The NHL 2024-25 season is quickly approaching, and once the puck drops, a few teams will deserve some extra spotlight.
To be clear, every NHL team has its own compelling narratives, but eight teams stand out for various reasons. Whether it’s a veteran squad eager to seize a championship opportunity, a young team aiming for advancement, or a legend striving to solidify his legacy in NHL history, these teams are particularly intriguing as we near the season opener.
Take the Nashville Predators, for example, who made significant moves during the offseason, instantly elevating expectations. Conversely, the Detroit Red Wings will be counting on the continued growth of their key core players.
Let’s explore the eight teams to watch closely throughout the 2024-25 NHL season.
I have a feeling Connor McDavid will be unsatisfied with just the Conn Smythe Trophy after falling one win short of his first Stanley Cup last season. Already acknowledged as the best player in the world, I anticipate McDavid will elevate his performance even further this year. Additionally, his close friend and fellow offensive powerhouse, Leon Draisaitl, secured a long-term deal to remain in Edmonton.
The key improvement for the Oilers may lie in their forward depth, which has never been this robust during McDavid’s tenure. The acquisitions of Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson provide Edmonton with valuable secondary scoring—a facet that has been notably absent in recent seasons. This team was already an offensive juggernaut, but this year’s roster will likely keep scoreboard operators across the league very busy.
Detroit Red Wings
Steve Yzerman stands as a legendary figure within the franchise, possessing a wealth of hockey expertise that could fill countless shelves. However, it may be time for “The Yzerplan” to begin materializing in Detroit. The Red Wings have not qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2016, and I am skeptical about their chances of breaking that streak this season.
Last season, Detroit came close to ending its prolonged playoff drought, ultimately losing a tiebreaker to the Washington Capitals for the second wild card position. Nevertheless, this team appears to be a candidate for negative regression in 2024-25. Last year, the Wings greatly exceeded some concerning underlying metrics, and they haven’t made significant improvements during the offseason. While I acknowledge that Detroit possesses several exciting young talents—such as Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, and Simon Edvinsson—I question whether Yzerman has assembled a robust enough supporting cast around them. Will the Red Wings surpass expectations once more, or is the rebuild destined to plateau?
Nashville Predators
General Manager Barry Trotz wasted no time in aggressively retooling the Predators. On the very first day of free agency, he opened the bank vault, investing $108.5 million to acquire Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. This swift action has created a championship window in Nashville, but considering the age of the team’s core, the countdown has already begun to maximize this opportunity.
On paper, the Predators are expected to compete for both the Central Division title and the Western Conference crown. The primary concern lies in whether stars like Stamkos, Marchessault, Roman Josi, and Ryan O’Reilly can fend off the effects of time. If they succeed, Nashville could be on the brink of its first deep playoff run since 2017. Conversely, if they falter, that hefty offseason expenditure could prove to be a misstep. Regardless, the Preds are set to be one of the most captivating teams in the NHL as the 2024-25 season unfolds.
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Washington Capitals
To start, Alex Ovechkin is only 41 goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. Achieving this milestone will require Ovechkin to have a strong comeback season, and the Capitals are committed to supporting his quest, all while boasting a more talented roster than they did in 2023-24.
Beyond Ovechkin’s goal-scoring aspirations, Washington made several intriguing acquisitions during the offseason. The standout addition is the unpredictable Pierre-Luc Dubois, who was traded by the Kings just a year after signing an eight-year, $68 million deal. Will he be able to find his rhythm in a new position with the Capitals? Additionally, Washington secured Andrew Mangiapane to bolster its forward lineup, and the defense has seen significant improvements with the arrivals of Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy. The Capitals defied expectations last season by making the playoffs, but they are unlikely to catch anyone off guard this year.
