Every NHL season comes packed with its share of unexpected twists, and the 2024 season is quickly proving to be no different. Teams we once deemed surefire playoff contenders are now grappling with inconsistency, while underdogs are emerging as formidable adversaries, shaking up the league in the process.
Utah's Development
One of the standout surprises has been the Utah team's impressive developments, both through promising young talent and shrewd acquisitions. During the 2024 NHL Draft, Utah made headlines by acquiring defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning, a move that has significantly bolstered their defensive lineup. Joining Sergachev are John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and Sean Durzi, both of whom have seamlessly integrated into Utah's defensive corps, creating a robust and resilient backline.
Offensively, Clayton Keller's capability shines through as he comes off a 76-point campaign in the 2023-24 season. Complementing Keller's performance is Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, who had an impressive rookie season, racking up 20 goals and 44 points.
Dylan Guenther, another young prodigy and the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, demonstrated his potential with 35 points in 45 games. With Matias Maccelli at 24, paired with Connor Ingram's standout goaltending—saving 5.05 goals above average and maintaining a high-danger save percentage of .841—the team has formidable support. The relocation rumors that previously swirled around Utah have now subsided, allowing the team to focus on their promising future.
Buffalo Sabres' Longstanding Struggles
Across the league, the Buffalo Sabres strive to end a frustrating playoff drought dating back to 2011. Despite this, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Alex Tuch had a productive season, registering 22 goals and 37 assists. Not to be outdone, Tage Thompson scored 56 points in 71 games, solidifying his role as a reliable contributor.
Among the younger talents, JJ Peterka impressed with a 28-goal season and a total of 50 points. Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, added promise by netting 14 goals during his rookie season in 2022-23. The addition of Bowen Byram to Buffalo's roster further intensifies the competition and offers depth to their lineup. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen's performance in the goal has been noteworthy, saving 10.1 goals above average last season, providing confidence between the pipes.
Montreal Canadiens’ Youth Surge
The Montreal Canadiens are witnessing a resurgence of youth, with players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield combining for an impressive 61 goals and 81 assists last season. With Suzuki at 24 years old and Caufield at 23, the duo looks set to lead Montreal’s offensive charge for years to come.
Additionally, Juraj Slafkovsky contributed a commendable 20 goals and 30 assists, showing his potential as a core player. Lane Hutson, who made his debut last season, brings promise with his collegiate record of 97 points in 77 games at Boston University. His entry into the NHL may symbolize a new wave of talent for Montreal.
Challenges and Prospects
Not all news has been positive. Patrik Laine's significant knee injury in a preseason game has been a setback for his team. However, Minnesota Wild’s Matt Boldy has emerged as a beacon of consistency, recording 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games, maintaining a 30-goal pace over the past two seasons.
Marco Rossi has also shown his mettle in his first full season, totaling 40 points and playing the second-most five-on-five minutes among Wild forwards, controlling 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season.
As the 2024 NHL season continues to unfold, fans have plenty to look forward to. Whether it’s the newfound stability in Utah, the Sabres' attempts to break their playoff hiatus, or the Canadiens’ young stars making their mark, the narratives are countless and captivating. With hockey's unpredictability, each game offers new stories waiting to be told and new heroes ready to emerge.