How will The Metropolitan Division Play Out? Our Metro Division Predictions Are Out!

The regular NHL season has officially kicked off as both New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres opened up with two games each in Prague before heading back home for more play-off action in their respective divisions. The Carolina Hurricanes will officially kickoff their 2024-2025 campaign next Friday when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning as they start life without longtime captain Steven Stamkos (now signed with Nashville Predators), whom the Lightning lost this offseason when Stamkos signed with Preds instead.Despite having lost key players such as Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen Stefan Noesen and Brady Skjei – they still seem likely to finish in one of three spots in Metropolitan Division. This season in the Metropolitan Division should prove more captivating as New Jersey Devils appear significantly improved after signing goaltender Jacob Markstrom to provide them with consistent goaltending, while recruiting former Canes teammates Brett Pesce and Stefan Noesen to New Jersey. In each of their last two playoff seasons, Hurricanes first-round playoff opponents New York Islanders have also come close to earning one of the top positions available to them in round 1. They should continue this year. Lou Lamoriello of the Islanders recently made waves when he brought in Anthony Duclair to round out their top line alongside Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal, possibly finding a hidden gem from KHL Maxim Tysplakov, who has enjoyed an outstanding preseason performance. New York Rangers, reigning holders of the NHL Presidents’ Trophy and favorites to regain it this season under star goaltender Igor Shesterkin and fellow Russian forward Artemi Panarin are an imposing presence that have proven they belong at the forefront. As such, here is our Metropolitan Division predictions – keep in mind there’s still the possibility for error! 1. New York Rangers- The Rangers didn’t make many changes this off-season but still seem likely to win another Metro title this fall. Netminder Igor Shesterkin appears to be heading into his 28th NHL season without an extension, which could create some distraction. But given his importance and history in winning Vezina trophies, this should not deter him. 2. With Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox providing them with elite talent support as well as former 2020 1st overall draft selection Alexis Lafreniere poised for breakthrough, the Rangers should once more dominate the division. 2. As mentioned above, much is made about Carolina Hurricanes’ losses this off-season. Although their roster will undoubtedly feel the absence of Guentzel and company, Sebastian Aho remains one of the premier centers in hockey and can guide his squad effectively. He will be joined on offense by young Seth Jarvis, fresh off an impressive contract extension this summer and boasting one of the league’s premier four defensive groups in Jaccob Slavin, Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov and Sean Walker. Rod Brind’Amour will undoubtedly keep his team playing an aggressive, uptempo style of hockey that makes the Hurricanes one of the hardest teams to face in the NHL.Related: Breaking: Hurricanes Sign Seth Jarvis to Eight-Year Contract for $63.2M3. New York Islanders- If the top three finishers do indeed align in such a fashion, this would lead to yet another Hurricanes-Islanders meeting in the first round. The Islanders return most of the same players this season but made two key acquisitions – Anthony Duclair to give their top line more depth, and Maxim Tsyplakov from KHL who attracted interest from 12 NHL clubs before choosing Long Island as his free agent destination. Tsyplakov joins a second line that boasts veteran goal scorers Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri as he rounds out an already formidable top six group. 4. Ilya Sorokin could surprise many this season if he returns to form following last season’s slump and helps Patrick Roy lead Islanders back into contention for another Stanley Cup run. 4. New Jersey Devils- General manager Tom Fitzgerald had an extremely productive off-season, signing Jacob Markstrom, Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon to go along with Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier Timo Meier Dougie Hamilton as core players to complete a strong core lineup that many in NHL media expect will lead them to victory in Metropolitan division play this year. Though such injuries are certainly possible, Jack Hughes – their leading scorer from 2021-2022 season was limited to 49 games last season due to injury issues and missed 20 contests altogether due to injuries. 5. If Hughes and Dougie Hamilton can stay healthy during 2018, then the Devils could challenge for division supremacy once more. 5. Washington Capitals- The star player entering this season in Americas capital city is Alex Ovechkin who stands just four short goals of breaking Wayne Gretzkys all-time goals record of 621. After starting slowly last season he still managed to finish with 31 goals for 31 assists total. This summer, Washington Capitals acquired forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois and Andrew Mangiapane as well as top 4 defenseman Jacob Chychrun and goaltender Logan Thompson. Even after making significant additions and an unlikely playoff appearance last season (23-24), the Capitals appear poised for another tough playoff challenge come playoff time.6. Pittsburgh Penguins- Despite Sidney Crosby’s leadership and ability, his Penguins appear headed toward missing the playoffs once more this season. Crosby recently signed a two-year extension and hopes this won’t occur. Pens are one of the oldest teams in the NHL and don’t seem to have added enough support around him to move the needle significantly. General Manager Kyle Dubas recruited veteran Kevin Hayes but the 32-year old just experienced one of his worst seasons ever in 2018-19 with only 29 points across 79 games for Blues. The Penguins recently made headlines when they made a successful trade to acquire promising forward Rutger McGroarty from Winnipeg Jets, in hopes he can exceed everyone’s expectations and help steer Pittsburgh back towards success; otherwise it could be another long season in Pittsburgh7. Philadelphia Flyers- Last season was quite unexpected for most as the Flyers held onto 3rd place in the Metropolitan Division before collapsing late in the year. Daniel Briere had an inactive summer overall but still managed to secure Matvei Michkov from Russia as their 7th overall pick in 2023 draft, who looks set for Calder trophy contention. Combining Owen Tippett, Morgan Frost, Jett Luchanko and Travis Konecny into young talent makes Philadelphia’s future bright. For this season however, growing pains could hinder progress among these youngsters which could ultimately cause setbacks in performance. 8. Columbus Blue Jackets- In August this year, an unspeakable tragedy rocked both their organization and hockey fans worldwide when Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau, two beloved Blue Jackets stars were struck and killed while riding their bikes by a drunk driver near their Salem, NJ home while out riding bikes on August 15th. Though both players were outstanding hockey players, they also proved themselves as remarkable people off of it and will both be greatly missed by Columbus Blue Jackets teammates and fans. Although Johnny Gaudreau will be missed greatly by everyone involved with Columbus, Boone Jenner and new Blue Jacket Sean Monahan must find ways to move on while also leading offensively with Adam Fantili, Cole Sillinger and Kirill Marchenko leading from behind as promises young talent to drive this Columbus team forward this season despite any setbacks along the way.