the 2023-24 squad that attained around 100 points yet faltered as a visiting team in the first round, which places them closer to mediocrity than to true contention.
Minnesota Wild
Last season: 39-34-9, -12, sixth in the Central.
Their offseason in six words: Almost nothing, apart from Faber’s extension.
Why they’re here: They are simply the Minnesota Wild.
Winnipeg Jets
Last season: 52-24-6, +61, exited in the first round.
Their offseason in six words: Possibly the worst in the league.
Why they’re here: I need eight teams per division, which sometimes means including a team that may not fit. The Jets stand out as the top team in this list based on last season’s regular-season performance. However, they experienced a humiliatingly easy playoff exit, and this year’s roster seems poised to decline. It’s rarely wise to bet against Connor Hellebuyck, but unless he returns to Vezina form this season, I suspect the Jets will regress.
The Contenders Division
These eight teams have the strongest case for the Cup heading into the season. It’s noteworthy that the year-to-year turnover isn’t as significant as expected, with six teams returning from last year.
Colorado Avalanche
Last season: 50-25-7, +50, lost in the second round.
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Tampa Bay Lightning
Last season: 45-29-8, +21, eliminated in the first round.
Their offseason in six words: Guentzel in, Stamkos and Sergachev out.
Why they’re here: Living on the edge can be thrilling. While we’re optimistic about a recent Cup champion that boasts a star-studded roster and the league’s top coach, a sense of urgency has loomed over the Lightning for several years. In the past two seasons, they’ve failed to reach 100 points or advance past the opening round. The narrative would be poetic if the window closed just as Steven Stamkos departs, but given their history, it seems wiser to err on the side of caution and brace for one more season before declaring their decline.
Carolina Hurricanes
Last season: 52-23-7, +66, eliminated in the second round.
Their offseason in six words: New GM. Same coach. Diminished roster?
Why they’re here: Some astute analysts suggest that the Hurricanes may take a step back this season, and that perspective is understandable. However, I find it difficult to envision them missing the playoffs in the Metropolitan division. Others may disagree, and they present compelling arguments. For now, I’m confident they have enough stability to spend approximately 60 games identifying their weaknesses before addressing them decisively at the trade deadline.
Dallas Stars
Last season: 52-21-9, +62, reached the conference final.
Their offseason in six words: Pavelski retires. And again. And again.
Why they’re here: Despite picking them to win the Cup last year and being disappointed, I’m not one to hold onto grudges. The Stars are expected to compete closely with the Avalanche for the Central division’s top position, likely setting up a rematch in the second round for the chance to face the Oilers. This scenario mirrors last year’s, though Stars supporters will be hoping for a more favorable outcome.
Vegas Golden Knights
Last season: 45-29-8, +20, eliminated in the first round.
Their offseason in six words: Even Marchessault gets no loyalty here.
Why they’re here: I oscillated on my assessment of the Knights, who struggled last season and enter this year with uncertainties at goalie and wing positions. Finishing mid-tier is certainly a possibility. However, with a full season of Tomáš Hertl expected to offset their forward depth issues and a clear intention to be aggressive during the season, I believe they will secure a playoff berth and position themselves to be formidable opponents.
A full year of a healthy Tomáš Hertl is likely to enhance Vegas’ production following the loss of William Marchessault. (Sam Hodde / Getty Images)
New York Rangers
Last season: 55-23-4, +52, secured Presidents’ Trophy, eliminated in conference final.
Their offseason in six words: Not the significant changes anticipated.
Why they’re here: Even if a regression from last year is likely, which it might be, the Rangers still possess sufficient star power to confidently enter the playoffs. One concern could be the Igor Shesterkin contract situation and how it may evolve into a distraction. However, having your key player in a contract year is not the worst scenario in the sports world.
Florida Panthers
Last season: 52-24-6, +67, claimed the Stanley Cup.
Their offseason in six words: Lost a few players, but kept Reinhart.
Why they’re here: Over the past three seasons, they have won a Presidents’ Trophy, reached the finals, and ultimately triumphed. It’s reasonable to believe they might still be quite successful.
Edmonton Oilers
Last season: 49-27-6, +56, fell short in the Stanley Cup final.
Their offseason in six words: Offer sheets, Bowman hired, budget-friendly UFAs.
Why they’re here: Though Oilers fans might be feeling a bit anxious as everyone backs Edmonton to excel this year, I can’t afford to be contrary and ignore that sentiment. While victory isn’t assured, it’s hard to envision a situation where they don’t at least secure home ice advantage in a somewhat weak Pacific Division. Yes, they are my Cup favorites, even if that’s not the most original choice.
