The 2024-25 NHL season is about to get underway, and meaning it is time to start projecting what may occur across the league all through the common season.
There was a ton of motion all through the offseason, and plenty of groups will probably be beginning contemporary with the hope of contending for a Stanley Cup this coming season. Within the Jap Convention, there are a number of groups that missed the postseason in 2023-24 that want to qualify in 2024-25, together with the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Purple Wings, and Ottawa Senators. One of many these groups nearly definitely will probably be within the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Playoff discipline.
That is the time to make some spicy projections so far as groups making or lacking the playoffs and what gamers might be taking residence some {hardware} when the mud settles on the 12 months. Here’s a record of some daring predictions for the upcoming marketing campaign which have an opportunity of coming true when it is all stated and finished.
Senators lastly make the playoffs
There are fairly just a few groups within the Jap Convention which are making an attempt to interrupt that proverbial glass ceiling and at last make the Stanley Cup Playoffs this coming season. The Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Purple Wings are among the many groups that would get the job finished, however it’s the Ottawa Senators that may finally take that subsequent step.
Possibly I am only a glutton for punishment, however the Senators have the required items to be a playoff staff in 2024-25. One of many largest points for Ottawa final season got here on the defensive finish of the ice. As a staff, the Senators tallied a 3.43 goals-against-average, which was the fifth-worst mark within the NHL. Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg each had goal-against-averages that eclipsed the three.20 mark, so the Senators went out and bought a frontline begin to man the crease within the type of Linus Ullmark. Ullmark could not have had a Vezina Trophy-winning season in 2023-24, however may bounce again to type and not using a netminder like Jeremy Swayman lurking over his shoulder. Based on Cash Puck, the Senators had a -30 objective differential (fifth-worst within the NHL), so stability within the defensive zone may severely alter the staff’s fortunes.
Ottawa has a formidable high line that features the likes of Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux. The most important query mark would be the well being of probably second-line middle Josh Norris, who has appeared in simply 58 video games over the previous two seasons on account of damage. If Norris can keep wholesome and strengthen the center of the ice, it is not loopy to assume the Senators is usually a playoff staff this season.
Filip Forsberg wins Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy
It is no secret the Nashville Predators have been among the many most energetic groups in free company. This can be a franchise that added forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault to their high six, and that would result in Filip Forsberg enjoying out of his thoughts all through the 2024-25 marketing campaign.
Forsberg has all the time been a productive objective scorer since breaking into the NHL again within the 2012-13 season. Nonetheless, the Swedish star has tallied two 40-goal seasons over the previous three years, together with a career-high 48-goal exhibiting in 2023-24. That was good for sixth within the NHL with a number of the league’s high gamers like Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov ending above him. However, Nashville’s offseason additions may definitely result in an uptick in Forsberg’s offensive manufacturing. With Marchessault and Stamkos anticipated to hitch Forsberg on the Predators’ high power-play unit, Forsberg ought to have an opportunity for extra power-play objectives than he is had up to now. Whereas it will probably take an enormous effort for Forsberg to steer the league in objectives, it is not out of the realm of potentialities.
Avalanche declare Central Division’s high playoff spot
Since profitable the Stanley Cup in 2022, the Colorado Avalanche have gained only one playoff sequence within the final two installments of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche did take down the Winnipeg Jets in 5 video games within the 2024 postseason, however well being has definitely been a thorn within the staff’s facet.
The Avalanche have been with out captain Gabriel Landeskog for every of the final two seasons on account of a number of knee procedures. As well as, fellow ahead Artturi Lehkonen has been working his means again from offseason shoulder surgical procedure. Assuming that each Landeskog and Lehkonen do not miss a ton of time to start out the season, the Avalanche have the goal-scoring prowess to be one of many high groups within the Western Convention, particularly if star middle Nathan MacKinnon produces one other MVP-caliber season. Search for the Avalanche to be a juggernaut as soon as once more within the Central Division race.
Jake Oettinger has confirmed shades of being an elite goaltender through the first 4 seasons of his NHL profession. Whereas his efficiency in 2023-24 wasn’t excellent, Oettinger definitely has the flexibility to bounce again and produce an distinctive marketing campaign this coming season.
The Dallas Stars are anticipated to be one of many high groups within the Western Convention, so Oettinger has the great fortune of getting an elite staff enjoying in entrance of him. Oettinger tallied a 35-14-4 report to go together with a 2.72 goals-against-average and a .905 save share in 2023-24. Nonetheless, based on Cash Puck, Oettinger registered a .953 save share when going through unblocked photographs final season regardless of having a down 12 months. Oettinger’s profession goals-against-average stands at 2.51, which is within the ballpark that it may take for Oettinger to be a finalist for the Vezina Trophy because the league’s high netminder.
Sidney Crosby has been an icon for the Pittsburgh Penguins through the years and has given the franchise three Stanley Cups. He is achieved a lot, however it’s not insane to entertain the potential for the staff transferring him previous to the 2025 commerce deadline.
It is onerous to wrap your thoughts across the Penguins buying and selling Crosby, however it’s not exterior of the realm of potentialities. The Penguins did add veteran ahead Kevin Hayes to carry some grit to their checking line, whereas additionally touchdown former first-round decide Rutger McGroarty. Nonetheless, it will not be stunning if the Penguins aren’t in playoff competition when the commerce deadline rolls round. That is when Kyle Dubas and firm may must make a really troublesome resolution. Whereas Crosby did simply signal a contract extension, his cap hit is not astronomical at $8.7 million, so it is a moveable contract to the proper staff. It is also value noting that Crosby is 37 years previous and should wish to chase one ultimate ring. If he actually does and it is not occurring with Pittsburgh, maybe they resolve it is time to half methods after 20 years.
