-
Ryan S. Clark
-
Kristen Shilton
It has been about three months since the Florida Panthers secured the Stanley Cup, the 2024 NHL draft took place at the Sphere, and countless players found new teams through free agency.
As fall swiftly approaches, so do the NHL preseason and training camps for all 32 teams, leading up to the opening night on October 8.
To prepare you for the forthcoming weeks—when teams will finalize their rosters and determine line combinations, defensive pairings, and goalie tandems—here are the most pressing questions facing each team, provided by Ryan S. Clark (covering the Western Conference) and Kristen Shilton (focusing on the Eastern Conference).
Jump to a team:
ANA | BOS | BUF | CGY
CAR | CHI | COL | CBJ
DAL | DET | EDM | FLA
LA | MIN | MTL | NSH
NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT
PHI | PIT | SJ | SEA
STL | TB | TOR | UT
VAN | VGK | WSH | WPG
How to watch the 2024-25 NHL season on ESPN networks — featuring 100 exclusive games and an out-of-market package that includes over 1,050 games.
Atlantic Division
Boston Bruins
How will the Bruins reshape their top six?
While there is also the matter of whether restricted free agent Jeremy Swayman will finalize a new contract to officially assume the role of Boston’s No. 1 goaltender, this financial complexity, as B’s captain Brad Marchand remarked, is simply “part of the business.”
Heading into camp, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery’s challenge is to revamp the offensive lineup. The Bruins managed to sign top center Elias Lindholm in free agency, but they lost winger Jake DeBrusk to Vancouver. Who will step up to fill that gap on the wing? Boston has a highly regarded prospect in Fabian Lysell to watch closely, alongside Morgan Geekie, a former bottom-six forward who could vie for a larger role.
Lysell is the player to keep an eye on. The Bruins intentionally excluded him from rookie camp to ensure he would be “extremely ready” for the main event with the team. Essentially, the Bruins anticipate that he is prepared to claim an NHL roster spot for opening night. It will be interesting to see if that prediction holds true.
<img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nhl
Buffalo Sabres
Was Buffalo justified in their offensive inactivity?
The Sabres’ decision to remain passive during free agency has raised eyebrows. Buffalo refrained from acquiring any notable talent and opted to buy out veteran Jeff Skinner’s contract, which may ultimately weaken their forward lines compared to last season.
How will new head coach Lindy Ruff construct his forward lines? A strong return from Jack Quinn, after an injury-marred 2023-24 season, could significantly enhance the team, providing a potential top-line partner for Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson. Additionally, an improved Dylan Cozens paired with JJ Peterka would also bolster the Sabres’ chances.
However, it is uncertain whether the absence of new talent will hinder Buffalo’s performance. General Manager Kevyn Allen might quickly assess during camp if his trust in the existing players was a prudent choice.
Detroit Red Wings
What — or who — will be the key influencer?
Editor’s Picks
2 Related
The Red Wings have been lacking… something. Despite possessing strong talent, a solid framework, and sometimes long stretches of positive play last season, Detroit ultimately fell short when it counted. How will they rectify this situation?
It all begins with training camp. Detroit anticipates growth from its young players, such as Simon Edvinsson, Jonatan Berggren, and Carter Mazur. Veterans like Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko will be pivotal both on and off the ice. Other returning stars, especially captain Dylan Larkin, will also need to elevate their game.
On the defensive front, the Red Wings might be without a crucial player, Moritz Seider, who is yet to sign a contract (fellow restricted free agent Lucas Raymond secured his deal on Monday night). This situation could pose a distraction that Detroit cannot afford as they aim to maintain their momentum. Coach Derek Lalonde has enough to contend with in his quest to return the team to the postseason.
Florida Panthers
Will two short summers catch up with the Panthers?
Florida experienced defeat in the Stanley Cup Final two years ago, only to rebound with an exhilarating Game 7 triumph over Edmonton in June, claiming the franchise’s first championship. The excitement was followed by a busy and notably short summer filled with Cup celebrations, likely keeping players from their regular offseason training. Will this impact Florida’s ability to defend their title?