The introduction of NHL hockey in Salt Lake City is undeniably fascinating, yet the team’s performance on the ice merits its own recognition. After departing from the desert, Utah made significant offseason moves to enhance its defensive lineup, positioning itself as a contender for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Utah welcomed a new number one defenseman in Mikhail Sergachev, acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning, and added another key player to its top-four defense with John Marino, obtained from the New Jersey Devils. Pairing these two with a youthful forward core led by Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther creates an exciting prospect. It wouldn’t be surprising if Utah manages to snag a playoff position from one of the more seasoned teams in the conference.
In the past six seasons, the Hurricanes have established themselves as one of the premier teams in the NHL; however, this success hasn’t really led to achievements in the postseason. Following a summer filled with changes, Carolina must adapt and fill the gaps left by key departures as they strive to overcome their playoff challenges.
Key defenders Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei, long-time fixtures on the Hurricanes’ blue line, have now departed. Forward Teuvo Teravainen has returned to the Chicago Blackhawks. Jake Guentzel, the significant trade acquired at last year’s deadline, has left for Tampa during free agency. While Carolina remains a strong team, especially with its current core and coach Rod Brind’Amour at the helm, the question remains: will they be capable of going the distance in the playoffs?
Under head coach Rick Tocchet in their first full season, the Canucks achieved 50 wins and 109 points, securing the Pacific Division title. Vancouver emerged as one of last season’s most delightful surprises, but now they must continue to build on that success. Should the Canucks take another leap forward, they could become a formidable contender for the Stanley Cup.
With Tocchet guiding the team, stars like Quinn Hughes, J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson, and Brock Boeser have reached new heights. This core group always had the potential to excel, and that potential materialized during the 2023-24 season. Despite losing their two key trade acquisitions from the previous year, the Canucks remain poised to challenge the Oilers in the division. One major concern as the new season approaches is the status of starting goaltender Thatcher Demko, who sustained an injury during the postseason. Extended absence could pose significant challenges for the team.
GM Kent Hughes of Montreal is steadily continuing his methodical rebuilding of the roster, and I’m eager to see its progression this season. The Canadiens boast several exciting young talents, and while they may still be a few years away from returning to the playoffs, their games should remain enjoyable to watch.
A standout among these young prospects is Juraj Slafkovsky, who was the former No. 1 overall pick. After experiencing a sluggish start last season, my skepticism about him began to wane as he improved significantly throughout the year, ultimately tallying 50 points at just 20 years old. This season, Lane Hutson will join Kaiden Guhle on the blue line, while Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki will lead the offensive charge. There’s an abundance of talent among players aged 25 and under, and let’s not forget that the Canadiens have also brought in 26-year-old sharpshooter Patrik Laine to enhance their roster.
Eight NHL Teams to Watch as the 2024-25 Season Approaches
The NHL landscape is always buzzing with excitement as teams gear up for another thrilling season. With the 2024-25 season on the horizon, several NHL teams have emerged as strong contenders for both the playoffs and the Stanley Cup. In this article, we will explore eight NHL teams to watch closely as the new season approaches, highlighting their key players, strategies, and what makes them stand out in the competitive landscape of ice hockey.
1. Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche have made significant strides in recent years, culminating in their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. As they head into the 2024-25 season, they remain a formidable force in the Western Conference.
Key Players
- Nathan MacKinnon – A dynamic forward, MacKinnon is known for his speed and playmaking ability.
- Cale Makar – The young defenseman is not only a defensive powerhouse but also contributes significantly to the offense.
What to Watch For
With a solid core and depth in their roster, the Avalanche are expected to dominate the competition. Keep an eye on their power play, which has the potential to be one of the best in the league.
2. Vegas Golden Knights
The reigning champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, are not to be overlooked as they prepare to defend their title. Their blend of veteran experience and youthful energy makes them a thrilling team to watch.
Key Players
- Jack Eichel – The star center is poised to continue his upward trajectory after an impressive playoff performance.
- Mark Stone - Known for his leadership and two-way play, Stone is crucial to the Golden Knights’ success.
What to Watch For
The chemistry between Eichel and Stone could create a formidable offensive line, and their ability to adapt throughout the season will be key to repeating their championship run.
