NHL Bold Predictions Reassessed: Successes, Failures, and Incompletes
With teh NHL regular season winding down to its final weeks, preseason bold predictions are being put to the test. Some forecasts have proven accurate, while others have fallen short or remain uncertain. Here’s a final look at several teams and whether their predictions passed, failed, or remain incomplete.
Anaheim Ducks: Zegras Stays Put
Preseason bold prediction: Trevor Zegras will not be traded this season
Verdict: Pass
Trevor Zegras remains with the Anaheim Ducks.Despite an injury-plagued season that reduced his trade value, the Ducks opted to keep the talented young player. With Zegras still under contract,trading him at a loss didn’t make sense for the team. While questions remain about his long-term fit within the team’s vision, Anaheim is undeniably better with him in the lineup.
Boston Bruins: Swayman Bounces back
Preseason bold prediction: Jeremy Swayman will struggle early
Verdict: Pass
After missing training camp due to contract negotiations and stepping into the starting role after Linus Ullmark’s departure, Jeremy Swayman was projected to struggle initially. While he hasn’t been a top-tier goalie based on save percentage, his performance hasn’t been a complete disaster, and the initial struggles were anticipated.
Buffalo Sabres: Power’s Offensive Surge
Preseason bold prediction: Owen power will score 12 goals
verdict: Incomplete
Owen power’s goal-scoring pace may fall short of the predicted 12 goals, with 7 goals currently.However, he has already reached a career-high in both goals and points. Although still developing defensively, power has demonstrated his ability to be a meaningful offensive contributor.
Calgary Flames: Huberdeau’s Point Production
Preseason bold prediction: Jonathan huberdeau will crack the 80-point plateau
verdict: Incomplete
Jonathan Huberdeau‘s point total is unlikely to reach 80 unless he goes on a significant points streak, he is close to the 30-goal mark and could establish a career-high in goals by season’s end. This year could still go down as a triumphant one for the winger, especially if he helps Calgary make the playoffs.
NHL Bold Prediction Scorecard: Some Hit, Many Miss as Season Nears end
With the NHL regular season drawing to a close, preseason bold predictions are being put to the test. While some forecasts have fallen flat, others remain in play. Here’s a look at how some teams are measuring up against initial expectations:
Carolina Hurricanes: Jarvis at Center?
Prediction: Seth Jarvis will get a shot at center.
Verdict: Fail.
Despite opportunities, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour primarily kept Jarvis on the top line with Sebastian Aho. A possible lingering shoulder injury may have contributed, as Jarvis took fewer faceoffs than the previous year. However, Jarvis has excelled as a top defensive forward, even without the move to center.
Chicago Blackhawks: A Significant Leap?
Prediction: The Blackhawks will finish 25 points better than last season.
Verdict: fail.
While the Blackhawks are set to improve upon their previous season’s point total, the increase will fall far short of the ambitious 25-point target. The team’s performance has been more underwhelming than anticipated.
Colorado Avalanche: Makar’s Century Mark?
Prediction: Cale Makar will have 100 points.
Verdict: Fail.
Columbus Blue jackets: Chinakhov’s Breakout?
prediction: Yegor Chinakhov will bloom as a goal scorer.
Verdict: Fail.
A nagging lower-back injury significantly hampered Chinakhov’s progress. After a promising start, the injury sidelined him for an extended period, disrupting his momentum. While other young players on the roster have flourished,Chinakhov’s season has been largely frustrating.
Dallas Stars: Stanley Cup Bound?
Prediction: The Stars will win the Stanley Cup.
Verdict: Incomplete.
The Stars remain a strong contender, bolstered by the addition of Mikko Rantanen. However, the ultimate outcome remains to be seen as they navigate the playoffs. The prediction’s fate will depend on their performance in the postseason.
NHL Bold Predictions: Hits and Misses as Playoffs Approach
As the NHL regular season winds down and playoff berths are clinched, it’s time to revisit some of the bold predictions made before the puck dropped in the fall. How accurate were these forecasts? Let’s examine some of the hits and misses across the league.
Quinton Byfield Emerges as Key Player for Los Angeles Kings
One preseason prediction that has come to fruition is Quinton Byfield’s rise to prominence with the Los Angeles Kings. While Adrian Kempe remains a top performer, Byfield’s recent surge suggests he’s now the Kings’ most impactful player. In 71 games,Byfield has tallied 19 goals and 44 points,with a significant portion of that production occurring in the last 26 games.His remarkable goal-scoring streak highlights his increased confidence and could be a game-changer for Los Angeles in the playoffs. At 22 years old, his trajectory is certainly promising.