While the Panthers transformed their loss to Vegas in 2023 into motivation the subsequent year, they have enjoyed basking in the glory of their Cup victory for the past two months. No player is expected to relax in training camp, yet initial signs of either mental or physical fatigue could emerge.
Florida wouldn’t be the first team to face such challenges. Many players who’ve experienced deep playoff runs multiple times acknowledge the toll it takes over time. Will the Panthers find themselves confronted with this reality after enduring two lengthy playoff campaigns?
The Canadiens continue to navigate a prolonged rebuild. Nevertheless, there’s a real opportunity for the team to make substantial progress, provided they establish a robust blue line.
Fortunately, the Canadiens have viable options. The recently extended Kaiden Guhle is set for a top-pairing role, while David Savard and Mike Matheson are expected to deliver strong veteran leadership. Beyond that, there’s intense competition among Justin Barron, Jordan Harris, Jayden Struble, and Arber Xhekaj who are all vying for ice time. Furthermore, prospect Lane Hutson will have the chance during camp to demonstrate his readiness for an NHL opportunity.
“`html
Last season, Montreal ranked No. 27 overall in goals allowed (3.43 per game) and was at the bottom, No. 30, in shots allowed. Thus, discovering the right defensive strategy is crucial for improvement.
Ottawa Senators
Can Travis Green elevate the Senators’ performance?
To say Ottawa has experienced changes is an understatement. Over the past year, the team has undergone a shift in ownership, management, and coaching staff, alongside numerous new faces vying for spots on the roster. All these modifications aim to position Ottawa as a competitive contender in the Atlantic division once more.
New head coach Travis Green is pivotal to this vision. In terms of center depth, Green is well-equipped with talents like Josh Norris, Tim Stutzle, and Shane Pinto, complemented by a healthy Thomas Chabot on defense.
From this foundation, it is now up to Green to evaluate a plethora of offensive depth, including players like Noah Gregor, Nick Cousins, and Nikolay Kulemin, as well as defensemen Jacob Bernard-Docker and Maxence Guenette. Green has indicated that his players should prepare for a demanding training camp.
The Lightning are entering a new chapter, one that does not feature former captain Steven Stamkos. Tampa Bay allowed the long-time face of their franchise to depart in free agency, effectively replacing him with Jake Guentzel.
The impact of Stamkos’ departure on the ice and within the locker room remains uncertain, given his stability for over a decade and during two Stanley Cup championships. The Lightning have historically engaged in bold transactions, and moving on from Stamkos, trading Mikhail Sergachev to Utah, acquiring Guentzel, and even re-signing former defenseman Ryan McDonagh demonstrates that GM Julien BriseBois is not hesitant to make significant moves.
Training camp will provide the first look at the newly configured Lightning team and may indicate whether Tampa Bay is on a path back toward championship contention or if excessive changes will prove detrimental.
During the offseason, the Leafs focused on strengthening several areas, but center depth did not make the list. Could this pose a challenge for the newly appointed coach Craig Berube?
Toronto currently features Auston Matthews and John Tavares in their top two center positions, leaving uncertainty about how Berube will address the remaining gaps.
The prospect of William Nylander returning to center has been discussed; this is an experiment the Leafs revisit annually with mixed results. Max Domi had a successful stint at center last season when filling in for an injured player, yet he isn’t viewed as a long-term fit. Meanwhile, David Kampf is better suited for a fourth-line role.
What options might Toronto pursue? Could they turn to
Veteran defenseman Sean Walker is on board, and Jaccob Slavin is expected to shine on the blue line, with Dmitry Orlov poised to log significant minutes. However, the question remains about the aging Brent Burns. Is he capable of effectively supporting Slavin to prevent him from burning out? Moreover, can Jalen Chatfield take on a greater responsibility?
