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Ryan S. Clark
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Kristen Shilton
Opening night time of the 2024-25 NHL season is Tuesday, with a tripleheader of video games on ESPN and ESPN+: St. Louis Blues at Seattle Kraken (4:30 p.m. ET), Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers (7 p.m. ET), Chicago Blackhawks at Utah Hockey Club (10 p.m. ET).
We’re right here to assist get you up to the mark with intel on all 32 groups, together with the important thing gamers who had been added or subtracted, best- and worst-case eventualities, X components and fantasy suggestions, plus daring predictions.
Our season preview additionally options the primary version of our Energy Rankings, which offer the order during which these groups are introduced. The weekly rankings are formulated via votes from ESPN hockey broadcasters, analysts and reporters.
How to watch the NHL on ESPN, ABC, ESPN+ and Hulu
Notice: Because of PuckPedia for wage and contract information. Superior stats are from Hockey Reference, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey. Kristen Shilton profiled the groups within the Jap Convention, whereas Ryan S. Clark dealt with the Western Convention golf equipment. The fantasy outlook for each team is courtesy of Victoria Matiash and Sean Allen, and bold predictions are courtesy of Greg Wyshynski. Stanley Cup odds are courtesy of ESPN BET.
Soar to a staff:
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
Final season: 49-27-6, 104 factors. Misplaced within the Stanley Cup Closing.
Stanley Cup odds: +700
Key gamers added: F Viktor Arvidsson, D Josh Brown, F Vasily Podkolzin, F Jeff Skinner
Key gamers misplaced: D Philip Broberg, F Sam Carrick, G Jack Campbell, D Vincent Desharnais, F Warren Foegele, F Dylan Holloway
Most fascinating participant: Evan Bouchard. With Leon Draisaitl signing an eight-year contract, it leaves Bouchard the one homegrown Oiler that is central to the staff’s future who doesn’t have a long-term deal. He’ll be a restricted free agent subsequent summer season, as he has yet one more yr left on a contract for a staff that is attempting to return to the Stanley Cup Closing. Bouchard was a large a part of the success final season. He completed with 82 factors within the common season whereas scoring 32 factors within the playoffs. What makes Bouchard much more very important is that he is doing it at a time during which groups know the premiums that include younger puck-moving defensemen. Replicating, if not, surpassing what he did in 2023-24 might result in Bouchard getting rewarded in his subsequent deal, with the fact the Oilers would possibly have to dump cap area to make a long-contract viable.
Finest case: Profitable the Stanley Cup. Tough as it might have been for the Oilers to course of a Recreation 7 loss throughout the offseason, it does reinforce that they’re in a championship window and are not that far off. If what they added in free company can present constant secondary offense whereas harnessing what allowed them to succeed in the Cup Closing, it is potential the Oilers win the title that is eluded them for greater than 30 years.
Worst case: A primary-round exit. Going to the Cup Closing solely to lose within the first spherical can be a letdown for any franchise. However that would occur to the Oilers based mostly on latest historical past. Two years in the past, the Avs received the Cup solely to be bounced within the first spherical. Final yr, the then-defending champion Golden Knights had been additionally knocked out within the first spherical. Is it potential {that a} related destiny awaits the Oilers given there is a little bit of a precedent involving Western Convention champions the previous few years? Or is that this the yr they get that sixteenth playoff win as a substitute?
X issue: Arvidsson and Skinner. Final season, Draisaitl, McDavid and Zach Hyman mixed to attain 44% of the Oilers’ objectives. Add within the truth they moved on from 20-goal scorer Warren Foegele within the offseason, and it creates the necessity for extra secondary scoring choices. That is what made the choice to signal Arvidsson and Skinner alluring. Arvidsson is a five-time 20-goal scorer whereas Skinner is a 10-time 20-goal scorer, and provides them top-six choices.
Fantasy outlook: If Skinner secures a spot on Draisaitl’s wing, as anticipated, the veteran winger ought to take pleasure in a marketing campaign much like when he put up 35 objectives and 47 assists with the Sabres solely two years in the past. Stuart Skinner possible deserves extra fantasy love after a profitable postseason. As soon as the highest goalies are taken, Edmonton’s No. 1 must be snatched up shortly.
Bold prediction: Evander Kane does the “LTIR particular,” and returns for the playoffs
Final season: 52-24-6, 110 factors. Gained the Stanley Cup.
Stanley Cup odds: +1000
Key gamers added: F Jesper Boqvist, F Tomas Nosek
Key gamers misplaced: F Ryan Lomberg, D Brandon Montour, D Oliver Ekman-Larsson, G Anthony Stolarz
Most fascinating participant: Gustav Forsling. Florida knew it had one thing particular in Forsling regardless of his quiet ascent. The previous two seasons have been Forsling at his greatest as he anchored the Panthers’ blue line via consecutive Stanley Cup Closing appearances (and up to date victory). Now, will Forsling discover a means to enhance even additional on what was a profession season in 2023-24? Florida made a number of modifications to its again finish, with Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson specifically gone from the depth chart. It’s going to be paramount that Forsling — alongside companion Aaron Ekblad — proceed carrying a heavy load.
Finest case: Florida does not miss a beat amid its post-championship roster turnover and flies out of the gate into one other profitable common season — and lengthy playoff run. The Panthers have a rock-solid base of high-speed, extremely expert gamers who choose again up the place they left off with chemistry to spare. The depth additions Florida made within the offseason — particularly Nate Schmidt and Boqvist — carve out stable roles within the system to offer the Panthers’ stars with sufficient assist that nobody is overworked or beneath strain nightly to steal a win.
Worst case: Cup fatigue units in early for Florida and places them behind the Jap Convention pack. Two years of quick summers makes the Panthers slower and fewer assured as losses start piling up. Starter Sergei Bobrovsky begins displaying his age at 36, and Chris Driedger — who performed simply two NHL video games final season and is changing Bobrovsky’s former companion Anthony Stolarz — cannot cease the bleeding in web. Florida fails to discover a rhythm till halfway via the season. Even a late push for the postseason fails and the Panthers flame out of the playoff combine by April.
X issue: Florida’s depth. The Panthers parted methods with a lot of gamers following their Cup win, together with Montour, Ekman-Larsson, Stolarz, Vladimir Tarasenko, Nick Cousins and Steven Lorentz. Whereas GM Invoice Zito did not depart the cabinet utterly naked — Boqvist and Nosek have since come on board — that is nonetheless a great deal of change to cope with as they give the impression of being to repeat as league champions. How will the brand new faces slot in? Are any of Florida’s prospects — notably Mackie Samoskevich — able to tackle a full-time function? And can Driedger present the assist Bobrovsky wants? Florida’s depth has been a difference-maker earlier than, and whether or not it may be once more can be a decisive think about how their season performs out.
Fantasy outlook: With seven gamers ending among the many prime 200 in fantasy factors final season, the Stanley Cup champs stay a fantasy power. It is affordable to anticipate extra of the identical from Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart as elite gamers. There’s upside from Forsling and Ekblad on protection, whereas Adam Boqvist may very well be a sleeper if he secures power-play time.
Bold prediction: Regression, thy title is Sam Reinhart.
Final season: 52-21-9, 113 factors. Misplaced within the convention finals.
Stanley Cup odds: +1000
Key gamers added: F Colin Blackwell, D Matt Dumba, G Casey DeSmith, D Ilya Lyubushkin, D Brendan Smith
Key gamers misplaced: F Radek Faksa, D Jani Hakanpaa, F Joe Pavelski, F Craig Smith, F Sam Steel, D Ryan Suter, D Chris Tanev, G Scott Wedgewood
Most fascinating participant: Wyatt Johnston. One of many largest the explanation why the Stars are in a championship window is their skill to draft and develop homegrown expertise. Via simply two seasons, Johnston has already emerged as successful story. He went from ending with 41 factors as a rookie to breaking out for 32 objectives and 65 factors throughout the 2023-24 marketing campaign. What Johnston does in his third marketing campaign will play a big function within the Stars’ championship aspirations. Extra importantly, it is going to additionally play a big function within the staff’s long-term plans with Johnson coming into the ultimate yr of his entry-level contract. Determining Johnston’s subsequent deal is only one of some monetary concerns dealing with the Stars as captain Jamie Benn enters the final yr of his deal whereas star goaltender Jake Oettinger can be a restricted free agent at season’s finish.
Finest case: Profitable the Stanley Cup. It truly is that simple for the Stars — or any staff that is in a championship window. Advancing to the convention finals in consecutive seasons solely provides to that perception that the Stars are among the many NHL’s elite groups, and one that may pose a critical problem to win the Cup. The very fact they’re doing this in a western panorama that options two of the three most up-to-date Cup winners, the Avs and Golden Knights, together with the staff that was a win wanting giving the West three straight titles, the Oilers, solely enhances the Stars’ path to get there.
Worst case: Getting eradicated earlier than the convention finals. There can be the assumptive disappointment that comes with falling quick regardless of making the convention finals 3 times up to now 5 seasons. One other element that will make a pre-conference finals exit difficult is what it might imply for the Stars’ roster. Key figures comparable to Matt Duchene, Esa Lindell and Benn are all slated to grow to be UFAs whereas homegrown skills comparable to Mavrik Bourque, Johnston and Oettinger are pending RFAs in want of latest offers.
X issue: Their offseason defensive additions. Stars coach Peter DeBoer is aware of what he has with Thomas Harley, Miro Heiskanen and Lindell on the again finish. The identical holds for Oettinger in web. As for the remainder of the Stars’ defensive setup? That is the place it will get fascinating. They used the offseason so as to add Dumba, Lyubushkin and Smith to their blue line whereas getting a brand new backup goaltender in DeSmith. There’s additionally the likelihood that in some unspecified time in the future within the season they may name up 20-year-old prospect Lian Bichsel, their first-round choose from 2020. It is a group that can search to retain the continuity that noticed the Stars have one of many strongest defensive identities within the NHL final season.
Fantasy outlook: Excessive-ceiling rookie Logan Stankoven deserves inclusion in deeper fantasy leagues, whereas younger defender Harley deserves grabbing as soon as Heiskanen is off the draft board. After a mediocre first few months, Oettinger wrapped up the common season 10-1-0, with a .941 SV% and a 1.54 GAA.
Bold prediction: Dallas wins the Western Convention.
Final season: 55-23-4, 114 factors. Misplaced within the convention finals.
Stanley Cup odds: +1400
Key gamers added: F Sam Carrick, F Reilly Smith
Key gamers misplaced: F Barclay Goodrow, F Alex Wennberg
Most fascinating participant: Jacob Trouba. The Rangers’ captain has been beneath a microscope after taking part in poorly down the stretch final season — notably within the playoffs — and weathering a summer season full of commerce rumors. The query now’s whether or not a wholesome Trouba may be the function participant New York wants him to be. At his greatest, Trouba is usually a second-pairing asset who blocks pictures and is dependable in his personal finish whereas additionally pitching in on the penalty kill. If that is what he can ship, then the Rangers must be happy. However what if Trouba continues to say no? New York did not make any notable additions within the offseason; principally, what you see is what you get. The Rangers need to hope what they see (and get) from Trouba matches with their expectations for enchancment.
Finest case: New York lastly places all of the items collectively and wins the Cup. The Rangers have run it again with basically the identical roster that earned them a Presidents’ Trophy final season, and this time round they’re higher than earlier than — Alexis Lafreniere is a full-blown star, Kaapo Kakko overdelivers, New York’s blue line is cohesive and Igor Shesterkin is otherworldly. The Rangers’ greatest gamers present up for them constantly and with a wholesome roster intact many of the season, New York is primed for an additional lengthy spring of playoff success.
Worst case: An early playoff exit. The Rangers did not make any needle-moving additions within the offseason — and their depth took successful with the lack of Wennberg and Goodrow. New York is betting on its group to take strides from final season — however what if that does not occur? Whereas the likes of Lafreniere, Kakko and Filip Chytil must be coming into their primes, it stays to be seen if they’ll present sufficient assist in order that veterans like Artemi Panarin — already coping with an harm from the preseason — and Chris Kreider aren’t burnt out by April. It might be a nightmare for New York if it wound up too top-heavy and too depending on star energy that may simply fizzle out beneath the mistaken circumstances.