Larkin’s 40-Goal Pace Falls Short for Detroit Red Wings
A preseason forecast of Dylan Larkin reaching the 40-goal mark appears unlikely for the Detroit Red Wings captain. While a strong start suggested a chance, ending in the low 30s appears probable. The top line’s late-season struggles, coupled with inconsistent linemates due to Marco Kasper’s move to center the second line, hindered Larkin’s ability to reach the milestone. While effective on the power play, a lack of consistent five-on-five scoring has kept 40 goals out of reach.
Oilers’ Skinner Fails to Reach Vezina Heights
Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers was predicted to be a top-five Vezina Trophy candidate. however, his performance this season hasn’t met those expectations. A save percentage below .900, coupled with allowing more goals than expected in all situations, according to Natural Stat Trick, has made him an unlikely candidate for the award. As the playoffs near, Skinner faces increased pressure to elevate his game.
Boqvist Fails to breakout with Panthers
Adam Boqvist’s anticipated breakout with the Florida Panthers didn’t materialize. He struggled to earn consistent playing time under coach Paul Maurice and was frequently a healthy scratch. Eventually placed on waivers, Boqvist found a more regular role with the New York Islanders as a depth defender. however, his limited playing time and modest point production hardly constitute a breakout season.
Boldy’s dual 40-Goal, 40-Assist Prediction Appears Unlikely for Wild
The prediction for Minnesota Wild’s Matt Boldy to score 40 goals and 40 assists is also looking unlikely. His production has slowed as the season progressed, largely due to injuries to Kirill Kaprizov, making the predicted milestone difficult to achieve.
NHL Bold Prediction Scorecard: Star Players Fall Short of Preseason Expectations
Several NHL teams and players are falling short of bold preseason predictions as the 2024-25 season heads into its final weeks.From scoring droughts to team struggles, some high hopes have been dashed.
Matt Boldy Faces increased Defensive Pressure, Adjusts Scoring Pace
Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy, initially projected for a 45-goal, 45-assist season, is now pacing towards 27 goals and 43 assists. Opposing teams have focused their defensive efforts on Boldy, recognizing him as one of the Wild’s primary offensive threats.
Matt Boldy’s soft hands gives the @mnwild the lead with nine seconds left in the period! 🙌
🇺🇸: @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/S5tPrXCygm
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/X7ZPriJp0D”>pic.twitter.com/X7ZPriJp0D— NHL (@NHL) March 28, 2025
Juraj Slafkovský Unlikely to Reach 70-Point Mark for Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovský is unlikely to achieve the predicted 70 points this season. After a slow start, Slafkovský has improved his performance, contributing 14 points in 16 games as the 4 Nations break. However, the initial sluggishness leaves him too far behind to reach the 70-point threshold with only weeks remaining in the season.
Juuse Saros’ Vezina Trophy Hopes Dashed Amid Predators’ Struggles
Nashville Predators goaltender juuse Saros is having a sub-par season, derailing predictions of him winning the Vezina Trophy. Saros, who has a career save percentage of .915, is on track to finish below .900 this season. The Predators organization hopes Saros, who turns 30 in April, can rebound next season when his 8-year, $61.92 million contract begins.
Injuries Derail Devils’ Shot at Top Eastern Conference Seed
The New Jersey Devils’ ambition to secure the best record in the eastern Conference has been compromised by significant injuries to key players. Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Jonas Siegenthaler have all suffered season-ending injuries, impacting the team’s performance. Despite a strong start to the season, the Devils have dropped to sixth in the conference and are mathematically eliminated from obtaining the number one seed.
NHL Bold Prediction Check-In: Some Hit, Some Miss as Season Nears End
With the NHL season heading into its final stretch, preseason bold predictions are being put to the test.While some prognostications have proven accurate, others have fallen short, and some remain uncertain.
Penguins’ Pettersson a Trade Deadline Asset
one prediction that hit the mark was Marcus Pettersson becoming a valuable trade commodity for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team capitalized on his value, acquiring a first-round pick from Vancouver in exchange for the defenseman, aligning with their rebuilding strategy.The Penguins never engaged in contract talks with Pettersson, knowing he would be traded.
Islanders’ Dobson Not on Track for 70 Points
A bold prediction that Noah Dobson of the New York Islanders would replicate his 70-point season appears unlikely. While he has a respectable 34 points in 60 games, it falls far short of the initial expectation. however, a contract extension for the 25-year-old right-handed defenseman isn’t entirely off the table, especially with the salary cap rising and the Islanders aiming to inject youth into their lineup.
