Every NHL season brings its set of unpredictable twists and engaging storylines, and the 2024 season is living up to that tradition. Teams expected to dominate are facing unexpected challenges, while others, previously underestimated, are emerging as formidable contenders. Notably, Utah's strategic acquisitions and promising young talents have set them up for a potentially breakthrough season.
Utah's Bold Moves
Utah has made significant strides in strengthening their lineup. One of their standout moves was acquiring defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2024 NHL Draft. Sergachev's addition alone would be a hefty boost, but Utah didn't stop there. They also secured John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and integrated Sean Durzi into their defensive corps. These defensive acquisitions are poised to solidify Utah's backline, making them a more balanced and robust team.
Offensively, Utah has reasons to be optimistic. Clayton Keller is coming off a strong 2023-24 season, where he notched 76 points. Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, recorded a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points. Meanwhile, Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, tallied 35 points in 45 games. Adding to this young talent, Matias Maccelli, at just 24 years old, represents a beacon of potential for Utah's future.
In goal, Connor Ingram's performance has been impressive. He saved 5.05 goals above average last season and maintained a high-danger save percentage of .841, metrics that suggest he's more than capable of holding down the fort for Utah. With these talents and a clear end to any relocation rumors, Utah is positioning itself as a team to watch this season.
Buffalo's Pursuit of Playoff Success
The Buffalo Sabres are riding a tumultuous wave, having not made a playoff appearance since 2011. However, there are glimmers of hope that this long drought might end. Alex Tuch had a productive season with 22 goals and 37 assists, and Tage Thompson contributed 56 points over 71 games. There's more youthful energy in the form of JJ Peterka, who at 22 years old, reached the 28-goal mark and notched 50 points last season.
Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, showed promise with 14 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23. The addition of Bowen Byram further adds to Buffalo's depth. In goal, Ukko-Pekka Luukonen saved 10.1 goals above average last season, providing a strong presence between the pipes. All these elements indicate that Buffalo is making a serious push to break its playoff absence.
Montreal's Young Guns
For the Montreal Canadiens, the dynamic duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield stands out. Combining for 61 goals and 81 assists last season, both players, aged 24 and 23 respectively, are entering the prime years of their careers. Juraj Slafkovsky also had a notable season, contributing 20 goals and 30 assists.
Adding to their excitement, Lane Hutson made his debut last season, playing two games. With an impressive collegiate career at Boston University where he amassed 97 points in 77 games, Hutson is another fantastic addition for Montreal. The Canadiens are clearly building a roster that can compete at the highest level.
Individual Performances and Prospects
In individual performances, several players have stood out. Patrik Laine's significant knee injury in a preseason game was a blow, but other players are stepping up. Matt Boldy has consistently performed at a high level, with 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games. Over the last two seasons, he has maintained a 30-goal pace, establishing himself as a reliable scorer.
Marco Rossi is another name generating buzz. In his first full season, Rossi totaled 40 points and played the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward. His ability to control 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play highlights his effectiveness on the ice.
As the 2024 NHL season unfolds, fans are treated to myriad storylines and performances that keep them on the edge of their seats. The evolving narratives, emerging stars, and unexpected team performances all contribute to the rich tapestry that makes the NHL so compelling year after year.