X issue: How will New York deal with the strain? Some name it a privilege to be amongst a handful of groups most pundits can agree must be glorious within the coming season. The Rangers caught with their (primarily) intact roster due to what it completed in 2023-24. With Peter Laviolette settling right into a second yr behind the bench and their aforementioned younger skaters anticipated to progress, there are sky-high hopes that this would be the marketing campaign the place New York goes all the way in which to a different Stanley Cup Closing. We all know the Rangers have expertise. They’ve expertise. Will they be capable of block out the noise, although, and nonetheless play with that little chip on their shoulder that is helped produce constructive outcomes up to now?
Fantasy outlook: The Rangers’ identification was their dominant energy play final season, making Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, Kreider and Adam Fox locked-in fantasy superstars. Shesterkin is a top-tier goaltender able to being a top-10 fantasy play. Look ahead to reclamation winger Reilly Smith if he succeeds within the prime six.
Bold prediction: Shesterkin will get a brand new deal.
Final season: 50-25-7, 107 factors. Misplaced within the second spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +1100
Key gamers added: D Calvin de Haan, F Parker Kelly, D Jacob MacDonald, D Oliver Kylington
Key gamers misplaced: F Andrew Cogliano, F Brandon Duhaime, D Jack Johnson, D Caleb Jones, F Zach Parise, F Yakov Trenin, D Sean Walker
Most fascinating participant: Gabriel Landeskog. Again in Might, the 31-year-old Avalanche captain was requested when he would return to the lineup. He stated someday between mid-September and April with fun, whereas additionally acknowledging on the time he was unsure of his return. The final time Landeskog performed was June 26, 2022 when the Avs received the Stanley Cup. Since then, he is undergone just a few knee surgical procedures which have stored him out of the lineup with the intent he might finally return. When he does, it could give the Avs one other potential scoring possibility as Landeskog has authored 9 seasons of greater than 20 objectives. Avs coach Jared Bednar advised reporters throughout the preseason that whereas the Avs are “inspired by the progress he is made” that they’d not place a timeline on when he might return.
Finest case: Landeskog performs greater than 50 video games and so they win the Stanley Cup. Maybe two of the biggest questions dealing with the Avs are centered round Landeskog’s return and if they’ll win one other title inside their present championship window. And even with the questions round Landeskog’s return, there are much more questions on what he would seem like after such a prolonged layoff — and what number of video games he might play. Receiving a model of Landeskog who might play greater than 40 video games whereas offering top-six certainty would fill just a few wants for the Avalanche.
Worst case: One other playoff exit within the first two rounds. Whereas having Landeskog return to the lineup is a spotlight, so is profitable one other Stanley Cup. Dropping to the Stars within the second spherical uncovered how the lack to realize constant secondary and tertiary scoring has remained a difficulty. It was like that in 2023 when the Avs had been knocked out within the first spherical, a yr after they received the Stanley Cup. Their first-round efficiency in 2024 made it look as in the event that they solved these issues, solely to get outscored 16-6 of their 4 losses to the Stars.
X issue: The supporting forged. Each staff in a championship window stresses the necessity for a powerful secondary and tertiary unit. And due to cap area, they’re usually pressured to endure an annual reconfiguration. Stalwarts comparable to Andrew Cogliano and Jack Johnson are gone, whereas in-season additions comparable to Brandon Duhaime, Zach Parise and Sean Walker both left in free company or retired. Restructuring their supporting forged began again in February when backup goaltender Justus Annunen turned a full-time NHL participant. Through the playoffs, the membership gave oft-discussed prospect winger Nikolai Kovalenko his debut. It stored going after they used the offseason so as to add 4 defensemen who’re anticipated to compete for the underside pairing and seventh defensemen roles. The choice to re-sign bottom-six winger Joel Kiviranta together with Logan O’Connor‘s return from harm are the type of choices the Avs imagine may help them win one other Cup.
Fantasy outlook: If not the NHL’s No. 1 defender, Cale Makar is correct there, whereas goalie Alexandar Georgiev advantages his managers by taking part in usually, and nicely sufficient, for one of many higher groups within the West. Until Annunen steals extra begins than anticipated, Georgiev endures as a top-10 fantasy goaltender.
Bold prediction: Landeskog wins the Masterton Trophy.
Final season: 46-26-10, 102 factors. Misplaced within the first spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +1200
Key gamers added: D Chris Tanev, D Oliver Ekman-Larsson, G Anthony Stolarz
Key gamers misplaced: F Tyler Bertuzzi, D TJ Brodie, G Ilya Samsonov
Most fascinating participant: Mitch Marner. The Leafs’ top-line winger does not wish to focus on it — the “it” being his contract negotiations. That is the ultimate season on Marner’s deal, and conversations round an extension — or lack of 1 — have been rampant for months. Marner has chosen to remain mum on the subject publicly, so it is his on-ice efficiency that’ll do the speaking. The Toronto native is not prone to take any hometown low cost both, not when Auston Matthews (incomes $13.25 million per season) and William Nylander ($11.5 million per yr) did not take that route. So will the strain of incomes his subsequent wage add to — or detract from — Marner’s sport this season? Toronto depends on his contributions as a succesful 30-goal scorer, tenacious penalty killer and prime power-play possibility.
Finest case: Toronto’s largest offseason pivots repay by giving the Leafs a hard-nosed identification to enrich their enviable expertise. The Leafs instantly reply to new head coach Craig Berube’s no-nonsense method, and their beefed-up blue line (now with Chris Tanev and freshly minted Cup winner Oliver Ekman-Larsson) offers a stability the staff hasn’t had there for years. Nylander begins the season at heart and regardless of failing to thrive there up to now turns into an ideal second-line possibility between a surging Matthews and John Tavares anchoring the Leafs’ top-ranked models. Joseph Woll proves he is able to be a No. 1 starter and Anthony Stolarz is the best veteran backup to maintain Woll wholesome for as soon as. Toronto cruises their means into the playoffs and a long term from there.
Worst case: The Leafs’ nightmare can be having made modifications at important spots within the offseason and seeing these backfire. Berube is the precise reverse to former head coach Sheldon Keefe and the transition from one to the opposite is rocky. Marner and Nylander wrestle early on and Toronto’s protection takes so lengthy to work out the kinks that Woll — beneath siege each night time — cannot present sufficient options. The Leafs do not discover any consistency regardless of Berube repeatedly shuffling the deck and frustration inevitable units in that places Toronto on its heels late within the season, with the postseason in jeopardy.
X issue: Goaltending. GM Brad Treliving targeted on making Toronto’s blue line higher. Honest sufficient. And the Leafs are betting that Woll — who’s coming off a powerful common season and playoffs — is able to prime their goaltending depth chart. What if that is not the case, although? Woll completely has the expertise to do it. He additionally has a fraught historical past with accidents, which might come again to hang-out Toronto. Stolarz is a superb No. 2. After that, the Leafs have Matt Murray — who did not play in any respect within the NHL final season attributable to harm. All of it feels precarious, like a home of playing cards that is one Woll harm away from crashing down.
Fantasy outlook: The Leafs are one of many few groups that would have 5 skaters attain 200 fantasy factors. Matthews, Nylander, Marner, Tavares and Morgan Rielly are the one gamers assured of early draft consideration. Nonetheless, there’s worth past them: Matthew Knies goals for top-line minutes, Tanev and Jake McCabe increase their totals with bodily play.
Bold prediction: Marner re-signs with Toronto.
Final season: 47-20-15, 109 factors. Misplaced within the second spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +2000
Key gamers added: F Max Jones, F Elias Lindholm, D Nikita Zadorov, G Joonas Korpisalo
Key gamers misplaced: F Jake DeBrusk, F Jesper Boqvist, F Danton Heinen, D Matt Grzelcyk, G Linus Ullmark
Most fascinating participant: Lindholm. The Bruins chased after Lindholm lengthy earlier than touchdown him as a free agent final summer season, to the tune of a seven-year, $54.25 million contract. The funding signaled Lindholm as Boston’s latest top-line heart candidate, an inheritor obvious if you’ll to franchise icon Patrice Bergeron. However Lindholm has already navigated rocky waters in Boston, through an undisclosed harm in coaching that held him out of most preseason motion and severely restricted his alternatives to construct chemistry in a brand new system. Will that finally have an effect on his efficiency early this season? He was again at Bruins’ apply by late September, centering Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak, however even coach Jim Montgomery might admit Lindholm wasn’t “up to the mark” as everybody would have appreciated. Lindholm is among the league’s brightest facilities although and if anybody can catch on shortly, it’s going to be him, proper?
Finest case: Boston reloads (once more) to be a top-tier contender within the Atlantic. The Bruins have been written off quite a few occasions up to now few years — for being too previous, too sluggish, too not fairly adequate to maintain up with the division’s youthful squads. Properly, Boston has proved its critics mistaken up to now and, in an ideal world, does the identical once more now. Prized signings Lindholm and Zadorov match seamlessly into the lineup, changing items the Bruins misplaced and there can be no indicators of Boston dropping steam down the stretch. Jeremy Swayman‘s contract drama is settled earlier than the season begins and he proves to be a bonafide No. 1. Boston punches their means again to a different playoff berth and proceed to indicate why they’ve prevented any rebuild regardless of important roster turnover.
Worst case: The Bruins are the odd man out the playoffs as different Atlantic groups transfer forward. Boston has benefitted from the likes of Ottawa, Buffalo and Detroit all struggling to realize traction within the division. Even so, each staff within the Atlantic earned at the very least 75 factors final season — one thing no different division might declare. Boston’s veteran group would lastly be on the skin wanting in with out as a lot firepower and tenacity because the up and comers round them. Swayman, though signed to a brand new long-term extension, struggles as a full-time starter and Boston falters with out the robust goaltending it has been accustomed to.
X issue: Goaltending. Boston had one of many league’s enviable tandems final season with Ullmark and Swayman. The pairing helped the Bruins exceed expectations in 2023-24. And it was Swayman’s scorching hand within the playoffs that took Boston into the second spherical. Now Ullmark is in Ottawa, and Swayman’s would-be companion Joonas Korpisalo (who came visiting from the Senators) is the Bruins’ projected opening night time starter as Swayman will get again up to the mark following a chronic contract negotiation. There is no query Swayman can be Boston’s go-to man in web finally. Korpisalo has to drag his weight because the No. 1 proper now, and that is not precisely how Boston drew up its goaltending. Korpisalo has been tremendous in backup roles earlier than, however the Bruins will want one thing extra out of him to make sure they do not fall behind the competitors.
Fantasy outlook: David Pastrnak is a first-round fantasy celebrity, whereas Charlie McAvoy ranks within the prime 20 for defenders. If Lindholm builds chemistry with Pastrnak, the rewards may very well be substantial. Charlie Coyle and Zacha present low upside however dependable fantasy output.
Bold prediction: That is Jim Montgomery’s last season in Boston.
Final season: 52-23-7, 111 factors. Misplaced within the second spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +1400
Key gamers added: F Jack Roslovic, D Shayne Gostisbehere, D Sean Walker
Key gamers misplaced: F Jake Guentzel, F Stefan Noesen, F Teuvo Teravainen, D Brett Pesce, D Brady Skjei
Most fascinating participant: Roslovic. Carolina has a necessity for (extra) pace and is relying on Roslovic to offer some this season. The winger has posted up on the Hurricanes’ prime line with Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, linemates who can amplify what Roslovic brings on his personal. Carolina witnessed these robust qualities throughout its second-round playoff collection in opposition to the Rangers final season — Roslovic was new to the Blueshirts after being traded from Columbus on the deadline, however his pace stood out to now-coach Rod Brind’Amour. And it nonetheless does. These expectations are factor for Roslovic to embrace. That is one thing of a redemption yr for the 27-year-old after final season’s recording of his lowest purpose complete (9) since 2018-19 and fewest factors (31) since 2019-20. The expertise round Roslovic creates an amazing alternative for him to thrive and provides Carolina a lift offensively.