Rangers’ Shesterkin Likely to Miss Vezina
Despite an excellent season, Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers is unlikely to win the Vezina Trophy. Connor Hellebuyck is the frontrunner for the award. Shesterkin has a .908 save percentage, which is impressive considering the Rangers’ defensive struggles. He is deserving of being a Vezina finalist based on goals saved above expected, even if his surface stats don’t reflect it.
Senators’ Green Faces uphill Battle for Jack Adams
The prediction that Travis Green of the Ottawa Senators would win the Jack Adams Award is currently up in the air. With strong competition from coaches like Spencer Carbery and Jim Hiller, and also Scott Arniel, Green’s chances appear slim. However, if Green guides the Senators to their first playoff appearance since 2017, he could still garner some consideration.
Flyers’ Power Play Fails to Improve
An anticipated betterment in the Philadelphia Flyers’ power play has not materialized. Despite expectations that it would rank in the top 15 with the addition of players like Matvei Michkov and a healthy Jamie Drysdale, the power play continues to struggle. This failure led to questions about the coaching staff, notably the power-play overseer.
Sharks’ Eklund in Scoring Race
The prediction that William Eklund would lead the San Jose Sharks in scoring remains to be seen. He is currently in a battle to finish as the team’s leading scorer.
NHL Bold Prediction Scorecard: Eklund Exceeds Expectations, Marner Misses the Mark
Preseason predictions in the NHL are always a gamble, and as the regular season nears its end, it’s time to assess which bold calls hit the mark and which fell flat. From individual player performances to team strategies, here’s a look at some predictions that have either come to fruition or missed their mark.
San Jose Sharks: Eklund’s Breakout Season
Preseason bold prediction: William Eklund will become a core player.
Verdict: pass
William Eklund has not only become a core player for the San Jose Sharks, but he has also exceeded expectations. With 54 points, eclipsing even highly-touted prospect Celebrini with games still to play, Eklund has reached new career highs in both goals and points, solidifying his role as a key offensive contributor for the Sharks.
Goalies beware, William Eklund is a magician 🪄 pic.twitter.com/EXQR3M3oQr
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 28, 2025
seattle Kraken: Beniers Falls Short of Goal Milestone
Preseason bold prediction: Matty Beniers will score 30 goals.
Verdict: Fail
Matty Beniers’ season did not unfold as was to be expected, especially in the first half where he struggled to find the net. Though, he has shown improvement in the latter part of the season, showcasing chemistry with Kaapo Kakko. While he didn’t reach the 30-goal mark, his improved performance offers a promising outlook.
St. Louis Blues: offer Sheet Strategy Pays Off
Preseason bold prediction: Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway’s success will lead to more offer sheets.
Verdict: Pass
The St. Louis Blues’ acquisitions of Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway have proven to be shrewd moves.Broberg’s strong defensive play and Holloway’s offensive contributions have exceeded expectations. What were onc considered potential overpayments are now viewed as valuable assets, setting a high bar for future contract negotiations and perhaps influencing other teams’ offer sheet strategies.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Vasilevskiy’s Vezina Bid
Preseason bold prediction: Andrei Vasilevskiy will be a Vezina Trophy finalist.
Verdict: Incomplete
After a slow start,Andrei Vasilevskiy has returned to elite form for the Tampa Bay Lightning. His strong performance puts him in contention for a Vezina Trophy nomination. However, with Connor Hellebuyck as the frontrunner and other strong contenders in the mix, Vasilevskiy’s chances remain uncertain, making this prediction still up in the air.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Marner’s Scoring drought
Preseason bold prediction: Mitch Marner will score 40 goals.
Verdict: Fail
Mitch marner is on pace for around 30 goals, falling short of the ambitious 40-goal prediction.His shot volume, averaging the fewest shots per game in his career, is a key factor. Despite his playmaking abilities, Marner’s reluctance to shoot the puck limits his goal-scoring potential.
NHL Bold Predictions: Successes, Failures, and Incompletes Across the League
As the NHL season progresses, it’s time to revisit some of the bolder preseason predictions made about various teams and players. Did these forecasts come to fruition, or did they fall flat? Here’s a look at a few notable predictions and their outcomes.
Toronto Maple Leafs: marner’s Goal-Scoring Potential
One bold preseason prediction suggested that Mitch Marner could potentially reach the 40-goal mark, but only if he were to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs (and Auston Matthews).
Status: Unclear. Marner’s performance remains a subject of constant debate, and external factors might influence a significant shift in goal production..
Utah Hockey Club: High-Scoring Offense
The preseason forecast for the Utah Hockey club (formerly the Arizona Coyotes) was that they would emerge as one of the NHL’s highest-scoring teams.