The Your-Guess-Is-As-Good-As-Mine Division
Here’s hoping you didn’t overlook this division and then feel disappointed when your team wasn’t part of the bottom dwellers or mid-tier groups. Ah, who am I kidding, I really enjoy when that happens.
Boston Bruins
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Or he could be sidelined until December 1, or possibly even the entire season. While this seems highly improbable, Boston remains a point of uncertainty until clarified.
New Jersey Devils
Last season: 38-39-5, -17, seventh in the Metro.
Their offseason in six words: Goalie acquired, so ignore last year.
Why they’re here: The largest letdown from last season is somehow back on everyone’s radar as a contender for this year. That logic is understandable; they now have Jacob Markström, Dougie Hamilton is returning to fitness, and Jack Hughes is another year into his prime. The Devils should improve significantly, but they must be approximately 15 points better just to enter the playoff discussion, which is a considerable margin. Are we confident they are an elite team? Just checking, I suppose I’ll follow the trend.
Los Angeles Kings
Last season: 44-27-11, +44, lost in the first round.
Their offseason in six words: PLD traded. Dreams do come true.
Why they’re here: I don’t have the confidence to place a 99-point team among the league’s weaklings, but I also lack faith in their ability to remain competitive. This sentiment existed even prior to the Drew Doughty injury, which certainly doesn’t help. The team feels like it is in a rebuilding phase that has hit a standstill and may have worsened over the summer. When the most optimistic outlook is facing elimination in the first round against the Oilers annually, it’s tough to see the silver lining.
Utah Hockey Club
Last season: They didn’t exist!
No but really, last season: 36-41-5, -20, seventh in the Central (as the Coyotes).
Their offseason in six words: We put a team where now?
Why they’re here: Frankly, I have no idea how this will unfold. The Coyotes performed admirably under challenging conditions at Mullett Arena, yet it’s difficult to gauge the potential of this roster, especially after the blue line upgrades made this summer. Add in some salary cap space and an owner who likely prefers to win sooner rather than later, and Utah remains a project in progress. Last year’s Coyotes probably represent the lower limit, but the upper ceiling is still uncertain.
Buffalo Sabres
Last season: 39-37-6, +1, sixth in the Atlantic.
Their offseason in six words: It’s going so well, why change?
Why they’re here: Following an offseason that largely maintained the status quo, the Sabres are poised to replicate last year’s mid-tier performance. Unless Jesse is correct in his belief that their goaltending is surreptitiously strong and the young players all advance, combined with Lindy Ruff working his magic, the team may finally make its way back to the playoffs. Alternatively, if the Sabres revert to their typical patterns, they might mislead fans with an early-season winning streak before faltering, leading to critique. Or it could be something entirely different. But definitely one of those outcomes.
St. Louis Blues
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Year? (Casually dodges a flying water bottle.) You’re right; that wouldn’t occur—let’s move past it.
Nashville Predators
Last season: 47-30-5, +18, eliminated in the first round.
Their offseason in six words: Great franchise icon. He belongs to us now.
Why they’re here: They were already a strong 99-point team, which I needed to verify since I didn’t recall them performing that well last year. But indeed, they fell just shy of reaching the century mark before the arrivals of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, suggesting that these new additions could position them as contenders in the Central Division, and perhaps even for the Cup. However, it’s worth noting that signing mid-30s unrestricted free agents hasn’t typically led to success in the salary cap era, and last season, the Preds couldn’t manage to defeat a playoff team that was down to its third-string goalie. I hope Nashville thrives because teams willing to make bold moves are exciting to watch, yet one could see this leading to disappointment.
Vancouver Canucks
Last season: 50-23-9, +58, eliminated in the second round.
Their offseason in six words: Regularly forming Thatcher Demko prayer circles.
Why they’re here: The Canucks were expected to be a challenging team after surpassing expectations for most of the 2023-24 season. With predictions of regression already looming when we believed they’d have strong goaltending, the situation could worsen with Demko sidelined. Still, didn’t we all grow weary of being incorrect with our pessimistic forecasts about the Canucks last year?
(Top photos of Thatcher Demko and Pierre-Luc Dubois: Derek Cain and Richard T. Gagnon / Getty Images)
Preseason Predictions: Dividing the NHL into Bottom-Feeders, Contenders, and Mysteries
Understanding the NHL Landscape
The NHL preseason is a time of speculation and excitement as fans analyze team changes, player performances, and overall league dynamics. This article categorizes NHL teams into three distinct groups: Bottom-Feeders, Contenders, and Mysteries. Each category provides insights into team potential and expectations for the upcoming season.