Finest case: Carolina is correct again within the combine to get to the Stanley Cup Closing once more. The Hurricanes went via important modifications on the again finish however get surprisingly stable output from an ageing Brent Burns and returning Gostisbehere to maintain the Hurricanes’ protection on observe. Each Carolina goaltenders, Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov, stay wholesome and emerge as one of many league’s best tandems. An offense led by elite performances from a wholesome Andrei Svechnikov and Aho places the Hurricanes forward of the pack instantly and so they lead a race to the playoffs from there.
Worst case: Protection has lengthy been a spine of Carolina’s success. Dropping Skjei and Pesce was all the time going to sting, and their absence is shortly obvious for the leaky Hurricanes. Accidents wind up coming again to chunk Carolina (once more) and even its normally potent offensive assault cannot make up for that. The Hurricanes aren’t match for Roslovic, and so they really feel the losses of Guentzel, Teravainen and Noesen in important methods. Brind’Amour has to make sweeping modifications early that Carolina struggles via whereas attempting to remain within the wild-card combine within the Jap Convention.
X issue: Goalie well being. It is the elephant within the room for Carolina: Will Andersen and Kotchetkov be obtainable usually sufficient to be an actual one-two punch in web? Andersen missed nearly all of final season with blood-clotting points, and the Hurricanes struggled to exchange him. Veteran Antti Raanta was satisfactory at greatest (he has since departed the group) and Kochetkov tried to assist — till he too was sidelined in January by a concussion. So Carolina turned to a waiver wire pickup (Spencer Martin) and Raanta. Not very best. Andersen and Kochetkov are high quality netminders who give the Hurricanes an excellent probability to win every night time. Defending their well being can be a vital a part of Carolina’s success.
Fantasy outlook: Does Andersen have one other large season, or does Kochetkov steal sufficient minutes to be the fantasy alternative? Extra possible, do they restrict one another’s potential? Newly signed defenseman Gostisbehere gives sleeper worth on the facility play if Burns continues his twilight profession decline.
Bold prediction: Canes miss the playoffs.
Final season: 47-30-5, 99 factors. Misplaced within the first spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +1600
Key gamers added: F Jonathan Marchessault, D Luke Schenn, D Brady Skjei, F Steven Stamkos, G Scott Wedgewood
Key gamers misplaced: F Jaret Anderson-Dolan, G Yaroslav Askarov, D Tyson Barrie, F Anthony Beauvillier, F Jason Zucker
Most fascinating participant: Tommy Novak. Why Novak and never Marchessault or Stamkos? Simple. As a result of it seems that Novak would be the one centering the road with a former Conn Smythe Trophy winner in Marchessault on his proper and a future Corridor of Famer in Stamkos on his left. For the reason that Predators determined to retool their roster, they’ve seen Novak emerge from a promising prospect to somebody who has firmly established himself as a key a part of their future. Novak has proven he is usually a top-six heart who now has an opportunity to have one of the best yr of his younger profession if he finally ends up anchoring this star-studded line.
Finest case: Making a protracted playoff run. Andrew Brunette’s first season confirmed the Preds have a roster able to attending to the postseason. Following that up by having what might need been the NHL’s most aggressive offseason marketing campaign furthers the assumption that the Preds can pose a critical problem as soon as the playoffs arrive. However there’s additionally a actuality that comes with the Preds in that advancing past the primary spherical has been a difficulty. Failing to get previous the opening spherical is why earlier GM David Poile thought a retool was vital, a perception that was carried by his successor, Barry Trotz. Whereas the Predators possible have increased aspirations, they’re additionally a franchise that has not made it past the opening spherical because the 2017-18 season.
Worst case: One other first-round knockout. The Predators did extra than simply signal Marchessault and Stamkos to bolster their prime six. They added Schenn and Skjei to strengthen a staff that already took its defensive identification slightly severely because the season progressed. All these strikes are what make the Predators a lovely preseason choose. However they’re attempting to make strides in a convention with established powers such because the Avalanche, Golden Knights, Oilers and Stars. Not that one other first-round exit torpedoes the Preds’ long-term plans, nevertheless it does make issues fascinating given they’ve 10 gamers older than 30.
X issue: What occurs in Brunette’s second season? That alone may very well be probably the most alluring query dealing with the Preds. This is why: Brunette is thought for having an instantaneous influence. He had one with the Panthers when he made them the NHL’s most prolific offense in his lone season as an interim coach. As a Devils assistant, he made them one of many league’s most harmful teams for his one season. Brunette’s first season with the Predators noticed them end within the prime 10 in scoring and thirteenth in objectives allowed. So what occurs this season with Brunette getting a second season for a franchise that has gone all-in?
Fantasy outlook: Does Stamkos rating one other 40 in his new Nashville digs? How does Vegas export Marchessault fare after incomes 42 in 2023-24? Maybe a dip in these spectacular totals from each is to be anticipated. Heart Novak cannot be disregarded as a promising fantasy performer, ought to he find yourself cemented between the 2 on what quantities to a dynamic second scoring line.
Bold prediction: Roman Josi wins the Norris Trophy.
Final season: 50-23-9, 109 factors. Misplaced within the second spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +2000
Key gamers added: F Jake DeBrusk, D Vincent Desharnais, D Derek Forbert, F Danton Heinen, F Daniel Sprong
Key gamers misplaced: D Ian Cole, G Casey DeSmith, F Elias Lindholm, F Vasily Podkolzin, D Nikita Zadorov
Most fascinating participant: Brock Boeser. Even with all of the occasions he reached the 20-goal mark, there was a thought that Boeser might rating extra if he ever stayed wholesome. That is precisely what occurred final season when he completed with a career-high 40 objectives and 73 factors in a career-high 81 video games. His performances helped the Canucks win the Pacific, advance to the second spherical of the playoffs and show they may have every little thing wanted to be among the many convention’s Stanley Cup challengers. Plus: He is within the last yr of his contract.
Finest case: Reaching the Western Convention finals. A powerful begin to the common season led to them ending with greater than 100 factors and profitable their division. However they fell one win wanting advancing to the convention finals, dropping to the eventual Western Convention champion Oilers. Now the Canucks will try to make use of this season to firmly set up themselves as one of many convention’s legit Stanley Cup challengers.
Worst case: Failing to capitalize on their newfound progress. Groups such because the Avs, Golden Knights, Oilers and Stars have used the previous few seasons to cement their statuses as Western groups in a championship window. As for the Canucks? They’re attempting to make the leap from a staff that acquired into the playoffs to at least one that may be a perennial participant and critical title challenger. Getting again to the playoffs would solely improve their popularity, whereas lacking the postseason might create questions on the place the Canucks fall within the convention’s panorama.
X issue: Their offseason additions. Possessing a powerful defensive identification is how the Canucks had been the Pacific Division’s No. 1 seed within the playoffs and received within the first spherical. An absence of constant secondary scoring, nonetheless, performed an element in why they had been eradicated within the second. Managing their cap area whereas discovering a strategy to handle their wants was the precedence in free company. The outcome was signing three forwards who may help with these secondary scoring challenges whereas the defensemen they added ought to rebuild their third defensive pairing.
Fantasy outlook: With Thatcher Demko working via a sophisticated knee harm to start out 2024-25, Arturs Silovs is now the man between the pipes for one of many extra aggressive groups within the West. A fantasy wild card, the largely untested 23-year-old might both shine or fall flat right away. If Silovs struggles, new backup Kevin Lankinen might see much more early motion.
Bold prediction: Elias Pettersson bounces again large.
Final season: 38-39-5, 81 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +1000
Key gamers added: D Brett Pesce, G Jacob Markstrom, F Stefan Noesen, D Brenden Dillon, F Tomas Tatar
Key gamers misplaced: F Tomas Nosek, F Alexander Holtz
Most fascinating participant: Markstrom. New Jersey has been trying to find a steady, No. 1 netminder. Can the 34-year-old Markstrom be that participant? Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald believes he can, and swapped a 2025 first-round choose and defenseman Kevin Bahl to Calgary over the summer season for Markstrom’s companies. Now all of the veteran netminder has to do is produce. Markstrom wished out with the Flames and has a terrific probability to be the spine for a high-flying Devils staff that too usually has seen its admirable efforts upfront negated by leaky goaltending. Markstrom is 2 years faraway from being a Vezina Trophy finalist and produced a good .905 SV% for a relatively unhealthy Calgary staff final season. The query now’s what Markstrom can do all season lengthy with the type of assist the Devils ought to present.
Finest case: The Devils make the playoffs — and make a run. New Jersey hardly resembles a staff that missed the playoffs final season, and is quickly on tempo to be an Jap Convention contender. New coach Sheldon Keefe seamlessly implements a construction that highlights the Devils’ talent and pace with a powerful defensive focus. The star skaters carry out as anticipated and New Jersey’s depth gamers — particularly Noesen and Tatar — make fast impacts to offer the staff a top-to-bottom assault. For as soon as, the Devils keep principally wholesome on the again finish, and good goaltending is the lacking hyperlink to push New Jersey again right into a outstanding postseason place.
Worst case: Change, it seems, does not do any good for the Devils. After a stable begin, Keefe’s method grates on New Jersey’s main gamers and that early friction units a damaging tone. The highest six seems a large number and Keefe goes into panic mode looking for the correct combos earlier than it is too late. Newly added Pesce is not a difference-making presence on the again finish, and the Devils’ severely really feel that lack of Luke Hughes — out seven weeks with a shoulder harm — from the get-go. New Jersey winds up muddling alongside for the primary couple of months and results in a gap too giant to climb out of by spring.
X issue: How will the protection evolve? The harm to Hughes is a blow, but additionally creates a possibility for another person to step up. New Jersey’s lack of defensive depth was a difficulty final season and Fitzgerald addressed it by including Pesce, Dillon and — maybe much less notably on the time — Johnathan Kovacevic from Montreal. The latter is a bruising right-shot defender clocking in at 6-foot-5 and 220 kilos. That is begin. What kind of function would possibly Kovacevic be capable of create in Hughes’ absence? Likewise, what would a wholesome Dougie Hamilton imply for the blue line? Hamilton appeared in simply 20 video games final season and that had a big influence on New Jersey’s defensive prospects. Now greater than ever, the Devils want Hamilton obtainable and performing like a top-pairing skater.
Fantasy outlook: Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier and Timo Meier will drive the offense, with Hamilton wholesome on the blue line. Markstrom offers the dependable goaltending wanted for extra wins. We’ll have to see if Hughes can carve out a fantasy function alongside Hamilton as soon as he is totally healed.
Bold prediction: New Jersey wins the Jap Convention.
Final season: 45-29-8, 98 factors. Misplaced within the first spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +1600
Key gamers added: F Alexander Holtz, F Victor Olofsson, G Ilya Samsonov
Key gamers misplaced: F Michael Amadio, F William Carrier, F Paul Cotter, F Anthony Mantha, F Jonathan Marchessault, D Alec Martinez, G Logan Thompson
Most fascinating participant: Samsonov. Which model of Samsonov will the Golden Knights see as a part of their tandem with Adin Hill? The one who had a .919 save proportion in his first season with the Maple Leafs? Or the one who has posted a sub.-900 save proportion in two of his previous three seasons? And no matter what model the Golden Knights get, how will it match throughout the construction of a staff looking for a second championship in three seasons?
Finest case: Profitable a Stanley Cup. Make no mistake in regards to the Golden Knights and the way they function as a franchise. Until one thing modifications, they’re nonetheless a franchise with the first goal of attempting to win as many Stanley Cups as potential by any means vital. They’ve 13 gamers remaining from the staff that in 2023 received the primary championship in franchise historical past. And with that comes the expectation that the Golden Knights might nonetheless as soon as once more win all of it.
Worst case: One other first-round exit. The whole lot has an expiration date, and that features groups in a championship window. That is what makes the Golden Knights’ circumstances such a fancy dynamic. Whereas they’ve already received a championship, there is not any assure {that a} franchise constructed on a win-at-all-costs method will win one other. It is a lesson the Golden Knights realized final postseason after they noticed their 2-0 collection lead in opposition to the Stars finally flip into an opening-round departure. And contemplating the quantity of expertise they misplaced within the offseason attributable to monetary causes, that solely provides to the Golden Knights’ win-now mentality.