While Carolina has promising prospects ready to step up, pushing them into high-pressure situations too soon could ultimately be detrimental. This season might mark a transition in the Hurricanes’ identity, moving away from their historical heavy defensive style, which could lead to a fresh character for a team consistently on the verge of a Cup Final appearance.
As training camp approaches, the Blue Jackets will open up a competition for roster positions, fueled by exciting offensive possibilities. They’ve added seasoned forward Sean Monahan, while Patrik Laine and Alexandre Texier have departed. Last season, Monahan recorded 26 goals and 59 points, demonstrating that he can still make a significant contribution when placed in a suitable role. This is promising news for Columbus. Furthermore, the signing of veteran James van Riemsdyk to a one-year contract adds depth to their lineup.
Columbus is undoubtedly mourning the loss of Johnny Gaudreau, whose untimely passing has created an irreplaceable gap in their organization. The team must identify who can help boost their scoring, particularly after ranking 25th in the NHL for offense during the 2023-24 season, averaging fewer than three goals per game.
Can Kent Johnson rebound strongly after a disappointing 2023-24 season and offseason surgery? His comeback would be beneficial. The Blue Jackets have faced consecutive seasons riddled with injury woes, which impeded the availability of key players like Boone Jenner and Adam Fantilli. For Columbus to make strides this year, both of these players will need to excel in crucial roles.
New Jersey Devils
How will Sheldon Keefe guide the team back on course?
Last season, the Devils fell short of a playoff berth. This prompted GM Tom Fitzgerald to seek a new head coach, selecting Sheldon Keefe for the position. Keefe has a strong background, featuring four consecutive playoff appearances during his first NHL head-coaching role with the Maple Leafs. He brings valuable experience in managing young talent, which is abundant in New Jersey.
On the surface, Keefe and the Devils seem to be a perfect match. Training camp will begin to show whether this alignment is accurate.
This is Keefe’s inaugural professional opportunity away from Toronto—he spent five years coaching in the AHL prior to taking the helm with the Leafs—meaning there will be an adjustment period in New Jersey. He might now have even more emerging stars to manage than ever before. Will the Devils adapt to Keefe’s coaching style and flourish? The answer to this question will significantly influence New Jersey’s season success.
The Islanders’ most urgent concern, whether now or throughout the season, revolves around the health of goaltender Ilya Sorokin. New York’s coach, Patrick Roy, disclosed that Sorokin underwent offseason back surgery, which was not “the ideal scenario,” but he believes that “when he’s ready, he’ll be a valuable asset.” GM Lou Lamoriello previously indicated that the team is not “worried” about the injury, and Sorokin should be available at some stage during training camp.
Assuming that holds true, let’s transition to a familiar challenge for the Islanders: scoring, or rather the lack thereof.
Last season, New York boasted the NHL’s 22nd-ranked offense, barely managing to reach the playoffs, largely thanks to Sorokin’s exceptional performance. Following the team’s exit in the first round of the postseason, Lamoriello signed Anthony Duclair and Maxim Tsyplakov (a KHL 30-goal scorer last season). This raises lingering questions: will adding these players be sufficient to revitalize their offense? Only time will tell.
At this point, the Rangers have a well-defined roster. Aside from determining their top-line right winger — a position that frequently changed last season — the rest of the lineup appears fairly settled.
Play Fantasy Hockey for Free
Create or join an ESPN fantasy hockey league today. Your journey toward the championship commences now!
However, it’s less certain how captain Jacob Trouba will rebound from last season, during which he dropped to a third-pairing role, experienced a disappointing playoff performance, and dealt with extensive trade rumors over the summer. Trouba’s late-season injury affected his performance, making his health crucial for any potential comeback.
The Rangers need Trouba to step up. This does not imply he must log 24 minutes of ice time per game; rather, he should focus on making impactful plays at even strength and on special teams to prove he can still be the difference-making defenseman the Rangers envision him as.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia has a lot on its plate. The Flyers are excited about Matvei Michkov, who has already captivated his new coaches during rookie camp. The key question is how Michkov will integrate into Philadelphia’s offense, and what role coach John Tortorella will allow him.
