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. One of the most surprising storylines comes from an unlikely place: Utah. This team has made significant strides in both acquisitions and developing young talent, making them a noteworthy contender this season.
Utah: A Rising Powerhouse
Utah's series of smart trades and successful drafts have positioned them as a promising team to watch. One of their most significant moves during the 2024 NHL Draft was acquiring defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Bolstering their defense further, Utah landed John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and integrated Sean Durzi into their defensive corps.
Offensively, Clayton Keller is coming off a stellar 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season. Meanwhile, Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, had a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points. Another young talent, Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, tallied 35 points in just 45 games. Matias Maccelli, at age 24, adds more depth to the team’s youthful core.
Goaltending is another area where Utah shines. Connor Ingram saved 5.05 goals above average last season and maintained a high-danger save percentage of .841, metrics that underscore his reliability in net. For a team that has long been dogged by relocation rumors, the combination of this talent suggests a promising future, potentially ending those persistent speculations for good.
Buffalo Sabres: Breaking the Drought
When discussing teams looking to make a splash this season, the Buffalo Sabres cannot be overlooked. Hampered by a record-long playoff drought since 2011, the Sabres are eager to turn things around. One of their bright spots last season was Alex Tuch, who had a productive year with 22 goals and 37 assists. Tage Thompson also contributed significantly, scoring 56 points in 71 games. Even more promising, JJ Peterka, a 22-year-old forward, reached the 28-goal mark and notched 50 points in total.
Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, showcased his scoring ability with 14 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23. Adding to this mix, Bowen Byram has joined the Sabres’ roster, providing a skilled presence on the blue line. In goal, Ukko-Pekka Luukonen proved his worth by saving 10.1 goals above average last season, making him a crucial part of Buffalo’s resurgence efforts.
Montreal Canadiens: Young Stars on the Rise
The Montreal Canadiens are another team to keep an eye on, primarily due to their dynamic duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. The pair combined for an impressive 61 goals and 81 assists last season. With Suzuki at 24 years old and Caufield just a year younger, the future looks bright for Montreal.
Adding depth to the Canadiens' roster, Juraj Slafkovsky contributed 20 goals and 30 assists last season, while Lane Hutson, who debuted with two games last season, amassed 97 points in 77 games during his collegiate career at Boston University. This infusion of young talent presents Montreal with a solid foundation for future success.
Around the League
Elsewhere in the NHL, key players and emerging stars are making headlines. Patrik Laine, however, suffered a significant knee injury in a preseason game, sidelining him for the foreseeable future. On a more positive note, Minnesota Wild's Matt Boldy is maintaining a consistent 30-goal pace over the last two seasons, having recorded 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games.
Marco Rossi is another notable player for the Wild. In his first full season, Rossi totaled 40 points and played the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward. Additionally, Rossi controlled 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season, showcasing his overall impact on the ice.
With a multitude of compelling storylines and emerging stars, the 2024 NHL season is proving to be one to watch closely. Fans have much to be excited about as teams continue to battle for supremacy on the ice.