X issue: The entrance workplace. Each season, it is the identical factor. The Golden Knights seem like they can not make any extra main strikes as a result of they lack the cap area — solely to give you a commerce that not solely clears the cap however results in them to a big-name participant who provides one other dimension to an already robust roster. May that be the case once more this season?
Fantasy outlook: After a short stint during which he collected 4 factors in six contests, and just one playoff purpose, Tomas Hertl is able to settle in full time as a scoring risk at 5-on-5 and on the highest energy play. Whereas Noah Hanifin is predicted to see invaluable minutes with the additional skater, veteran Alex Pietrangelo shines in fantasy competitors that rewards blocked pictures along with scoring classes.
Bold prediction: They win at the very least one playoff spherical.
Final season: 45-29-8, 98 factors. Misplaced within the first spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +2500
Key gamers added: F Cam Atkinson, F Zemgus Girgensons, F Jake Guentzel, D Ryan McDonagh
Key gamers misplaced: F Anthony Duclair, F Tanner Jeannot, F Steven Stamkos, D Mikhail Sergachev
Most fascinating participant: Guentzel. The Lightning successfully moved on from former captain Stamkos partially so they may signal Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million contract. By itself, that appears like a protected guess — Guentzel is a point-per-game participant with three consecutive 30-plus purpose seasons. Tampa Bay is rightly anticipating this to be the prime of his profession and he’ll have each alternative to flourish. However there’s strain, too, following a participant like Stamkos. The Lightning wish to exchange a veteran performer who was their third-leading scorer final season, racking up 40 objectives and 81 factors in 79 video games. That is no small void to fill and Tampa Bay is relying on Guentzel to offer that manufacturing when he formally hits the ice for his new staff this season.
Finest case: Tampa Bay continues to grasp the artwork of the retool. GM Julien BriseBois went large, going after Guentzel, buying and selling top-pairing defenseman Sergachev to Utah and bringing again defenseman McDonagh. These strikes all show worthwhile because the Lightning look refreshed and reinvigorated. New captain Victor Hedman seamlessly transitions into a job Stamkos held for over a decade and Tampa Bay responds with robust early chemistry that carries it via just a few inevitable bumps as contemporary faces work into the lineup. The Lightning construct up steam within the common season and hit the playoff scene on a excessive word.
Worst case: BriseBois’ dangerous enterprise does not repay as deliberate and the Lightning look misplaced to start out the season. Tampa Bay’s design is simply too top-heavy and when Guentzel cannot discover a groove, the Lightning really feel Stamkos’ absence — on the ice and of their dressing room — from the get-go. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has a sluggish begin to the season and Tampa Bay’s refurbished blue line seems blah regardless of Hedman’s robust play. The Lightning’s offseason depth additions — together with J.J. Moser and Atkinson — do not fairly match and Tampa Bay by no means seems just like the cohesive bunch BriseBois was looking for to create. The Lightning are run over by the Atlantic’s rising squads and miss the postseason.
X issue: Jon Cooper. It isn’t simple being the longest-tenured coach within the sport. Cooper is that elusive chief, although. He guided the Lightning to consecutive Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021, then acquired them again to the Closing in 2022 regardless of a considerably tumultuous playoff run that would have derailed a lesser group (and coach). Cooper is the fixed for an ever-changing Tampa Bay staff that has needed to cope with backbreaking wage cap points yr after yr. He’ll discover a strategy to at the very least give Tampa Bay an opportunity to succeed regardless of who’s within the lineup. That magic contact is invaluable to the Lightning — now greater than ever.
Fantasy outlook: If Vasilevskiy returns to kind, the Bolts might have three top-25 fantasy gamers in Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Vasilevskiy himself. Hedman, who will quarterback the facility play, and Guentzel are simply outdoors that vary. Past them, there’s upside in Brandon Hagel and Atkinson, together with reliability from Anthony Cirelli and Nicholas Paul.
Bold prediction: Guentzel scores 40 objectives or extra.
Final season: 52-24-6, 110 factors. Misplaced within the first spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +3000
Key gamers added: F Jaret Anderson-Dolan, G Eric Comrie, D Haydn Fleury, G Kaapo Kahkonen, D Colin Miller, F Mason Shaw
Key gamers misplaced: G Laurent Brossoit, D Brenden Dillon, F Sean Monahan, F Tyler Toffoli
Most fascinating participant: Nikolaj Ehlers. What’s clear is the seven-time 20-goal scorer goes to receives a commission subsequent season. Whether or not it is the Jets who’re paying him? That seems to be probably the most notable query for the 28-year-old winger, who’s coming into into the ultimate season of a seven-year contract price $6 million yearly. Any variety of eventualities may very well be introduced to the Jets and Ehlers, who has a modified no-trade clause, between now and the tip of a season that would see the membership attain the playoffs.
Finest case: Profitable a first-round collection. Clearly, advancing past the primary spherical is a theme for a lot of Western Convention groups. What makes the Jets’ scenario distinctive is the truth that they’ll win Recreation 1 solely to wrestle the remainder of the way in which. In 2023, they scored 5 objectives in a Recreation 1 in opposition to the Golden Knights solely to permit greater than 4 objectives per sport earlier than getting eradicated in 5 video games. Then there’s what occurred final yr. The Jets outlasted the Avalanche with a 7-6 win in Recreation 1 solely to then permit greater than 5 objectives per sport and lose the collection in 5.
Worst case: Both lacking the playoffs altogether or one other first-round exit. There comes a degree during which each franchise should ask troublesome questions on its route. It is potential the Jets may very well be heading in there ought to both of these eventualities play out. The Jets are basically a perennial playoff staff, having made the postseason in six of the previous seven campaigns. However they’ve reached the second spherical solely as soon as in that point. The upcoming offseason might see them reshape their roster, utilizing $38.6 million in cap area as they search to firmly set up themselves as one of many favorites within the West.
X issue: How will the staff adapt to Scott Arniel in his first season? Arniel was an assistant beneath Rick Bowness for 2 seasons and was employed to take over as soon as the venerable Bowness retired following the Jets’ first-round exit. What philosophies will Arniel use now that he is in cost? And will these traits that may very well be parlayed into the Jets not solely returning to the playoffs however profitable a first-round collection?
Fantasy outlook: Kyle Connor is a 40-goal scorer when wholesome, whereas Mark Scheifele is a second-tier fantasy heart behind the league’s greatest. The third member of that Jets’ prime line, Gabriel Vilardi, might escape with 70 factors if he stays totally match. Cole Perfetti seems able to crank it up a productive notch on the facility play. The 22-year-old deserves a roster spot in deeper fantasy leagues.
Bold prediction: Connor Hellebuyck leads the U.S. to a 4 Nations Face-Off victory.
Final season: 44-27-11, 99 factors. Misplaced within the first spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +3000
Key gamers added: D Kyle Burroughs, D Joel Edmundson, F Warren Foegele, F Tanner Jeannot, D Caleb Jones, G Darcy Kuemper
Key gamers misplaced: F Viktor Arvidsson, F Pierre-Luc Dubois, F Carl Grundstrom, F Blake Lizotte, D Matt Roy
Most fascinating participant: Kuemper. Neglect whom he was traded for and the episodes that got here with “He who shall not be named” throughout his solely season with the membership. The Kings are nonetheless a franchise that has shuffled via Pheonix Copley, Joonas Korpisalo, Jonathan Quick, Cal Petersen, David Rittich and Cam Talbot since 2022 solely to nonetheless fall within the first spherical. Kuemper, who received a Cup in 2022, has inherited a place that may very well be one of many difference-makers within the Kings attending to the second spherical.
Finest case: They attain the second spherical. It wasn’t that way back when the Kings’ rebuild was seen as one that would cement the staff as a championship contender. And there is nonetheless the likelihood that may occur. However when a franchise has struggled to get out of the primary spherical for 3 straight seasons and every opening-round exit presents questions which can be each previous and new within the course of? That is the place it will get sophisticated. That is what makes profitable a first-round collection so pivotal for the Kings.
Worst case: Dropping within the first spherical or lacking the playoffs. A fourth consecutive first-round exit goes to result in much more questions on what must be achieved going ahead. And with groups such because the Blues on the cusp whereas others such because the Flames, Kraken, Utah and the Wild are additionally attempting to pose a risk? There’s additionally a risk the Kings miss the playoffs altogether which might solely amplify the pre-existing issues in regards to the route of the franchise.
X issue: The video games they play with out Drew Doughty. Dropping Matt Roy in free company was an already main merchandise contemplating he led the Kings in short-handed minutes and was second in common ice time. Now the Kings are going to be without Doughty on a month-to-month basis as he recovers from a fractured ankle. Doughty was second within the NHL final season in ice time and in addition led the Kings in power-play minutes as he quarterbacked a unit that was eleventh. The Kings used the offseason so as to add Kyle Burroughs and Joel Edmundson to assist fill the void left by Roy, hoping their additions would assist strengthen their general defensive method. It is simply that Doughty’s absence offers the Kings one other space to handle within the early levels of the season.
Fantasy outlook: A wholesome Adrian Kempe is nice for 35 to 40 objectives, whereas captain Anze Kopitar stays one of many sport’s extra well-rounded fantasy performers. Cemented within the prime six, Quinton Byfield ought to construct on final yr’s 20-goal, 35-assist complete, and goalie Darcy Kuemper has sleeper potential behind a greater defensive system than he had in Washington.
Bold prediction: Quinton Byfield breaks 70 factors.
Final season: 41-32-9, 91 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +4000
Key gamers added: F Vladimir Tarasenko, G Jack Campbell, G Cam Talbot
Key gamers misplaced: F David Perron, D Jake Walman, G James Reimer
Most fascinating participant: Simon Edvinsson. The Crimson Wings’ rookie turned a profitable 14-game NHL stint final season into heightened expectations for what he can add to the staff’s blueline this coming yr. Edvinsson skated alongside veteran Jeff Petry to kind a stable second pairing for Detroit within the waning weeks of the 2023-24 season. It isn’t that Edvinsson had a big influence on the field rating (he netted only one purpose and one help); it is extra that Edvinsson made good selections in his personal finish, was exhausting on the cycle and customarily exhibited a poise past his 21 years. Will probably be intriguing to see what Edvinsson can do now that the curtain’s been pulled again on his NHL sport.
Finest case: Detroit ends the franchise’s longest-ever playoff drought with a return to the postseason discipline. Dropping a tiebreaker to the Washington Capitals stored the Crimson Wings from playoff competitors a yr in the past however this time round there is not any ready till the ultimate minute to know they’re within the combine. The Crimson Wings capitalize on top-tier performances from their greatest skaters — notably Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat and Moritz Seider — whereas Cam Talbot and Ville Husso are the high-caliber tandem Detroit’s been lacking in latest seasons. A full-team buy-in to the defensive particulars lastly curbs the Crimson Wings’ leaky habits of the previous and they’re primed to excel within the membership’s first playoff berth in eight years.
Worst case: The Crimson Wings have been their very own worst enemy earlier than by not prioritizing defensive play. Detroit does that once more — to its personal peril. One other robust begin to the season is derailed by inconsistencies from the blueline on out. The ability play — which ranked among the many league’s top-10 a yr in the past — fails to launch and with out that increase Detroit cannot preserve tempo offensively within the Atlantic. Their veteran additions — together with Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane — are a non-factor and Talbot proves to now not be a No. 1 possibility. Detroit slowly slides down the standings and lands with one other disappointing thud outdoors the playoff image.
X issue: Derek Lalonde. The Crimson Wings completed ninth offensively final season — and twenty fourth defensively. There’s been a transparent disconnect for Detroit on methods to play a powerful two-way staff sport, and it is on Lalonde now to drag it out of this group. GM Steve Yzerman believed in Lalonde’s skill when he made the previous Tampa Bay assistant a first-time NHL head coach in 2022. Now three seasons into his tenure, it is time for Lalonde to assist the Crimson Wings flip a nook by adhering to a defense-focused construction. Detroit has proven sufficient offensive potential that if Lalonde can repair the defensive deficiencies then this may very well be a big season for the Crimson Wings.
Fantasy outlook: Dylan Larkin brings stability, making Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond stable bets for worth. On protection, Moritz Seider stands out as a star, Simon Edvinsson has important fantasy potential and Erik Gustafsson may very well be a power-play specialist.
