Every NHL season brings a fresh wave of surprises and excitement, and the 2024 season is proving to be no exception. Teams that were expected to dominate are stumbling, while others are surpassing all predictions. Among these emerging teams, Utah has stood out with significant acquisitions and an infusion of promising young talent.
Utah’s Key Acquisitions Bolster the Team
The 2024 NHL Draft saw Utah make pivotal moves to strengthen their defensive lineup. The team acquired defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning, a move that is expected to shore up their blue line considerably. Additionally, Utah added John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and integrated Sean Durzi into their defensive corps, further solidifying their roster.
On the offensive end, Clayton Keller is coming off an impressive 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season, showcasing his ability to drive the team’s offense. Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, also had a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points, proving his potential as a key player for the future. Not to be overlooked, Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, contributed significantly with 35 points in 45 games.
Matias Maccelli, at 24 years old, adds youthful energy to the squad, while goaltender Connor Ingram's performance last season, saving 5.05 goals above average and maintaining a high-danger save percentage of .841, provides a reliable last line of defense. With these talents and the end of persistent relocation rumors, Utah appears poised for a bright future.
Buffalo's Long-Awaited Playoff Push
On the opposite coast, the Buffalo Sabres continue their quest to break their playoff drought, having last made an appearance in 2011. The team’s lineup has shown promise, with Alex Tuch having a productive season, netting 22 goals and 37 assists. Tage Thompson also delivered with 56 points in 71 games last season. Furthermore, rising star JJ Peterka, a 22-year-old forward, reached the 28-goal mark and notched 50 points.
Jack Quinn, selected as the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, added 14 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23, indicating a promising trajectory. The addition of defenseman Bowen Byram further strengthens their lineup, aiming to solidify their defense and transition game.
Buffalo's goaltending also received a boost with Ukko-Pekka Luukonen's performance last season, saving 10.1 goals above average. His consistency will be pivotal as the Sabres aim to end their playoff drought.
Montreal's Energized Young Core
The Montreal Canadiens are another team to watch, boasting a young and energetic core. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield combined for an incredible 61 goals and 81 assists last season. With Nick Suzuki at 24 years old and Cole Caufield at 23, these two form a dynamic duo with a bright future ahead.
Juraj Slafkovsky also made significant contributions with 20 goals and 30 assists, and Lane Hutson, who debuted last season, has shown promise after amassing 97 points in 77 games during his collegiate career at Boston University. Though Hutson only played two games last season, the Canadiens are hopeful about his future impact.
Minnesota's Resilient Squad
The Minnesota Wild have their share of compelling storylines. Despite a significant knee injury to Patrik Laine in a preseason game, the team continues to rely on players like Matt Boldy, who has recorded 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games and maintained a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons. Marco Rossi has also stepped up, totaling 40 points in his first full season and playing the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward. Rossi controlled 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season, underscoring his importance to the team.
As the 2024 NHL season continues to unfold, fans have plenty of narratives to follow. From rising young stars in Buffalo and Montreal to Utah’s transformative offseason moves and Minnesota's resilience, the season promises to be memorable for teams and spectators alike.