Additionally, the Flyers are assessing their center situation, with several players potentially shifting into new positions. Will Morgan Frost finally receive a more significant opportunity?
On the defensive front, the Flyers are uncertain about Rasmus Ristolainen’s health following his triceps surgery, contributing to an overall feeling of instability. This underscores the importance of training camp for Philadelphia as they start establishing a solid foundation.
Pittsburgh heads into training camp without a definitive starting goaltender. Tristan Jarry occupied the No. 1 spot for most of last season, but backup Alex Nedeljkovic filled in for the last 13 games, posting an impressive record of 8-1-3. His strong performance earned him a two-year extension with the Penguins, making the upcoming camp a battleground for the No. 1 position.
Pittsburgh must also consider the development of Joel Blomqvist, who had a standout season in the AHL, ranking among the top five in several significant statistical categories. Effectively managing their goaltending situation will be essential for Pittsburgh’s success in both the short and long term, and training camp will provide an opportunity for each netminder to demonstrate their skills.
The Capitals are hopeful that acquiring center Pierre Luc-Dubois will prove beneficial, as he is seen as a potential top-line center following his trade from Los Angeles this summer. Washington aims for Dubois to recapture his form from the 2022-23 season when he notched a career-high 63 points in 73 games with the Jets.
In addition to Dubois, Washington has brought in Andrew Mangiapane, Brandon Duhaime, and Taylor Raddysh to enhance their forward rotation. On defense, Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy have been added to strengthen the lineup. Logan Thompson also joined the team through a trade in the offseason, complementing Charlie Lindgren in the goaltending department.
“`html
gren in net.
The Capitals are introducing numerous new players, and they are also navigating the uncertainty regarding T.J. Oshie’s future — will he return this season? While having too much depth is a dilemma that every team would welcome, the question remains about how the Capitals plan to utilize their roster effectively.
Central Division
Chicago Blackhawks
How will this season impact their long-term plans?
It’s evident that the Blackhawks are undergoing a promising rebuild, and their actions during the offseason raise questions about how soon they might become competitive again. The addition of several veterans, including Tyler Bertuzzi, Laurent Brossoit, and Teuvo Teravainen, is expected to address the shortcomings that contributed to their status as one of last season’s worst teams. The return of a fully recovered Taylor Hall, who suffered a knee injury last November, could also bolster their efforts.
This season will be crucial for the growth of young cornerstone players like Connor Bedard, Kevin Korchinski, Philipp Kurashev, and Alex Vlasic.
Achieving synergy among these various components might allow them to surpass the 70-point mark for the first time since the 2019-20 season. Conversely, if they fail to perform, some veterans might find themselves traded at the deadline.
Colorado Avalanche
Is the supporting cast strong enough?
The Avalanche have shown strong performance in the regular season, accumulating over 107 points in the last two years. However, the playoffs present a different set of challenges.
Since their Stanley Cup victory in 2022, the team has stumbled in two consecutive postseason campaigns. One contributing factor to their struggles has been the lack of consistent secondary and tertiary scoring. Their ability to secure victories against the Jets in five games was bolstered by supplementary scoring, but this fell apart when they faced the Stars, where they only managed six goals in the final four games (three of those in a single match).
Being within a championship window means that the front office must devise solutions despite limited cap space. The Avs made minor additions during the offseason, but the situations surrounding Gabriel Landeskog, Nikolai Kovalenko, Logan O’Connor, and Valeri Nichushkin are critical. The collective input from these players could significantly influence the Avalanche’s quest for a fourth Stanley Cup, or they may find themselves seeking help come the trade deadline.
Dallas Stars
Is this the Stars’ best Cup chance with this core?
All championship contenders face salary cap challenges and must think creatively. One strategy the Stars have employed to navigate these cap hurdles is ensuring that at least one player on an
Do they have enough scoring? Are there enough players who can remain healthy? Is there sufficient depth to withstand another injury crisis?