Bold prediction: Crimson Wings hit reverse in Motor Metropolis, miss playoffs.
Final season: 39-27-16, 94 factors. Misplaced within the first spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +5000
Key gamers added: F Anthony Duclair
Key gamers misplaced: D Sebastian Aho
Most fascinating participant: Maxim Tsyplakov. It is uncommon for the Islanders to pursue a free agent signing so there should have been one thing about Tsyplakov that GM Lou Lamoriello could not ignore. Tsyplakov was a coveted commodity popping out of the KHL and whereas there is a sure air of the unknown about how he’ll transition to the NHL, Tsyplakov has proven in coaching camp he is able to compete for a roster spot. Linemate Bo Horvat stated early on that whereas the 26-year-old will not wow you with pace, he is good, strategic and a stable playmaker. That is basis for any ahead to construct off, and if Tsyplakov can proceed to ship on that it could be a critical increase for an Islanders’ offense that is constantly missing depth up entrance. If Tsyplakov can beat out the competitors for a possibility within the Islanders’ lineup he appears arrange for fulfillment within the season forward.
Finest case: The Islanders’ offensive struggles are lastly a factor of the previous as New York’s key weapons — together with Horvat, Mathew Barzal and newcomer Anthony Duclair — all discover a rhythm early. Ilya Sorokin shouldn’t be solely wholesome however recaptures his kind from two years in the past as a dominant netminder. Talking of well being, Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech — who each missed about 25 video games final season — are stronger than ever anchoring the Islanders’ again finish and that units a tone for the whole protection to comply with. Patrick Roy excels in his second season behind the bench as gamers get extra snug in his construction. New York is a playoff contender all through the season and cruises right into a postseason slot with little drama.
Worst case: New York’s returns an nearly similar roster to final yr’s and related issues inevitably crop up. The Islanders’ Twenty second-ranked offense from a season in the past does not make huge enhancements and continues to common fewer than three objectives per sport — not sufficient to maintain up with the Metro’s different high-scoring squads. New York’s blueline depth was thinner than anticipated and might’t survive the inevitable put on and tear that comes when the highest 4 are taking up large minutes. Sorokin’s not 100% following offseason surgical procedure and the fallout from that carries over to the common season. With no robust spine in web the Islanders lose too many tight video games and begin to slide down the standings.
X issue: Well being. The Islanders had been run aground final season by key accidents, notably on the defensive facet. New York had a league-worst penalty kill (71.5%) as a result of skaters like Pelech, Pulock and Scott Mayfield (who missed 41 video games) had been unavailable for lengthy stretches. The Islanders haven’t got a steady of prospects (particularly on protection) to drag from or veterans ready within the wings to step in and tackle important roles in the event that they do run into well being woes and that would come again to chunk them. Proper now, the Islanders may benefit from an insurance coverage coverage or two, simply in case the harm bug creeps shortly again into their equation.
Fantasy outlook: Whereas Noah Dobson stood out, ending seventeenth in fantasy factors final season, the Islanders return 10 gamers who completed among the many prime 250; solely the Stars have extra. Brock Nelson, Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal present dependable worth, whereas Kyle Palmieri, Anders Lee, Alexander Romanov, Ryan Pulock and Jean-Gabriel Pageau usually fluctuate in lineups.
Bold prediction: Mathew Barzal units a brand new profession scoring mark.
Final season: 38-32-12, 88 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +5000
Key gamers added: F Anthony Beauvillier, F Kevin Hayes, D Sebastian Aho, D Matt Grzelcyk
Key gamers misplaced: F Reilly Smith
Most fascinating participant: Drew O’Connor. When the Penguins traded Jake Guentzel to Carolina final March there was a gap on the highest line winger alongside Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust — and O’Connor acquired the chance to fit in. He rode shotgun with Crosby during Pittsburgh’s feverish 17-game push to the tip of that common season, a powerful audition that finally earned him the identical spot to start out coaching camp. If that trio developed sufficient chemistry to be an intriguing go-to possibility once more for coach Mike Sullivan, it is on O’Connor now to indicate that he can recreate these earlier constructive outcomes (together with seven objectives and 10 factors) from the outset. O’Connor enhances his linemates with an easy assault and an enormous physique to lend some physicality. This additionally occurs to be a contract yr for O’Connor, too. Constructing off his previous might pay dividends on the ice and his checking account by yr’s finish.
Finest case: Pittsburgh ends its two-season playoff drought and proves there’s nonetheless one thing particular about Penguins’ hockey. Crosby is resplendent once more as Pittsburgh’s offensive chief, Evgeni Malkin continues to trace as a close to 30-goal scorer and Erik Karlsson not solely stays wholesome however exhibits extra flashes of his latest Norris Trophy-winning play. The Penguins set up a powerful goalie tandem with Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic, the place there’s real confidence in both one to safe a win each night time. Sullivan places on certainly one of his greatest teaching jobs in years and Pittsburgh seems nearer to being a powerhouse (once more) than we have seen in years.
Worst case: The Penguins discover previous issues returning and so they cannot give you fast options. Pittsburgh’s goaltending is common and that negates no matter strides they’re capable of take offensively. Regardless of including youthful skaters like Rutger McGroarty there stays an apparent lag in Pittsburgh’s sport attributable to their general age. Matt Grzelcyk is a legal responsibility on the backend and Kris Letang‘s sport suffers. The Penguins make a mid-season teaching change in an effort to alter their momentum, however that does not present sufficient of a lift to get again on observe. The Penguins fall wanting the playoffs once more and face a protracted summer season of questions on what a possible rebuild will seem like.
X issue: The ability play. It is exhausting to imagine that even with the likes of Crosby and Malkin obtainable the Penguins ranked thirtieth (15.3%) with the additional man final season. For a membership that was combating to the end for a playoff slot, a putrid energy play may be the premature again breaker. How will they stop particular groups from being a legal responsibility once more this season? Sullivan has wanted a Patrick Hornqvist alternative as Pittsburgh’s net-front man and Michael Bunting ought to (in idea) be that individual — however Bunting did not take naturally to the function in his first season. Will Bunting’s sophomore try there be any higher? May Rickard Rakell be the correct man? Pittsburgh has to capitalize on its expertise to make the facility play an actual weapon to drive confidence and spark momentum.
Fantasy outlook: Sidney Crosby was the one Penguin within the fantasy prime 50 final season, however there’s potential for extra. Improved power-play efficiency might elevate Erik Karlsson again to elite standing, and make Bryan Rust and Evgeni Malkin dependable starters. Newcomers Anthony Beauvillier, Kevin Hayes, and Rutger McGroarty supply sleeper potential.
Bold prediction: The ability play finishes within the prime 10.
Final season: 39-33-10, 87 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +4000
Key gamers added: F Yakov Trenin
Key gamers misplaced: D Alex Goligoski, D Dakota Mermis
Most fascinating participant: Marco Rossi. Not that every little thing in regards to the Wild comes again to the mixed $14.743 million buyout cap prices for Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. However it’s slightly vital when it comes again to how the Wild discover success whereas navigating such a monetary burden. That is what made Rossi breaking out for 21 objectives and 40 factors to emerge as a top-six heart whereas nonetheless on his entry-level contract so vital. He gave the goal-starved Wild another choice at a team-friendly value. Rossi’s second season has an opportunity to be useful for the Wild in that he might assist them problem for a playoff spot. Nevertheless it additionally has an opportunity to be simply as useful for Rossi, who’s coming into the ultimate yr of his ELC simply because the Parise and Suter buyouts will dip to a mixed $1.66 million annual cap hit.
Finest case: Return to the playoffs — and make some noise. Staying wholesome and scoring constantly will play a serious function within the Wild’s bid to problem for a playoff spot in what’s anticipated to be a aggressive discipline for the Western Convention wild-card race. Fielding a constant roster was a problem at occasions final season, which was the case final January. In sooner or later, they moved captain Jared Spurgeon and star winger Kirill Kaprizov to injured reserve, whereas additionally having Jonas Brodin, Marcus Foligno, Filip Gustavsson and Mats Zuccarello out of the lineup. So what occurs if the Wild can discover a strategy to keep wholesome and improve scoring? A staff that remained within the hunt into April final season will qualify this time round.
Worst case: Taking a step again, and lacking the playoffs by a wider margin. Sure, the Wild missed the playoffs and completed 11 factors behind the Golden Knights for the ultimate wild-card spot final season. However they really had extra factors than the Golden Knights after Nov. 27, the day Hynes was employed to exchange Dean Evason. The Wild received the twelfth most video games within the NHL and had been on the cusp of being within the prime 10 in fewest objectives allowed per sport in that span. But when the harm woes proceed, and veterans take a step again with out younger gamers capable of step as much as fill the gaps, it may very well be one other postseason on the skin wanting in.
X issue: The Wild’s improvement mannequin. Just lately, the Wild have loved an annual custom of watching certainly one of their homegrown skills break into their lineup and form their roster. Enter Marat Khusnutdinov. He arrived within the NHL late final season after spending the final three years as a full-time KHL participant. His most up-to-date KHL marketing campaign noticed him end with six objectives and 20 factors in 49 video games. Khusnutdinov joined the Wild, and had 4 factors in 16 video games. It seems he might begin this season as a bottom-six heart, with the thought he won’t be the one younger expertise to make their mark. Each Liam Ohgren and Jesper Wallstedt might additionally characteristic in some unspecified time in the future.
Fantasy outlook: Along with scoring, second-line heart Joel Eriksson Ek throws his physique round and wins loads of faceoffs alongside linemate Matt Boldy, who initiatives to flirt with a degree/sport price. Sophomore defender Brock Faber is tasked with anchoring the membership’s prime power-play after gathering 47 factors in his first full NHL marketing campaign.
Bold prediction: Jesper Wallstedt takes Filip Gustavsson’s job.
Final season: 40-31-11, 88 factors. Misplaced within the first spherical.
Stanley Cup odds: +7500
Key gamers added: F Pierre-Luc Dubois, F Andrew Mangiapane, D Jakob Chychrun, D Matt Roy, G Logan Thompson
Key gamers misplaced: D Nick Jensen, G Darcy Kuemper
Most fascinating participant: Pierre-Luc Dubois. Washington is the third staff Dubois has performed for in three years. Will this lastly be the correct match he is been searching for? The third general choose in 2016 was acquired by the Capitals in a blockbuster commerce with Los Angeles in June after a one-season effort with the Kings produced simply 16 objectives and 40 factors in 82 video games. Regardless of all of Dubois’ potential, he has but to indicate it totally fashioned at any of the stops he is remodeled the previous couple of years. That might all change in Washington. Dubois is about to anchor the Capitals’ second line with Connor McMichael and Tom Wilson, and there is a good alternative for him to develop together with a burgeoning Washington squad. It is on Dubois to take benefit and illustrate not solely what he is realized going via some powerful seasons however what nonetheless makes him a particular participant.
Finest case: Washington makes the playoff discipline once more, and extra definitively this time. The Capitals’ younger, hungry group tears via the early-season competitors with robust performances from Alex Ovechkin, Dylan Strome and Dubois. Washington’s scoring woes are a factor of the previous and their particular groups explode accordingly. Logan Thompson is an ideal companion for Charlie Lindgren in web. Jakob Chychrun stays comparatively wholesome and is a stable companion to John Carlson all through the season. The Capitals’ confidence continues to develop beneath Spencer Carbery’s management as a contemporary period for Washington hockey seems to have actually begun taking form.
Worst case: The Capitals’ experiment working new faces into the lineup backfires when chemistry is difficult to return by, and so they miss the playoffs. Washington’s prime six does not join — Dubois seems notably misplaced — and Carbery is pressured into early-season line juggling that impacts the staff’s confidence. The Capitals’ protection depth is simply too skinny to resist early accidents and that places further strain on Lindgren and Thompson to save lots of the day. Ovechkin’s makes an attempt to hit Wayne Gretzky’s purpose scoring report sluggish together with the remainder of Washington’s offensive output, and the Capitals look too shaky general by Thanksgiving to be thought-about a real contender.
