Every NHL season comes with its own set of surprises, and the 2024 season is no exception. Teams that were expected to dominate are struggling, while others are defying all expectations.
Utah's Rising Prospects
One of the most compelling stories this season is the rise of the Utah franchise. The team has made significant acquisitions and boasts a roster of promising young talent. During the 2024 NHL Draft, Utah acquired defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning, bringing in a seasoned player to fortify their blue line. Additionally, the team landed John Marino from the New Jersey Devils, adding yet another layer of defensive prowess.
Utah didn't stop there. The integration of Sean Durzi into their defensive corps further strengthens their lineup. Up front, Clayton Keller is coming off an impressive 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season. Adding to the offensive firepower, Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, had a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points. Not to be outdone, Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, tallied 35 points in 45 games, signaling a bright future ahead.
Goaltending has also been a strong point for Utah, with Connor Ingram saving 5.05 goals above average last season and maintaining a high-danger save percentage of .841. With such talents on their roster and the end of persistent relocation rumors, Utah seems poised for a promising future.
Buffalo Sabres: The Long Drought
The Buffalo Sabres, on the other hand, continue to face struggles despite some bright spots. The team has not made a playoff appearance since 2011, a drought that weighs heavily on the fanbase. However, individual performances have given fans something to cheer about. Alex Tuch had a productive season with 22 goals and 37 assists, while Tage Thompson scored 56 points in 71 games last season.
The younger generation of Sabres is also stepping up. JJ Peterka, a 22-year-old forward, reached the 28-goal mark and notched 50 points last season. Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, had 14 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23. The addition of defenseman Bowen Byram aims to address some of the team’s defensive shortcomings.
In net, Ukko-Pekka Luukonen showed promise by saving 10.1 goals above average last season. Still, the Sabres have much work to do to break their long playoff drought.
Montreal Canadiens' Youth Movement
The Montreal Canadiens are another team with a mix of young talent and experienced players looking to make an impact. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield combined for an impressive 61 goals and 81 assists last season. Both players are still in their early twenties, with Suzuki at 24 and Caufield at 23, signaling a solid core for the future.
Juraj Slafkovsky also contributed significantly with 20 goals and 30 assists. Lane Hutson made his debut last season, playing two games, and his impressive collegiate record of 97 points in 77 games at Boston University has fans excited about his potential.
Injury Woes
However, not all is rosy. Patrik Laine suffered a significant knee injury in a preseason game, casting a shadow over his season prospects. The Minnesota Wild, on the other hand, have had better luck with player health. Matt Boldy has recorded 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games and has maintained a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons. Marco Rossi, another young talent, totaled 40 points in his first full season. Rossi played the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward and controlled 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season, marking him as a key player in their lineup.
The 2024 NHL season is unfolding with plenty of storylines to watch. Fans have much to be excited about, as both seasoned veterans and emerging stars make their mark on the ice.