Many questions fill the air as the 2024-25 National Hockey league gets underway. Will Canada’s 31-year Stanley Cup drought finally end? Who will win the Calder trophy in this season’s talented pack of rookies – The 2024 number one draft pick and San Jose center, Macklin Celebrini, or Philadelphia’s right winger from Russia, Matevi Michkov? Can Auston Matthews stay hot and lead the Maple Leafs into a deep playoff run?
The season is only a couple weeks old, so here are some previews and predictions for what looks to be an exciting season.
Offseason news:
Big offseason trades included Steven Stamkos, two-time Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup holder, to the Nashville Predators. New Jersey also fixed their goalie situation, acquiring Jacob Markstrom from Calgary. Jake Guentzel moving from the Carolina Hurricanes to Tampa Bay was a shock as well, after the energy he brought into the playoffs for the Hurricanes last season. The duo at goal for Boston was also shaken up, with Linus Ullmark getting traded to Ottawa in return for Joonas Korpisalo. Tampa Bay was involved in multiple blockbuster trades, after sending defensemen Mikhail Sergachev to Utah.
Western Conference:
Central: The Dallas Stars enter the season as favorites for the Central Division, building off a strong 2023-24 season. With a balanced roster full of veterans and emerging talents, they feature experience and depth on the offensive side of the ice. The Colorado Avalanche, led by 2024 Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon and 2022 Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar, are not far behind. The Avs will stay motivated after their early knockout in the playoffs last season by Dallas. The Predators gained many veterans like Stamkos, Guentzel, and Jonathan Marchessault during the offseason. These moves should help their offense, while their well-grounded defense led by Roman Josi and goalie Juuse Saros stays intact. While most franchises struggle in their inaugural season, Utah has a promising roster, featuring veterans like Clayton Kellar and Sean Durzi, who could help the team earn a wildcard spot.
Pacific :
The Edmonton Oilers remain favorites to take the Pacific, with a roster full of starpower like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Their only doubt is in goal, so Stuart Skinner needs to be consistently stable to help Edmonton’s chances at bringing home a cup. Vancouver is a strong contender, though their stability in goal still remains a question. Thatcher Demko’s return will be critical in stabilizing the team, if he can stay healthy then the team could fight for the top spot in the division. The Las Vegas Golden Knights, the 2022-23 Stanley Cup champions, have seen a slight drop in their success, but they remain a dangerous team. Their experienced core, led by Jack Eichel and Alex Pietrangelo, give them an edge. They need to avoid injuries, especially in the net, or they most likely won’t make a wildcard spot.
Eastern Conference:
Atlantic:
The Florida Panthers, fresh off a Stanley Cup win, remain one of the top contenders in the Atlantic. There’s no doubt their players can show up in the postseason, after their game seven win over Edmonton in the Stanley Cup final last season. The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for their first Stanley Cup win in 57 years. After appointing seven-time all star, Auston Matthews, to captain, they might finally have the motivation to push through. Their dynamic offense driven by William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and Matthews should bring a high level of desperately needed energy. The Boston Bruins are primed for another strong season, but the Maple Leafs and Panthers still hold a bit of an edge over them. Last season the Bruins proved they had what it took to beat the Maple Leafs, after Pastranak scored in overtime goal, winning game seven in round one. But they were knocked out in the second round by the Panthers. Their defensive core, led by Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, still remains one of the best in the league. They also have one of the best in goal, with Jeremey Swayman signing a long-anticipated contract just days before their home opener.
Metropolitan:
The New Jersey Devils are prepared for a bounce-back season, after their disappointing campaign a year ago. The Devils finished with a record of 38-39-5, making them one of the most disappointing teams in the NHL. Their offseason additions on defense bring the team exactly what they needed to make a deep run in the playoffs. Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, and Johnathan Kovacevic, bring a new level of aggressiveness that the team was lacking last season. They also have a young defensive core, including Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, and Seamus Casey, who will continue to develop in the upcoming years. The Devils also upgraded on their weakest aspect: goalie. Bringing in Jacob Markstrom after the struggle in front of the net last season, is a great addition for this offensive-driven team, with Jake Allen as a helpful backup when needed. The New York Rangers are contenders for the Metropolitan title as well. Their offense, led by Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, and Chris Krieder can score on just about anyone. Adam fox leads the defense, backed up by elite goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who remains the team’s biggest strength. The Carolina Hurricanes are known for their aggressive play and fast-paced style, but after losing key players in the offseason, this season might turn out to be a challenge. Their forwards still remain strong, with Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov.
Calder Trophy Winner: Macklin Celebrini, the number one pick to San Jose is the favorite, especially after scoring in his NHL debut. Matvei Michkov is another strong contender, bringing much-needed offense to the Philadelphia Flyers. San Jose’s Will Smith could also be a frontrunner, though he’ll be competing with his teammate Celebrini for recognition. While most rookie defensemen are overlooked, New Jersey’s Seamus Casey has the potential to surprise, following in the footsteps of his teammate, Luke Hughes, who finished third in Calder voting last season.
Hart Trophy Winner: McDavid is a three-time winner and an obvious favorite, but his teammate Draisaitl deserves more attention as well. Auston Matthews, David Pastranak, Nate McKinnon are all in the mix. Jack Hughes could contend, if he manages to stay healthy the entire season.
Norris Trophy Winner: Cale Makar remains a standout candidate for best defenseman. However, emerging talents like Luke Hughes from New Jersey might challenge him, following in the footsteps of his older brother, and last year’s winner, Quinn Hughes. Adam Fox of the New York Rangers also deserves consideration, having established himself as a leading blueliner. Dallas’ Miro Heiskanen could also be a surprise, with his smooth skating and ability to stay calm underpressure.