Top stories of the week from 
Get exclusive access to thousands of premium articles each year from top writers.
• MLB: Who has the most at stake before October? »
• 0-2 NFL teams with the best shot at playoffs »
• Ranking college football’s 43 unbeaten teams »
More ESPN+ content »
While these may appear as multiple inquiries, they represent key considerations in determining whether the Wild possess the necessary elements to secure a playoff spot.
In the previous season, the Wild ranked 21st in goals per game, with rookies Brock Faber and Marco Rossi being the sole players on the roster to participate in all 82 games. Their salary cap constraints led to Yakov Trenin being their most notable signing this summer, and he has recorded double-digit goals for the past three seasons.
Can Trenin, alongside rookie Marat Khusnutdinov, add the scoring depth and stability required for a team that saw a staggering 59% of its goals come from just five players last season? Could this be sufficient to propel them into the playoffs?
Nashville Predators
After significant acquisitions, what are the realistic expectations?
The Predators had a discernible identity even after their first-round exit. They were recognized as a two-way team needing more scoring and players with ample playoff experience. But what is their current status? That’s where the interest piques.
At the very least, the Predators should still be considered a playoff-caliber team with aspirations for a top-three position in the Central Division rather than settling for a wild card. The real intrigue lies beyond that.
By adding Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei, and Steven Stamkos, the Predators are clearly in win-now mode. What distinguishes them from a competitive Western Conference landscape appears to be their cohesion. The Avalanche and Golden Knights took years to fine-tune their winning combinations. Similarly, the Oilers and Stars are striving to discover the right configurations for ultimate success.
Are the Preds part of the elite teams that could contend for the Stanley Cup in 2024-25? Or are they in a lower tier, perhaps needing only a few more adjustments to solidify their reputation as a legitimate championship threat?
St. Louis Blues
Have the defensive issues finally been resolved?
This question has burdened the Blues for the past two seasons, with the reality that swift solutions are rare. They were unable to shuffle their defensive lineup effectively, as they had four defensemen earning over $4 million a year, all with no-trade clauses.
Tactical adjustments commenced during the 2023 offseason when assistant coach Mike Weber was brought in to spearhead a defensive overhaul. Despite Drew Bannister’s takeover during the 2023-24 season, the Blues ranked fourth in high-danger chances allowed per 60 minutes, fifth in shots against per 60, and sixth in scoring chances against per 60. Their goalies managed to keep the team in wild-card contention, achieving the fifth-best team save percentage under Bannister’s leadership.
This summer, GM Doug Armstrong bolstered the roster with two-way forwards like Radek Faksa, Matthew Joseph, and Alexandre Texier, along with defensemen including Philip Broberg, Pierre-Olivier Joseph, and Ryan Suter. This comes ahead of a season in which they’ll be without Torey Krug due to ankle surgery. Will the outcomes be different this time?
<img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/
Utah Hockey Club
Is playoff contention possible in their inaugural season?
It is possible for new franchises to make it to the playoffs early in their journey. The Golden Knights reached the Cup Final during their debut season, while the Kraken advanced to the second round in their second year. Could Utah also find itself in playoff contention in its first season?
Head coach Andre Tourigny has a solid understanding of many players on the roster, having coached over a dozen of them when he was at the helm of the Arizona Coyotes last season. Under Tourigny’s guidance, the Coyotes were in the hunt for a playoff spot until late January, when a devastating 14-game losing streak shattered those hopes. This familiarity, along with offseason defensive acquisitions like Ian Cole, John Marino, and Mikhail Sergachev, fuels the belief that Utah could vie for a wild-card position.
If that weren’t enough, Utah’s general manager, Bill Armstrong, has over $9 million in cap space, which he could use to enhance the roster with impactful trades.
Winnipeg Jets
How will Scott Arniel influence the team?
Teams often face scrutiny based on their playoff performances. Some are evaluated on their ability to qualify for the postseason. The Jets appear to be in a transitional phase under head coach Scott Arniel, who has moved up from his previous position as an assistant to Rick Bowness.