Status: Failed. Despite decent additions to the roster after the move to Utah and promising young talent, the team has underperformed offensively, ranking 23rd in the league with just 2.81 goals per game. Several depth players have experienced a decline in point production, making offensive reinforcement a likely priority in the offseason.
Vancouver Canucks: Elias Pettersson’s Bounce-Back Season
it was predicted that Elias Pettersson would rebound and lead the Vancouver Canucks in scoring this season.
Status: Failed. pettersson has struggled this season, with both on-ice difficulties and off-ice drama impacting his performance. Quinn hughes appears poised to consistently lead the Canucks in scoring moving forward. Adding to his woes, Pettersson sustained an injury, further derailing his season.
Vegas Golden Knights: Pavel Dorofeyev’s Goal-Scoring Impact
A daring prediction pegged Pavel Dorofeyev to finish second in goals for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Status: Passed. Dorofeyev has made a significant impact, solidifying his place in the golden Knights’ offensive lineup.
Washington Capitals: Pierre-Luc Dubois Trade Success
The trade that brought Pierre-Luc dubois to the Washington Capitals, in exchange for Darcy Kuemper, was predicted to be a successful move for the team.
status: Passed. Despite initial skepticism, the trade has benefited both sides. Kuemper has excelled in Los Angeles, while Dubois has thrived as the capitals’ second-line center. He’s currently scoring at a career-high rate, contributing significantly to both ends of the ice and strengthening the team’s second line.
Winnipeg Jets: Nikolaj Ehlers’ UFA Status
The prediction stated that Nikolaj Ehlers would play out the season with the Winnipeg Jets and then leave as an unrestricted free agent (UFA).
Status: Incomplete. Ehlers remained with the Jets through the trade deadline,clearing the initial hurdle of the prediction. However, whether he will stay with the team longer term remains to be seen, leaving the ultimate outcome uncertain.
NHL Trade Rumors: Pettersson’s Future Uncertain, Slafkovsky’s Rising Star
Vancouver canucks star Elias Pettersson’s future with the team remains uncertain as contract negotiations loom. Simultaneously occurring, Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky is demonstrating significant progress, hinting at future stardom.
Pettersson’s Contract Talks Stall: Will He Stay in Vancouver?
Elias Pettersson is heading toward restricted free agency, and the Canucks’ willingness to meet his contract demands is in question. His performance in the upcoming playoffs will heavily influence his next contract and whether the Jets will offer a competitive bid. Pettersson’s camp could be looking elsewhere for a fresh start.
Slafkovsky’s Growth: A Luminous Spot for Montreal
juraj Slafkovsky is exhibiting noticeable development this season,offering optimism for the Canadiens’ future. While specific details of his advancements were not mentioned, this progress makes him a player to watch.
Speculation about Pettersson’s future will continue and Slafkovsky’s rise is sure to fuel excitement among Canadiens fans. Both players’ trajectories are important stories to follow in the NHL.
What players exceeded expectations the most this NHL season?
NHL Bold Predictions: Hits, Misses, and Burning Questions
This article dives into the accuracy of preseason predictions in the NHL, assessing which forecasts hit the mark, which fell flat, and which remain uncertain as the season winds down and playoff races heat up.Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways, followed by answers to some burning questions.
Q&A: Unpacking the NHL Predictions
Q: Why did the prediction about Mitch Marner’s goal-scoring fall short?
A: Marner’s shot volume is down, averaging the fewest shots per game in his career. This, combined with a reluctance to shoot, has limited his goal-scoring potential. For fantasy hockey players, consider his playmaking skills over goal-scoring this season.
Q: What happened with the Utah Hockey Club’s offense?
A: Despite expectations and roster additions,the team underperformed.Scoring has been a struggle. This season, the team is currently ranked 23rd in the league concerning goals per game. The offseason is highly likely to see a focus on improving offensive firepower.
Q: How did Pavel Dorofeyev succeed in his prediction?
A: Dorofeyev has become a key offensive player for the Vegas Golden Knights, exceeding expectations. His goal-scoring contribution has solidified his place in the lineup. Keep an eye on his performance next season; he could be a breakout player.
Q: What are the chances of Elias Pettersson staying with Vancouver?
A: His future is uncertain due to pending contract negotiations. His performance in the playoffs, will heavily influence his next contract and whether the Jets will offer a competitive bid. The outcome is dependent on negotiations and his performance.
Q: What is the latest scoop on Juraj Slafkovsky’s growth?
A: Slafkovsky is showing important improvement for the Montreal Canadiens, providing optimism for the team’s future. He has proven himself as a player for the long haul.
The NHL season is a rollercoaster of predictions, surprises, and unexpected turns. Stay tuned for more updates as the playoffs unfold!