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have long been a powerhouse in the NHL, consistently reaching the playoffs. As they approach the 2024-25 season, fans are eager to see if they can finally break their championship drought.
Key Players
- Auston Matthews – A perennial goal-scoring leader, Matthews is essential to the Leafs’ offensive success.
- John Tavares – The captain brings experience and talent, serving as a stabilizing force for the team.
What to Watch For
Pay attention to the Leafs’ playoff performance; can they finally get over the hump with their talented roster? Their ability to perform under pressure will be crucial.
4. New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are on the rise with a roster filled with young talent and seasoned veterans. With a renewed focus and strategic acquisitions, they look to make a significant impact in the Eastern Conference.
Key Players
- Igor Shesterkin – Arguably one of the best goalies in the league, Shesterkin’s presence between the pipes is invaluable.
- Artemi Panarin – The winger is known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, making him a key offensive contributor.
What to Watch For
Watch how the Rangers develop their young players and whether they can challenge established teams in the playoffs.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a team that has consistently performed well in recent years, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals multiple times. Their experience and depth make them perennial contenders.
Key Players
- Steven Stamkos – The captain is a clutch player and leader, often rising to the occasion in high-pressure situations.
- Nikita Kucherov – A key offensive asset, Kucherov can change the game with his scoring prowess.
What to Watch For
The Lightning’s ability to maintain their dominance in the Eastern Conference will be tested. Their playoff experience could be a game-changer in crucial moments.
6. Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins have a rich history and a strong fan base. With a blend of veteran leadership and emerging stars, they are a team to watch closely in the 2024-25 season.
Key Players
- Brad Marchand – Known for his scoring and tenacity, Marchand is a key player for the Bruins.
- David Pastrnak – A young superstar, Pastrnak’s offensive contributions are pivotal to the Bruins’ success.
What to Watch For
With their rich playoff history, the Bruins look to translate their regular-season success into postseason triumph.
7. Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers emerged as a potent force during the last season, showcasing their talent on both ends of the ice. As they move into the 2024-25 season, they remain a team to watch.
Key Players
- Matthew Tkachuk – Tkachuk’s physical play and scoring ability make him a versatile asset for the Panthers.
- Sergei Bobrovsky – The goaltender’s experience and skill are crucial for the Panthers’ playoff aspirations.
What to Watch For
The Panthers’ ability to continue their momentum from last season and how Tkachuk leads the team will be significant storylines.
8. Seattle Kraken
As one of the newer franchises in the NHL, the Seattle Kraken have quickly made a name for themselves. With a strong roster and an enthusiastic fan base, they are definitely worth watching in the upcoming season.
Key Players
- Matty Beniers – The young forward has shown immense potential and is expected to take on a larger role this season.
- Jordan Eberle – With his veteran experience, Eberle is vital in mentoring younger players while contributing offensively.
What to Watch For
The Kraken’s continued development as a competitive team in the league and their performance against established franchises will be interesting to follow.
Benefits of Following These Teams
- Engagement: Following these teams offers fans an engaging way to experience the season, enriching their love for the game.
- Knowledge: Understanding player dynamics and team strategies enhances the overall viewing experience.
- Community: Being part of the fanbase fosters a sense of community among supporters.
Practical Tips for Fans
- Stay Updated: Follow team social media accounts for the latest news and player updates.
- Watch Games Live: Experience the thrill of live games, whether in-person or via streaming services.
- Engage in Discussions: Join forums or social media groups to discuss your favorite teams and players.
Case Studies: Teams with Comebacks
| Team | Season | Key Changes | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Blackhawks | 2019-2020 | New coach, young players | Playoff appearance |
| St. Louis Blues | 2018-2019 | Mid-season coaching change | Stanley Cup Champions |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 2015-2016 | Roster overhaul | Stanley Cup Champions |
First-Hand Experience with NHL Teams
Attending games or engaging with teams through community events can enhance your experience as a fan. Many teams offer opportunities for fans to meet players, attend practices, and participate in fan events that create lasting memories.
As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, these eight teams stand out as the ones to watch. With