A significant challenge for Arniel will be to lead the Jets past the first round of the playoffs. The past two seasons have seen a concerning pattern: after scoring more than five goals to win the opening game, they subsequently lost the next four matches, resulting in a disappointing early exit.
Before addressing playoff advancement, however, the question remains whether the Jets can secure one of the three divisional playoff spots or if they will compete for a wild-card position. The Avalanche and Stars look poised to be prime contenders for the Cup, while an assertive offseason approach from the Predators could intensify the competition. Arniel cannot afford to let the team coast and expect another playoff appearance.
Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks
Will they surpass 30 wins in Greg Cronin’s second season?
Each rebuild possesses distinct characteristics, yet all share the goal of demonstrating progress. For the Ducks, a significant benchmark is achieving 30 wins or more. Last season, they were one of four teams to finish with fewer than 30 victories and have only surpassed the 30-win threshold once in the past five years.
A major factor preventing the Ducks from reaching this milestone during Cronin’s inaugural season was their inability to break free from lengthy losing streaks, with five occasions where they lost more than five games consecutively. Additionally, their losses were often lopsided; they allowed more than three goals in 23 games, with nearly half of those losses by a margin greater than three goals. Improving on these details in Cronin’s second year could lead to better outcomes and meaningful progress.
Calgary Flames
What defines the Flames’ identity?
Last year, the Flames were in a state of uncertainty. They faced ambiguity regarding which players would remain with the team or depart, despite having several players signed for more than two years.
After navigating these roster challenges, the Flames seemed to discover a semblance of identity: they were seven points shy of the wild-card spot in early March, but an unfortunate string of losing streaks resulted in them dropping eight of their next ten games, effectively undermining their playoff hopes.
Eliminating them from playoff contention, but they gained valuable insights into mid-season acquisitions Andrei Kuzmenko and Daniil Miromanov, as well as evaluating the performances of prospects like Matthew Coronato and Dustin Wolf.
These players, along with the Flames’ offseason signings, will be crucial in defining both the short- and long-term identity of the team and determining if playoff aspirations are a viable part of that identity.
Every decision made by the front office this offseason was aimed at ensuring this year’s squad is capable of winning that elusive 16th playoff game and securing their sixth championship title, which has proven elusive. This strategy involved signing unrestricted free agent forwards Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner while also re-signing several veterans and committing to a $112 million contract for Draisaitl that takes effect in the 2025-26 season.
However, these were not without cost: The Oilers had to let go of homegrown talents like Vincent Desharnais, who departed in free agency, and both Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway signed offer sheets with the Blues that the Oilers chose not to match. Although these choices raised short-term concerns, they will be less significant if the season concludes with the Oilers winning the Stanley Cup.
As the Kings face ongoing difficulties escaping the first round of the playoffs, goaltending remains a persistent issue. They have cycled through Cal Petersen, Jonathan Quick, Pheonix Copley, Joonas Korpisalo, David Rittich, and Cam Talbot, believing each could be the solution, yet they are still grappling with the same uncertainties.
This dilemma made acquiring Cup winner Kuemper in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois particularly intriguing. Kuemper was undeniably a significant factor in the Coyotes’ first-round success during the 2020 bubble playoffs. He also played an instrumental role in the Avalanche’s Cup victory in 2022. The Kings are hopeful that Kuemper will guide them into (and past) the second round, as another early exit would mark a fourth consecutive first-round defeat.
San Jose Sharks
How much better will the Sharks be?
Last season was dismal for the Sharks:
-
They recorded the worst record in the NHL.
-
They were the sole team not to reach 20 wins.
-
They finished with a minus-150 goal differential and logged the fewest home victories in the NHL.
These elements contributed to one of the franchise’s worst seasons, yet they have set the stage for a potential turnaround.