X issue: Is Washington’s new-look defensive corps as much as the duty in a difficult Metropolitan Division? The Capitals re-tooled their blue line in an enormous means with offseason acquisitions Roy and Chychrun. Carlson stays one of many league’s preeminent defenseman, and the Capitals are hoping to see extra from 24-year-old Rasmus Sandin. Will there be sufficient for Washington to roll with a powerful prime six this season — with sufficient our bodies to protect in opposition to a downturn just like the one attributable to Carlson’s previous harm? The Capitals ranked sixteenth in objectives in opposition to final season and twelfth in pictures in opposition to, and Carbery expressed in April wanting extra measurement and pace from the again finish going into this yr. We’ll quickly see if they’ve discovered the correct mix.
Fantasy outlook: The Capitals’ retooling round Alex Ovechkin is stuffed with fantasy potential. John Carlson and Jakob Chychrun present offense from the purpose, whereas Matt Roy was a top-100 fantasy participant final season. Dylan Strome has discovered success as Ovechkin’s pivot, and Tom Wilson stays a dependable producer. Pierre-Luc Dubois and Andrew Mangiapane intention to rediscover their previous kind.
Bold prediction: Alex Ovechkin passes Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring mark.
Final season: N/A
Stanley Cup odds: +10000
Key gamers added: D Ian Cole, F Liam O’Brien, D John Marino, D Mikhail Sergachev, F Kevin Stenlund
Key gamers misplaced: D Travis Dermott
Most fascinating participant: Mikhail Sergachev. There are a number of candidates right here, however what makes Sergachev the winner is, nicely, every little thing about why he is in Utah within the first place. There was the shock and awe that got here with buying and selling for him. There’s the query about how he’ll carry out over a full season after breaking his tibia and fibula final season. There’s the query about what Sergachev might accomplish as a staff’s true No. 1 defenseman in comparison with his scenario with the Lightning, the place he was behind a generational expertise in Victor Hedman. For all of the conversations in regards to the promise that comes with Utah’s first season, the argument may be had that no one embodies that sentiment greater than Sergachev.
Finest case: Making the playoffs of their first season. Current historical past has proven that model new franchises can get into the postseason fairly shortly. The Golden Knights did it in 12 months One whereas the Kraken did it of their second season. There are 14 gamers on Utah’s roster that had been a part of final yr’s Arizona Coyotes staff. Underneath Utah coach Andre Tourigny, it was a gaggle that went from 57 factors of their first season to hitting 70 factors in his second. Tourigny’s third yr in cost began robust. He guided a roster that was competing for a playoff spot in late January earlier than a 14-game dropping streak scuppered these plans. It is potential that the teachings realized from that final season coupled with their offseason additions might result in Utah rising as a critical challenger for one of many two Western Convention wild-card spots.
Worst case: Having a poor begin to the season, and lacking out on the playoffs. One of many dynamics of this specific Western Convention wild-card race is there may very well be six or extra groups competing for a kind of two spots all through January and February. Utah is predicted to be a kind of groups, and it is what makes the thought of getting off to a powerful begin pivotal. There’s the unwritten rule about that comes with groups being in a playoff spot (or inside just a few factors) when American Thanksgiving arrives. Within the case of the UHC, a powerful begin might show important for that purpose and for the very fact the membership has garnered a degree of pleasure that they wish to harness for so long as they’ll.
X issue: Their defensive personnel. Even with the 14 gamers that Tourigny coached in Arizona final season, Utah nonetheless had wants to handle. Protection was amongst them, and filling these voids is what basically turned the hallmark of Utah’s first offseason. They traded for John Marino on the identical day they acquired Sergachev, earlier than signing two-time Stanley Cup winner Ian Cole in free company. These three be a part of a gaggle that already included Sean Durzi, Michael Kesselring and Juuso Valimaki. Durzi and Sergachev may very well be used as Utah’s prime pairing whereas Marino and Valimaki may very well be the second pairing, which leaves Cole and Kesselring as Utah’s backside duo. No matter configuration, it is a group that would play a big function in Connor Ingram constructing upon his breakout season in 2023-24 that noticed him win a career-high 23 video games.
Fantasy outlook: Coming into his second season, Logan Cooley is endeavoring to kick it up one other notch after scoring 20 objectives and 24 assists his rookie yr. Ex-Lightning Mikhail Sergachev is the membership’s new No. 1 fantasy defenseman, bumping Sean Durzi from that spot and the highest energy play. Connor Ingram might show a stable No. 3 netminder in deeper leagues if Utah wins extra video games than many anticipate.
Bold prediction: We’ll simply begin calling them the ‘Yetis.’
Final season: 43-33-6, 92 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +7500
Key gamers added: D Philip Broberg, F Radek Faksa, F Dylan Holloway, D Pierre-Olivier Joseph, F Mathieu Joseph, F Alexandre Texier, D Ryan Suter
Key gamers misplaced: F Kevin Hayes
Most fascinating participant: Jake Neighbours. Was final season only a launching pad for Neighbours? He went from scoring seven objectives in 52 video games over elements of two seasons to interrupt out for a career-high 27 objectives, tied with Pavel Buchnevich for second on the staff. Objectives had been at a premium for the Blues final season, as they scored the eighth-fewest within the NHL. That is what made Neighbours’ contributions so vital, and there is now an expectation he might play a big function in getting the Blues again into the playoffs after they missed out by simply six factors.
Finest case: Making the playoffs. Anybody who both is aware of the Blues’ historical past or has studied it’s conscious that this can be a franchise that does not actually undergo playoff droughts. They’ve had only one three-year stretch during which they missed the playoffs. Despite the fact that they missed out on the postseason the final two years, their retool seems to have them able to problem for a playoff spot. These expectations will solely intensify if they’ll proceed the progress they made beneath Drew Bannister, who went 30-19-5 after he was employed to exchange Craig Berube.
Worst case: Not supporting their goaltending, and lacking out on the postseason once more. Despite the fact that the Blues discovered consistency beneath Bannister, they nonetheless struggled in a lot of areas. Bannister’s 54 video games answerable for the staff nonetheless noticed the Blues face challenges in each zones. Offensively, that they had the fifth fewest pictures per 60 minutes, the fifth fewest objectives per 60 and the third fewest scoring possibilities per 60. Defensively, they allowed the fourth most high-danger possibilities per 60, the fifth most pictures per 60 and the sixth most scoring possibilities per 60. And but, that they had the fifth greatest staff save proportion, which additionally performed an instrumental function in why they allowed the thirteenth fewest objectives per sport in that point. Nonetheless, if the goaltending takes a step again beneath all that duress, they are going to be in hassle.
X issue: The supply sheet additions. What was an initially refined offseason out of the blue turned much more noticeable as soon as the Blues signed Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to supply sheets, a tactic which finally labored because the Oilers declined to match. Broberg’s arrival not solely offers the Blues with a younger defenseman, however offers them one other participant who might assist fill the void left by Torey Krug, who will miss the season after having ankle surgical procedure. As for Holloway, he’ll problem for a top-six function on a staff in want of extra objectives.
Fantasy outlook: Jordan Binnington rewarded his managers with a top-10 fantasy complete in ESPN leagues this previous season. The query is, can he once more win most of the time in a fiercely aggressive Central Division? In any other case, the Blues’ prime line — Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, and an rising Jake Neighbours — boast worth in diminishing order. Nobody blocked extra pictures than defenseman Colton Parayko (218) final season.
Bold prediction: Doug Armstrong wins each supply sheet signings.
Final season: 39-37-6, 84 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +6000
Key gamers added: F Sam Lafferty, F Beck Malenstyn, F Jason Zucker, G James Reimer
Key gamers misplaced: F Zemgus Girgensons, F Victor Olofsson, F Jeff Skinner
Most fascinating participant: Bowen Byram. Buffalo acquired Byram in change for Casey Mittelstadt as a result of they believed he’d be a “large half” of the staff’s future. The 23-year-old definitely has that potential. Byram simply hasn’t been capable of showcase all of it but attributable to accidents and on-ice inconsistencies. Coach Lindy Ruff has had a landslide of younger blueliners to kind out earlier than the ultimate lineups are made and there is not any query Byram will proceed to be given his alternative in a outstanding function. However can Byram keep wholesome and showcase a few of that evolution in his sport that Buffalo’s searching for? Byram was the No. 4 general choose (by Colorado in 2019) for a purpose. There’s critical two-way expertise there to work with.
Finest case: Buffalo begins the season robust — regardless of the 0-2 hiccup in Czechia — and finally ends a 13-year playoff drought. The Sabres have tried nearly every little thing to halt their dropping skid — together with bringing again Ruff. That transfer works to plan as Ruff re-tools Buffalo’s lineup with the correct mix to focus on the younger core and veteran depth, and the staff’s goaltending is constant all year long. Buffalo manages to recapture the offensive spark from that 2022-23 marketing campaign which almost introduced them again to the playoffs, and builds off it with a stronger defensive efficiency. A extra mature Sabres staff rises up the Atlantic standings and enters the playoffs with expectations to carry out upon arrival.
Worst case: The Sabres did not make many additions within the offseason and that comes again to chunk them. Whereas anticipating progress from inside from the likes of JJ Peterka, Zach Benson and Dylan Cozens, it by no means comes round and Buffalo by no means finds its scoring area of interest. The highest-heavy Sabres are worn down early and Ruff’s changes do not take. Regardless of making strikes on the commerce deadline it is too little, too late for the Sabres to realize any traction in opposition to extra established groups and Buffalo does not qualify for the playoffs once more, placing jobs across the group in jeopardy.
X issue: How will Buffalo’s goaltending scenario maintain up? Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has the within observe to be the No. 1 after how nicely he completed final season. Behind him are up-and-comer Devon Levi and veteran James Reimer. It is a good quantity of depth (in idea) for Buffalo to wield however will that translate into wins? Buffalo allowed fewer than three objectives in opposition to final season, a testomony to each goaltending and their defensive efforts, so that they’ll be searching for higher from each areas to enhance on their earlier outcomes. And whereas Luukkonen’s breakout in 2023-24 was an vital step for the Sabres, they will not wish to put extra strain on him to be a savior every night time, both.
Fantasy outlook: Will new fantasy contributors emerge from the younger forwards stepping up? JJ Peterka is one of the best guess, with Jack Quinn additionally having potential on the second line with Dylan Cozens. Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch are dependable however might enhance on final season. Rasmus Dahlin leads the protection, whereas Bowen Byram and Owen Power might emerge as starters.
Bold prediction: The playoff drought ends.
Final season: 38-33-11, 87 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +6000
Key gamers added: F Matvei Michkov
Key gamers misplaced: F Cam Atkinson
Most fascinating participant: Matvei Michkov. No participant has created a stir like Michkov in Philadelphia since … nicely, it has been awhile. Maybe it is no coincidence Michkov — Philadelphia’s seventh general choose in 2023 — has landed on the scene simply in time for the Flyers’ fiftieth anniversary season of their most up-to-date Stanley Cup championship. As a result of Michkov is a beacon of hope that the Flyers can, at the very least, be playoff contenders once more quickly. The 19-year-old is a assured playmaker already and has stored up in his first NHL coaching camp. There are sure to be bumps alongside the way in which however Michkov is unimaginable to disregard.
Finest case: Philadelphia’s rebuild continues and the staff returns to playoff-caliber kind. This staff was knocking on the door of the playoff discipline simply final season and with sufficient self-discipline they’ll bust proper via it. Philadelphia’s top-six advantages from a breakout season from not simply Michkov however Morgan Frost, and a wholesome Sean Couturier makes all of the distinction up entrance. Samuel Ersson takes one other step in his improvement after a stable rookie season and cements his place as Philadelphia’s No. 1 between the pipes. Tortorella’s type continues to mesh nicely together with his gamers and the constructing blocks Philadelphia has been stacking for years put them in an optimum place to earn a wild-card playoff spot.
Worst case: The Flyers have been adamant about not speeding via their course of and that comes with ongoing rising pains. After an preliminary surge, Michkov begins to wrestle in opposition to the harder NHL competitors and Philadelphia’s offensive depth cannot match up on a nightly foundation. All of the expectations of strides from Frost and Ersson do not materialize and Philadelphia has to lean an excessive amount of on its veterans. Particular groups suffers and frustration comes naturally from Tortorella attempting to get the membership again on observe.
