Every NHL season brings its own set of surprises, and the 2024 season is no exception. Teams that seemed like surefire playoff contenders are now struggling, while others are defying all expectations. Among the standout stories of this season is the meteoric rise of the Utah franchise, which has made significant acquisitions and boasts promising young talent. Their roster moves have positioned them as a team to watch.
Utah’s Strategic Acquisitions
Utah made waves during the 2024 NHL Draft by acquiring defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning. The addition of Sergachev, combined with other key acquisitions such as John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and Sean Durzi, has bolstered Utah's defensive lineup significantly. These moves reflect the team's commitment to not just participating but competing at a high level.
Offensively, Utah is riding the momentum of Clayton Keller, who is coming off a 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season. Keller’s performance, complemented by Logan Cooley—who had a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points—highlights the team's offensive potential. Dylan Guenther, another top prospect, contributed 35 points in 45 games, further solidifying the team's depth in young talent. Matias Maccelli, though younger at 24, offers additional promising prospects for the future.
Between the pipes, Connor Ingram has proven to be an asset, saving 5.05 goals above average last season and maintaining a high-danger save percentage of .841. Ingram’s stability in the net adds another layer of reliability to a team that seems poised for a promising future, now free from the persistent relocation rumors that once clouded their horizon.
Buffalo Sabres’ Decade-Long Struggle
In stark contrast to Utah's burgeoning success, the Buffalo Sabres have not seen playoff action since 2011. However, the team has shown signs of life this season. Alex Tuch had a productive season with 22 goals and 37 assists, while Tage Thompson scored an impressive 56 points in 71 games. The emergence of young talent like JJ Peterka, who reached the 28-goal mark and notched 50 points last season, offers a glimmer of hope for the future.
The Sabres' prospects are further buoyed by the addition of Bowen Byram, and their goaltending situation appears solidified with Ukko-Pekka Luukonen, who saved 10.1 goals above average last season. The blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance may well spell the end of Buffalo's playoff drought.
Montreal Canadiens’ Dynamic Duo
The Montreal Canadiens can rely on the dynamic duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, who combined for 61 goals and 81 assists last season. Both young stars, with Suzuki at 24 and Caufield at 23, bring speed, skill, and a scoring touch that keeps Montreal competitive in a tough division. Juraj Slafkovsky’s contribution of 20 goals and 30 assists last season further strengthens their offensive output, while the debut of Lane Hutson adds another layer of intrigue. Hutson amassed 97 points in 77 games during his collegiate career at Boston University, hinting at a bright future in the NHL.
Setbacks and Comebacks
Despite some setbacks, such as Patrik Laine's significant knee injury in a preseason game, other teams have seen individuals emerge as leading contributors. Matt Boldy of the Minnesota Wild, for instance, has recorded 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games and maintained a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons. Marco Rossi, too, is making his mark, totaling 40 points in his first full season and playing the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward. Rossi’s defensive awareness is clear, as he controlled 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season.
As the 2024 NHL season unfolds, fans have much to be excited about. With numerous compelling storylines and standout performances, the season promises to be filled with both thrilling surprises and heart-stopping moments. The journey is just beginning, and the anticipation is palpable as teams fight for supremacy on the ice.