The Sharks initiated this change by hiring a new head coach, Ryan Warsofsky. In addition, they won the draft lottery and utilized the No. 1 overall pick to select Macklin Celebrini, thereby pairing him with 2023’s No. 4 pick Will Smith to become the new faces of their franchise. They also strengthened their roster by acquiring veterans such as Codi Ceci, Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, and Jake Walman, along with trading for a long-term franchise goalie in Yaroslav Askarov.
All of these moves foster a growing optimism that the rebuilding Sharks will significantly outperform the struggling team from the previous season.
Seattle Kraken
Can a new coaching staff solve old problems?
In their second season, the Kraken were just one win away from reaching the Western Conference finals. However, last season, they struggled with the league’s fourth-lowest shooting percentage and overall inconsistency, leading to their playoff absence and a subsequent decision to change the coaching staff during the offseason.
was necessary.
They brought in former Penguins and Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma following his impressive run with the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, where he steered the team to consecutive Calder Cup Finals, bolstered by one of the most potent offenses in the AHL.
The promotion of Bylsma, along with assistant coach Jessica Campbell—who made history as the first woman to coach in the NHL—was fueled by the hope that their triumphs in the AHL would help the Kraken regain their scoring prowess and vie for a playoff berth.
Vancouver Canucks
What direction are the Canucks taking?
Ever since the Canucks appointed Tocchet, progress has been a key focus. After taking over from Bruce Boudreau in 2022, he won 20 of his first 36 games, guiding the team to a remarkable 109-point season, clinching the Pacific Division title and narrowly missing a trip to the Western Conference finals. Notably, this was achieved despite star goalie Thatcher Demko being sidelined for a significant stretch.
So, what lies ahead? Will they build on this success or experience a downturn?
Though the Canucks lost both Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov to free agency, the bulk of their core players remain. They utilized the offseason to enhance their scoring capabilities while also fortifying their defensive lineup. This strategic approach positions the Canucks as one of the teams to keep an eye on in the West, with the potential for this season to showcase either continued progress or a step back.
Vegas Golden Knights
What can we expect from the revamped Golden Knights?
Change has become a familiar aspect of life for the Golden Knights. In fact, managing the continuous changes has been a hallmark of a franchise known for its win-at-all-costs philosophy.
This offseason, the Golden Knights parted ways with seven players, six of whom were part of the Stanley Cup-winning squad. With these departures, 13 players from that champion team remain. While much of the core is still present, Conn Smythe winner and original Golden Misfit Jonathan Marchessault is now among those seeking opportunities elsewhere.
The exit of such talent and experience—combined with the arrival of new players—raises critical questions: How will Viktor Olofsson integrate into their forward lineup? What influence will Alexander Holtz bring? Which version of Ilya Samsonov will the team acquire to pair with Adin Hill in goal?
Preseason Preview: Top Questions Facing Each NHL Team as Training Camps Open
As NHL training camps kick off, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Each team heads into the new season with a unique set of challenges and questions that need to be addressed. In this preseason preview, we dive into the top questions facing each NHL team, providing insights and analysis that will keep you informed as the hockey season unfolds.
Atlantic Division
Boston Bruins
- Can the Bruins maintain their dominance without key players? With several veterans aging, the Bruins need to determine how to fill gaps left by injuries and retirements.
Buffalo Sabres
- Will the Sabres finally break their playoff drought? After a promising season, the Sabres need to address their consistency and defensive issues.
Detroit Red Wings
- Is this the year for a playoff comeback? With an influx of young talent, can the Red Wings finally return to postseason glory?
Florida Panthers
- Can the Panthers replicate their playoff success? After a strong postseason run, what strategies will they implement to keep that momentum going?
Montreal Canadiens
- How will the Canadiens address their rebuilding phase? The team must focus on developing young players while still being competitive.
Ottawa Senators
- Are the Senators ready to contend? With a mix of experienced players and prospects, Ottawa needs to find the right chemistry.
Tampa Bay Lightning
- Can the Lightning overcome their playoff disappointments? After several deep runs, what adjustments are necessary to reclaim their championship status?
