Every NHL season arrives with its own set of twists and turns, capturing the essence of unpredictability that makes hockey so thrilling. The 2024 NHL season is no exception, bringing surprises from both expected and unexpected teams. Some perennial playoff contenders find themselves in a surprising struggle, while others are defying all odds to rise in the standings.
Utah’s Astonishing Moves and Rising Talent
The Utah franchise has emerged as one of the most intriguing stories this season, thanks to substantial acquisitions and a strong showing from its promising young talent. During the 2024 NHL Draft, Utah pulled off a significant move by acquiring defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning. This was followed by landing John Marino from the New Jersey Devils, bolstering their defensive corps along with the integration of Sean Durzi.
The offensive side of Utah’s roster is equally promising. Clayton Keller, who is coming off an impressive 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season, continues to be a crucial player. Meanwhile, Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, looks to build on his solid rookie season, during which he netted 20 goals and accumulated 44 points. Dylan Guenther, another top prospect, tallied 35 points in just 45 games after being picked No. 9 overall in 2021.
At 24 years old, Matias Maccelli is another name to watch. In goal, Connor Ingram’s performance has been stellar, saving 5.05 goals above average last season and maintaining a high-danger save percentage of .841. With these attributes and the stability of ending relocation rumors, Utah’s future seems promising and bright.
Buffalo Sabres’ Ongoing Playoff Drought
In stark contrast, the Buffalo Sabres are grappling with a playoff drought that dates back to 2011. Key players like Alex Tuch, who posted 22 goals and 37 assists, have tried to turn the tides for Buffalo. Tage Thompson added 56 points in 71 games, showing consistent performance. JJ Peterka, a 22-year-old forward, reached an impressive 28-goal mark, totaling 50 points last season, while Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, notched 14 goals in his rookie season during the 2022-23 campaign.
The Sabres have also added defensive stability by acquiring Bowen Byram. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen’s goaltending has been a standout, saving 10.1 goals above average last season. Despite these efforts, the Sabres still find themselves on the outside looking in, fighting to break their lengthy playoff absence.
Promising Young Guns in Montreal
Over in Montreal, the youthful duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield has given fans plenty to cheer about. The pair combined for a whopping 61 goals and 81 assists last season, showcasing their potential to drive the team forward in the coming years. Nick Suzuki, aged 24, and Cole Caufield, who is 23, form a dynamic partnership that could become the cornerstone of Montreal’s offensive future.
Juraj Slafkovsky added to the excitement with 20 goals and 30 assists last season, while Lane Hutson, who debuted last season by playing two games, had an incredible collegiate career at Boston University, amassing 97 points in 77 games.
Injuries and Resurgences Across the League
Injuries remain a critical variable in any NHL season. Patrik Laine’s significant knee injury during a preseason game has been a setback for his team, leading to questions about how his absence could impact their season.
Meanwhile, Minnesota's Matt Boldy has proven to be a reliable offensive force with 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games, maintaining a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons. Marco Rossi, coming off his first full season with 40 points, is another significant contributor. Rossi not only played the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward but also controlled 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season, underscoring his substantial impact on the ice.
As the 2024 season advances, these storylines and individuals offer a wealth of excitement and unpredictability. The mix of emerging talent, veteran consistency, and unforeseen developments ensures that fans have plenty to be excited about, underscoring why hockey remains one of the most exhilarating sports on the planet.