Bottom-Feeders: Teams Facing an Uphill Battle
Bottom-feed teams typically struggle with depth, performance consistency, or have undergone significant roster changes. These teams are likely to face a challenging season ahead.
Key Characteristics of Bottom-Feeders
- Lack of Star Power: These teams often lack elite players capable of changing the game’s outcome.
- Weak Defense: A porous defense can lead to high goals against and low confidence.
- Rebuilding Phase: Many bottom-feeder teams are in a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing younger talent.
Notable Bottom-Feeders for 2024
| Team | Notable Issues |
|---|---|
| Arizona Coyotes | Young roster, lack of experienced leadership. |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Rebuilding, reliance on rookies. |
| San Jose Sharks | Ageing core, lack of scoring depth. |
Contenders: The Teams to Watch
Contender teams are those expected to perform at a high level, often equipped with a mix of star players, solid coaching, and depth. These teams will likely be in the playoff conversation.
Characteristics of Contenders
- Star Players: Teams with multiple high-caliber players can change the course of games.
- Strong Defense: Good defense often correlates with success, preventing goals and supporting goaltending.
- Depth Scoring: Effective teams often have multiple lines that can contribute to scoring.
Top Contenders for 2024
| Team | Key Players |
|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov |
| Boston Bruins | Pastrnak, Marchand |
Mysteries: Teams with Uncertain Futures
Mystery teams are those that could go either way, exhibiting signs of potential but also having flaws that could hinder their success. Evaluating their performance in the preseason can provide clues to their future.
Defining the Mystery Teams
- Inconsistent Performance: These teams may have shown flashes of brilliance but have not yet proven they can do it consistently.
- Recent Changes: Roster changes, coaching shifts, or injuries may contribute to an unpredictable outlook.
- Emerging Talent: A roster filled with young players may indicate potential, but it remains to be seen how they adapt to the NHL.
Potential Mystery Teams for 2024
| Team | Potential Factors |
|---|---|
| New Jersey Devils | Younger lineup, playoff experience needed. |
| Detroit Red Wings | Mix of youth and experience, potential for growth. |
| Vancouver Canucks | Strong offense, defensive weaknesses. |
Assessing the Impact of Player Movements
Player transactions during the offseason can dramatically alter the landscape of the NHL. Key trades or signings can boost a contender’s chances or exacerbate a bottom-feeder’s challenges.
Recent Player Movements to Note
- Florida Panthers: Notable predictions include Sam Reinhart dropping in goal count while Matthew Tkachuk is expected to significantly increase his scoring. This swing highlights the volatility in player performance and team dynamics [[1](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/one-bold-predicition-for-all-32-nhl-teams/)].
- Toronto Maple Leafs: With a focus on maintaining core players, the Leafs are banking on consistency to push deeper into the playoffs.
- New York Rangers: A fresh coaching staff may lead to a more dynamic approach, crucial for their playoff ambitions.
Trends to Watch This Season
Several trends can shape how teams are categorized and how they perform during the season. Keeping an eye on these can help fans make informed predictions.
Key Trends
- Increased Emphasis on Analytics: More teams are leaning on data analysis to guide decisions, which may affect player deployment and game strategy.
- Player Health Management: Teams are investing in health strategies to minimize injuries, impacting overall performance.
- Growth of Younger Players: The influx of young talent continues to reshape rosters and expectations.
Practical Tips for Fans and Bettors
For fans and bettors alike, understanding the dynamics of the NHL divisions can enhance viewing experiences and betting strategies.
Tips to Consider
- Follow Preseason Games: Pay attention to how teams perform in the preseason. It’s an indicator of possible regular-season trends.
- Monitor Player Health: Stay updated on player injuries or trades that might shift a team’s performance significantly.
- Analyze Matchups: Historical performance against specific teams can provide insights for betting and viewing.
Case Studies: Successful Turnarounds
Looking at previous seasons, some teams have made dramatic turnarounds that have shifted their categorization. Here are a few notable examples.
Examples of Turnaround Teams
- St. Louis Blues (2019): After a poor start, they revamped their strategy and roster, leading to a championship.
- Montreal Canadiens (2021): A surprise run to the finals despite being underestimated at the start of the season.
- New York Islanders (2020): The Islanders emerged as a contender with strong defensive play and clutch performances.
Conclusion
As the NHL season unfolds, the classification of teams into Bottom-Feeders, Contenders, and Mysteries will become clearer. By monitoring player movements, team dynamics, and key trends, fans can engage more deeply with the sport and enhance their experience throughout the season.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of NHL preseason predictions, categorizing teams effectively while incorporating SEO best practices for improved visibility.