Toronto Maple Leafs
- Will the Maple Leafs finally break the first-round curse? The pressure is on for a team loaded with talent but lacking postseason success.
Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes
- Can the Hurricanes solidify their status as a contender? With a stacked roster, how will they manage player health and performance?
Columbus Blue Jackets
- What’s next for the rebuilding Blue Jackets? Columbus is in a transition phase; will they commit to youth or seek veteran experience?
New Jersey Devils
- Can the Devils build on last season’s success? Expectations are high—what will be the key factors for their continued improvement?
New York Islanders
- How will the Islanders adjust to roster changes? With pivotal player departures, will they stick to their defensive identity?
New York Rangers
- Are the Rangers poised for a deep playoff run? With star players in place, how will they manage consistency throughout the season?
Philadelphia Flyers
- Can the Flyers find their winning formula? After a challenging previous season, what changes will be made to improve team dynamics?
Pittsburgh Penguins
- How will the Penguins handle aging stars? As the core ages, what strategies will be implemented to maintain competitiveness?
Washington Capitals
- Will the Capitals rebound after a disappointing season? With key injuries affecting their last campaign, how will they approach this year?
Central Division
Chicago Blackhawks
- How will the Blackhawks handle their rebuild? With a legacy of success, how quickly can they return to contention?
Colorado Avalanche
- Can the Avalanche defend their championship? The pressure is on to not only repeat but also to improve from last season.
Dallas Stars
- Are the Stars ready to elevate their game? With playoff experience, how will they leverage it to achieve greater success?
Minneapolis Wild
- What adjustments will the Wild make to their roster? With a strong foundation, what new strategies will they implement for improvement?
Nashville Predators
- Can the Predators find consistency? With a mix of veterans and youth, how will they balance the roster?
St. Louis Blues
- Will the Blues bounce back this season? After a disappointing last campaign, what changes are essential for recovery?
Winnipeg Jets
- How will the Jets manage player expectations? With a talented roster, can they convert potential into performance?
Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks
- What’s next for the rebuilding Ducks? With a young core, how will they develop talent while gaining experience?
Calgary Flames
- Can the Flames secure a playoff spot? With a competitive division, what must they achieve to return to the postseason?
Edmonton Oilers
- Will the Oilers break through in the playoffs? With superstar players, how can they enhance their playoff performance?
Los Angeles Kings
- Are the Kings ready to challenge for the cup? With emerging talent, how will they balance youth and experience?
San Jose Sharks
- What’s the future for the Sharks? After a difficult season, what direction will the franchise take moving forward?
Seattle Kraken
- Can the Kraken build on their inaugural season? How will they leverage their first-year experience into a stronger second season?
Vancouver Canucks
- How will the Canucks improve their defensive play? With offensive talent, what adjustments are needed to bolster their defense?
Vegas Golden Knights
- Can the Golden Knights return to the Stanley Cup Final? With a solid roster, how will they navigate the challenges of the season?
Benefits of Addressing Key Questions Early
Understanding and addressing the critical questions for each NHL team is vital for several reasons:
- Informed Fan Engagement: Fans who are aware of their team’s challenges can engage more meaningfully during the season.
- Strategic Planning: Teams that highlight their issues can plan more effectively throughout the season.
- Optimized Performance: Early identification of problems allows for timely adjustments, improving overall performance.
First-Hand Insights: What Coaches Are Saying
Coaches across the NHL are emphasizing the importance of addressing these questions at training camps. Here’s what a few head coaches have shared:
| Coach | Team | Key Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Montgomery | Boston Bruins | “We need to adapt quickly to our new reality and trust our young players.” |
| Peter Laviolette | New York Rangers | “Consistency will be our mantra this season. Every game matters.” |
| Jared Bednar | Colorado Avalanche | “We know what it takes to win, but we need to stay hungry.” |
As the NHL season approaches, keeping an eye on these questions can provide insights into team dynamics and performance. The journey through training camps is just the beginning of