X issue: Philadelphia’s youth. It isn’t simply Michkov. And even Frost. It is Bobby Brink. And Joel Farabee. And Jett Luchanko. And Ersson. And all of the 25-and-unders that the Flyers can be counting on to hold them this season. The success or failure of Philadelphia’s complete marketing campaign can hinge on what they’re capable of produce. It is Tortorella’s job to place them in positions to succeed in fact, after which the skaters themselves need to benefit from their alternatives. It is an thrilling prospect to see what these gamers can do – and an equally nerve-wracking one, too.
Fantasy outlook: 4 Flyers completed final season ranked between eightieth and one hundredth in fantasy factors. With prime rookie Matvei Michkov becoming a member of, can any of them break into the fantasy elite? Anticipate lineup modifications to place Michkov for fulfillment, which may benefit Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, Morgan Frost or Sean Couturier, however not all of them.
Bold prediction: Jamie Drysdale stays wholesome, breaks out.
Final season: 37-41-4, 78 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +4000
Key gamers added: D Nick Jensen, F Michael Amadio, F David Perron, G Linus Ullmark
Key gamers misplaced: D Jakob Chychrun, G Joonas Korpisalo
Most fascinating participant: Tim Stutzle. The Senators obtained a star efficiency from Stutzle in 2022-23, when the ahead pocketed 39 objectives and 90 factors in 78 video games. Stutzle failed to succeed in these heights once more final season (though 70 factors in 75 video games was a tremendous end for him) and Ottawa equally struggled to succeed in its full potential. Expectations for Stutzle to rebound from a relatively down yr are excessive going into a brand new season — and the Senators hopes of getting again into the playoffs might hinge on how excessive Stutzle (and others, in fact) can climb. When Stutzle is at his greatest he is able to being Ottawa’s most dynamic skater and driving their offense ahead.
Finest case: Ottawa’s core gamers set the tone with glorious early play and the Senators shortly set up consistency in all three phases of their sport. Linus Ullmark’s arrival offers an elite degree of goaltending the Senators have not had in years and he is a spine to the staff’s run of normal season success. Ottawa’s offense — ranked ninth final yr — vastly improves with a wholesome Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot main the way in which and newcomers Michael Amadio and Nick Jensen offering some veteran assist. Travis Inexperienced’s newly carried out system brings out one of the best in Ottawa’s lineup and results in profession seasons for the Senators prime skaters, who carry the membership again right into a postseason spot for the primary time since 2018.
Worst case: The Senators stars step up however the lack of secondary scoring choices cannot be overcome (once more). Efforts to enhance defensively produce minor outcomes and with out a full-team buy-in to the method, Ottawa begins dropping extra shut video games whereas frustration units in. The staff’s choice to not add extra within the offseason cannot be mounted with commerce deadline acquisitions and those self same prime gamers who had been beforehand driving Ottawa’s success start to burn out. The Senators fade from relevancy once more with 20 video games to go and face one other lengthy offseason to determine methods to make actual progress.
X issue: The evolution of Ottawa’s younger core. It isn’t simply Stutzle. Brady Tkachuk, Drake Batherson, Shane Pinto, Josh Norris, Sanderson — there’s an entire group of gifted skaters that can be feeling the warmth. These are extremely coveted, extremely expert gamers in spite of everything, and it is their contributions that can decide how far Ottawa goes this season. There is no excuse now for these top-end forwards to not be taking part in a dedicated, 200-foot sport. And Inexperienced will harp on these particulars — amongst different issues — to make sure the Senators are getting probably the most out of their greatest gamers. Will these guys tune in and reply the way in which Ottawa wants them to? Keep tuned.
Fantasy outlook: Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle are fantasy superstars, whereas Drake Batherson is dependable, however then questions come up. Jake Sanderson is poised to standout on protection, however can he seize the chance with Thomas Chabot lurking? Linus Ullmark will not have the Bruins in entrance of him, however are the Sens adequate? What are expectations for Josh Norris and Shane Pinto after fewer than 50 video games final yr?
Bold prediction: Linus Ullmark is one-and-done in Ottawa.
Final season: 34-35-13, 81 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +7500
Key gamers added: D Josh Mahura, D Brandon Montour, F Chandler Stephenson
Key gamers misplaced: F Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, G Chris Driedger, D Brian Dumoulin, D Justin Schultz
Most fascinating participant: Matty Beniers. After scoring 57 factors, profitable the Calder and getting the Kraken to the playoffs as a rookie, there was a perception that Beniers was going to construct upon his first season. As an alternative? He solely scored 37 factors whereas the Kraken missed the playoffs which additionally coincided with Beniers’ ELC coming to an finish. Regardless of that dip in manufacturing, the Kraken signed Beniers to a seven-year extension price $7.14 million yearly forward of a season that would show pivotal for each events. Particularly because the Kraken have introduced in a brand new teaching workers that would present options to handle the offensive woes that challenged Beniers and the Kraken final season.
Finest case: Their offseason strikes result in offensive options. A lot of the narrative across the Kraken final yr was centered round how they went from nearly scoring at will within the 22-23 season to scoring the second-fewest objectives per sport a yr later. An incapability to attain was the most important subject dealing with a staff that continuously relied upon their defensive construction to remain in video games. That is what makes hiring Dan Bylsma as coach and including Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson in free company so vital to a Kraken franchise recovering from a troublesome season.
Worst case: Nothing modifications from final season. Bear in mind how the Kraken responded from a troublesome first season by reaching the playoffs of their second marketing campaign? That is precisely what they’re attempting to do of their fourth season after having a troublesome third season. If they’ll have a powerful fourth season can that be parlayed into long-term success for a franchise that is nonetheless attempting to ascertain its identification slightly than one with an inconsistent persona.
X issue: Their AHL success translating to the NHL. One of many the explanation why the Kraken employed Bylsma and later, assistant coach Jessica Campbell, goes again to the continuity they created throughout their two years with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. What they did at Coachella Valley led to their prospects creating, constantly fielding one of many league’s strongest assaults and advancing to the Calder Cup Closing in each of their seasons. The Kraken are banking on the notion they may accomplish the identical on the NHL degree.
Fantasy outlook: Matty Beniers is because of rebound within the factors division after a dud-like sophomore flip following his Calder Trophy-winning run in 2022-23. The 21-year-old ought to attain 60 factors with ease. Brandon Montour takes over operating the highest energy play together with his new squad. The Florida export presents as probably the most promising fantasy performer with a staff that in any other case likes to get it achieved by committee.
Bold prediction: Shane Wright quiets the critics.
Final season: 38-39-5, 81 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +10000
Key gamers added: D Jake Bean, G Devin Cooley, F Ryan Lomberg, F Anthony Mantha
Key gamers misplaced: F A.J. Greer, D Oliver Kylington, G Jacob Markstrom
Most fascinating participant: Dustin Wolf. His performances within the WHL and AHL over the previous couple of years have added to the assumption the Flames have their long-term goalie. Wolf will work in tandem with Dan Vladar at first, however is predicted to emerge because the Flames’ prime possibility having began 11 of their last 18 video games final season. Not solely might Wolf use the 2024-25 season to assist the Flames problem for a possible wild-card spot, nevertheless it might additionally result in him probably changing into the primary goaltender since Steve Mason in 2009 to win the Calder Trophy.
Finest case: Establishing an identification. Had been they going to have an exodus? May they persuade gamers to remain? May they one way or the other make the playoffs? The place’s the route of this franchise precisely going? The Flames spent nearly all of final season attempting to reply these questions earlier than discovering a solution — dealing away Elias Lindholm, Sean Monahan, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin forward of the deadline, and Jacob Markstrom this summer season. As for this season, it seems the key query dealing with them is will or not it’s one other yr the place they do not have sufficient factors for a playoff spot and too many factors to win the draft lottery? Or is that this the yr they make the playoffs after a two-year hiatus?
Worst case: Prolonged dropping streaks, and ending within the mushy center. Dropping six straight video games early within the season made it much more troublesome for the Flames to get again to .500. A separate four-game skid in December did not assist their trigger both. And simply when it appeared as in the event that they had been on the verge of constructing a late push with a five-game profitable streak in late February, it was a five-game dropping streak in March that was a part of a stretch that noticed them lose eight of their subsequent 9 video games that dealt a crippling blow towards their playoff possibilities. Within the worst-case situation, there are a number of such streaks once more — however sufficient profitable in any other case to disclaim them shot at profitable the draft lottery.
X issue: Cap area. Being armed with greater than $19 million in cap area solely provides to the intrigue in the case of the Flames. Say they’re able to push for a playoff spot; having that a lot cap area means they are often one of many extra aggressive groups ought to they enter the sweepstakes for a sure participant. And if they are not within the playoff hunt, they may use that area to assist dealer offers and add extra belongings for the longer term.
Fantasy outlook: With Jacob Markstrom settled in New Jersey, rookie Dustin Wolf is about to battle Dan Vladar for the majority of begins in Calgary’s web. Fantasy managers should not anticipate a surplus of victories from both, because the membership is within the midst of a minor rebuild. Up entrance, Nazem Kadri stays an underappreciated performer with point-per-game potential, whereas winger Yegor Sharangovich might bust via the 60-point mark after coming oh-so-close in his first flip as a Flame.
Bold prediction: The entrance workplace stubbornly refuses to tank.
Final season: 30-36-16, 76 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +20000
Key gamers added: F Patrik Laine
Key gamers misplaced: None
Most fascinating participant: Patrik Laine. It is an understatement that the final two seasons have been troublesome for Laine. The second general choose in 2016 has been hampered by accidents, and Laine entered the NHL/NHLPA Participant Help Program in January. Not lengthy after being cleared by docs in July, Laine was traded (for the third time in his profession) to Montreal. And all eyes can be on the winger to see what he can do with a contemporary begin — after he recovers from a preseason knee harm that has him out for 2 to a few months. Laine was a point-per-game participant for 2 seasons in Columbus and carried out nicely in Winnipeg earlier than that. The Canadiens acquired him as a result of they imagine he can nonetheless be a game-changing expertise. If Laine had been to seize maintain of a top-six slot and showcase a few of that innate expertise once more, how a lot might the Canadiens see their offense enhance immediately?
Finest case: Montreal faucets into the total potential of its younger core and stays wholesome all through the common season. Kaiden Guhle comes again robust from harm and is the difference-making asset Montreal’s been missing to regular its protection on a nightly foundation. The Canadiens’ prized defensive prospects — together with Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux — show they’re prepared for NHL jobs and Montreal’s again finish performs higher than it has in years. The Canadiens proceed to evolve their staff sport and make a critical push for a wild-card playoff spot in early spring.
Worst case: The Canadiens fail to take any steps ahead and are finally doomed by making too many modifications within the offseason. Montreal’s swap of Jordan Harris for Laine seems unhealthy, and does not produce the specified results of giving the Canadiens offense a correct increase. A piecemeal protection does not click on when Justin Barron and Arber Xhekaj do not present extra promise out of the gate. Key accidents pile up once more and there is not sufficient depth to fill the void. Montreal stands pat on the commerce deadline as a substitute of attempting to push for the postseason and the Canadiens end on the backside of the Atlantic once more.
X issue: How will the Canadiens protection shake out? Montreal entered coaching camp with a critical competitors for spots between their returning gamers and incoming prospects. It is a query of chemistry, although. No matter pairings coach Martin St. Louis decides to roll out on Opening Night time will nonetheless really feel considerably precarious in the long run given the variety of choices obtainable for jobs. And Montreal should enhance on that facet of the puck. They had been sixth worst in objectives in opposition to final season, and third worst in pictures in opposition to.
Fantasy outlook: The celebrities align for large seasons from Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky, probably making them one of many league’s prime strains. Mike Matheson‘s worth may very well be in danger if Lane Hutson or one other prospect emerges, however Kaiden Guhle’s fantasy worth stays safe. Do not overlook Kirby Dach‘s potential after lacking nearly all of final season.
Bold prediction: Lane Hutson is a Calder Trophy finalist.
Final season: 23-53-6, 52 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +20000
Key gamers added: F Tyler Bertuzzi, D T.J. Brodie, G Laurent Brossoit, F Ilya Mikheyev, F Patrick Maroon, D Alec Martinez, F Craig Smith, F Teuvo Teravainen
Key gamers misplaced: F Colin Blackwell, F Tyler Johnson, F Sam Lafferty, D Jaycob Megna, D Jarred Tinordi, D Nikita Zaitsev
Most fascinating participant: Connor Bedard. All of the expectations that got here with being touted because the NHL’s subsequent generational expertise was met with a rookie season that noticed him win the Calder Trophy. What Bedard confirmed all through his first season was that he was able to dealing with the calls for that include being a No. 1 heart. He completed tied for first on the staff in objectives, led the membership in assists and factors, and logged probably the most ice time amongst forwards whereas ending third amongst all Chicago skaters. Seeing what Bedard does in his sophomore effort provides to a bigger narrative relating to what steps the Blackhawks take as an entire in 2024-25. Particularly when their entrance workplace used the offseason so as to add extra veterans with the assumption it might see them enhance upon from how the staff carried out final season.
Finest case: Profitable greater than 30 video games for the primary time in 4 seasons. From a big-picture standpoint, the Blackhawks added veterans who may help form the longer term tradition of the membership. As for what all of it means within the fast future, these had been additionally strikes which can be anticipated to enhance a staff that struggled to attain objectives and forestall them. Final season noticed the Blackhawks end with the fewest objectives per sport whereas permitting the fourth most objectives per sport. However with gamers comparable to Bedard and Alex Vlasic having one other yr of expertise, coupled with what they did to strengthen their top-nine ahead corps together with their protection and goaltending, presents the likelihood they may attain 30 wins.
Worst case: Profitable fewer than 30 video games for a fifth straight season. Promise has been on the coronary heart of Blackhawks’ rebuild. What helps with sustaining that promise is progress. Particularly as this has been probably the most painful stretch of on-ice efficiency for a few years. One of many methods the Blackhawks’ progress may very well be measured is thru sure benchmarks. It seems that profitable 30 video games may very well be that metric for the Blackhawks this season. Of word: The final time the Blackhawks had 5 straight seasons of fewer than 30 wins got here throughout the 1950’s after they performed solely 70 video games per season.
X issue: Goaltending. One of many largest challenges dealing with the Blackhawks final season was their goaltending. Or slightly, the dearth of consistency between the pipes. Arvid Soderblom‘s on 5 of his 29 begins as a rookie, whereas posting a .880 save proportion. It’s kind of of a distinction in comparison with Petr Mrazek, who received 18 video games with a .908 save proportion. Including Brossoit now offers the Blackhawks one other confirmed possibility in web who has recorded a save proportion larger than .918 in three of his final 4 seasons. However that additionally comes with the conclusion that whereas Brossoit, who has been in tandems earlier than, might obtain probably the most taking part in time of his profession in 2024-25 after beginning the season on IR following a knee process in August.
Fantasy outlook: On Connor Bedard’s wing, new Blackhawk Tyler Bertuzzi ought to take pleasure in his best season since punching out 62 factors in 68 video games with Detroit again in 2021-22. Bedard himself is predicted to take one other leap ahead after gathering 61 factors in 68 contests in his Calder Trophy-winning season. Alec Martinez offers good worth in competitors that compensates blocked pictures.
Bold prediction: Seth Jones is traded.
Final season: 27-50-5, 59 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +30000
Key gamers added: D Brian Dumoulin, F Robby Fabbri, F Jansen Harkins
Key gamers misplaced: F Max Jones, F Jakob Silfverberg
Most fascinating participant: Trevor Zegras. There was the lower-body harm in November that led to him lacking 20 video games. Then there was the damaged ankle in January that did not see him return to the Geese’ lineup till late March. After which in fact there have been the commerce rumors. All of it amounted to what was a difficult third season for Zegras. His first two seasons noticed him emerge as one of many NHL’s future superstars solely to see his future — and whether or not or not that future would see him stay in Anaheim — come into query. Even with a tumultuous season, Zegras completed the common season with a degree in six of his staff’s last seven video games. Provided that the commerce rumors are swirling once more, he’s a important character for Anaheim as 2024-25 begins.
Finest case: Ending with greater than 30 wins. Progress is crucial metric in any rebuild. For the Geese, just like the Blackhawks, the notion they may probably attain the 30-win mark may very well be an indication of progress. Their most up-to-date season of greater than 30 wins got here throughout the 2021-22 marketing campaign. It is the one season of greater than 30 wins over the past 5, and hitting that benchmark once more would present that they are on the correct path again to rivalry.
Worst case: A 3rd straight season with fewer than 60 factors within the standings. Rebuilds current challenges and that is what the Geese have endured the final two seasons. In 2022-23, they completed with 58 factors whereas an injury-riddled 2023-24 marketing campaign performed an element in them ending the season with 59 factors. These are the one seasons in franchise historical past — that did not embrace a lockout or a pandemic-impacted marketing campaign — during which the Geese have completed under 60 factors.
X issue: Defensive enhancements. Earlier than Greg Cronin took over final season, the Geese allowed a league-high 338 objectives within the 2022-23 marketing campaign. Cronin’s first season in cost noticed that determine dip to 295, which was nonetheless the third most within the NHL. They completed with the second worst penalty kill within the league whereas additionally being within the prime 10 of most high-danger scoring possibilities allowed per 60 minutes, and probably the most scoring possibilities allowed per 60. It would take a full-team method to get these developments reversed this season.
Fantasy outlook: Rookie Cutter Gauthier boasts 50- to 60-point potential on Leo Carlsson‘s wing, top-line skater Trevor Zegras is seeking to bounce again following final yr’s injury-riddled marketing campaign, whereas Frank Vatrano can be exhausting pressed to attain 37 as soon as extra. New captain Radko Gudas sports activities noteworthy worth in leagues that reward hits and blocked pictures.
Bold prediction: Cam Fowler is traded now, Trevor Zegras later.
Final season: 27-43-12, 66 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +30000
Key gamers added: F Sean Monahan, F James van Riemsdyk
Key gamers misplaced: D Jake Bean, D Adam Boqvist, F Patrik Laine, F Johnny Gaudreau
Most fascinating participant: Adam Fantilli. This can be a essential sophomore season for the third general choose from 2023. Expectations had been excessive for Fantilli’s rookie marketing campaign, and whereas he produced stable totals — 12 objectives and 27 factors in 49 video games — it wasn’t precisely a commanding efficiency, both. Fantilli was a sufferer of harm (specifically a lacerated calf), Columbus’ horrible energy play (second worst within the NHL) and the overall disarray of a staff that struggled throughout the board. This can be a new season although, and Fantilli may have each alternative to shine. Let’s not overlook Fantilli had 30 objectives and 65 objectives in 36 video games for the College of Michigan in his draft yr. What can Fantilli do for Columbus’ offense with a locked-in top-six function and constant linemates? That mixture might draw one thing further particular out of the 19-year-old.
Finest case: Columbus wants a lift to start out the season and will get it from prime to backside. The Blue Jackets start to thrive beneath new coach Dean Evason with a stunning offensive assault led by offseason addition Sean Monahan, a resurgent Boone Jenner and wholesome Fantilli. Columbus’ prime 4 on D clicks into place shortly, and finds a stable rhythm in entrance of a settled-in Elvis Merzlikins. The membership’s particular groups — as soon as a supply of pure frustration — grow to be an asset that helps drive the Blue Jackets all season as they continue to be within the playoff hunt longer than anybody anticipated.
Worst case: One other season close to the underside of the Metro. The Blue Jackets’ historical past of well being points turns into an early downside and the staff’s confidence instantly dwindles. Already Columbus is coping with an injured Boone Jenner and Dmitry Voronkov, and that is a poor omen of what is to return. Evason cannot discover the correct ahead combine, and even the addition of skilled depth items like van Riemsdyk do not present sufficient choices to maintain Columbus robust up entrance. When Merzlikins begins to stumble, the protection follows go well with and the Blue Jackets are taking part in catch up once more whereas different Metropolitan groups draw back. Ultimately it is extra of the identical disappointment for a Blue Jackets staff that aimed to show a nook.
X issue: Particular groups. Columbus’ pitiful energy play (15.1%) and ineffective penalty kill (76.3%) from final season cannot be one other main storyline for the membership this season. The Blue Jackets have gifted skaters to fill these roles — van Riemsdyk alone is among the greatest net-front energy play choices Columbus might have signed — and so they should flip these two elements of their sport into belongings. There is no getting across the issues Columbus cannot keep away from going into the season, like how troublesome will probably be bearing the dying of Johnny Gaudreau, however taking steps ahead the place they’ll as a staff will give the Blue Jackets a lot wanted constructive momentum, and permit them to benefit from this coming yr regardless of some in any other case brutal circumstances.
Fantasy outlook: Whereas potential scoring stars are scattered all through the lineup, defenseman Zach Werenski is the first fantasy focus. Boone Jenner, Kirill Marchenko, Ivan Provorov, Kent Johnson, Adam Fantilli, Sean Monahan and Yegor Chinakhov all have potential to reward this season, however possible solely two or three will shine. Fantilli and Marchenko stand out, however drafting anybody apart from Werenski carries danger.
Bold prediction: Adam Fantilli has his breakout yr.
Final season: 19-54-9, 47 factors. Missed the playoffs.
Stanley Cup odds: +40000
Key gamers added: G Yaroslav Askarov, F Macklin Celebrini, D Cody Ceci, F Carl Grundstrom, F Barclay Goodrow, F Will Smith, F Tyler Toffoli, D Jake Walman, F Alexander Wennberg
Key gamers misplaced: D Calen Addison, F Alexander Barabanov, G Devin Cooley, D Ty Emberson, F Mike Hoffman, F Kevin Labanc
Most fascinating participant: Logan Couture. A lot about this specific Sharks’ offseason has centered round including Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. In spite of everything, they’re the 2 gamers who’ve now grow to be the face of a rebuild that would see the Sharks return to prominence. There may be, nonetheless, one thing to be stated in regards to the Sharks’ previous run of rivalry, and those that stay. A persistent groin harm restricted Couture to taking part in in simply six video games final season, with all of them coming in January. Couture was in coaching camp with the staff the place he has continued rehabbing whereas telling reporters “there is not any fast plan to get onto the ice.”
Finest case: Celebrini and Smith every end with greater than 20 objectives. The kids are certainly the Sharks’ future, and this season is about establishing a basis. Specifically, can they each deal with the calls for of what comes with being a pair of top-six forwards? Celebrini is predicted to anchor the highest line whereas Smith, who seems to be their second-line heart, may be used on the wing. For them to each rating 20 objectives wouldn’t solely show that they may carve a spot within the NHL, however it could probably present optimism that the Sharks are beginning to development upward after a dreadful 2023-24 marketing campaign.
Worst case: They’re worse than they had been final season. What finally turned David Quinn’s last season in cost was clearly a troublesome one. The truth is, there was one level during which the Sharks struggled a lot that they had been in rivalry to complete with the fewest factors within the wage cap period. They completed eight factors increased than the mark set by the 2019-20 Crimson Wings, however nonetheless confronted quite a few points. Hiring a brand new coach in Ryan Warsofsky, whereas signing Celebrini and Smith, and including extra veterans has arrange the Sharks to probably present enchancment from the staff that had 47 factors final season.
X issue: The NHL commerce deadline. As of now, the Sharks have seven gamers coming into the ultimate yr of their contracts earlier than hitting free company. Rebuilding groups who’ve these kinds of gamers are normally the kind which have an opportunity to commerce these gamers in change for picks or younger gamers that can assist sooner or later. What makes the Sharks’ scenario completely different than most is they do not have a wage retention slot, as a way to act as a third-party dealer to take a portion of a veteran’s wage in a commerce. Every staff has three retention slots, and the Sharks’ are crammed from earlier offers involving Brent Burns, Tomas Hertl and Erik Karlsson.
Fantasy outlook: A prime goal in keeper leagues, Macklin Celebrini boasts a 60-plus-point ceiling in his first NHL season. This yr’s first-overall NHL draft choice deserves a roster spot in all leagues of bigger measurement. Identical applies to fellow rookie, and second-line heart, Will Smith. Defenseman Jake Walman initiatives as a sleeper attributable to power-play manufacturing.
Bold prediction: Macklin Celebrini wins the Calder Trophy.
