Every NHL season brings its own set of surprises, and the 2024 season is no exception. As teams battle it out on the ice, some are defying expectations while others are struggling to find their rhythm. This year's biggest storylines revolve around the resurgence of the Buffalo Sabres and the seismic shifts within Utah's roster.
Utah's Bold Moves
The Utah hockey franchise, often viewed as an underdog, has made significant strides this season with a series of high-profile acquisitions. During the 2024 NHL Draft, Utah managed to snag defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning, a move that has bolstered their defensive prowess. In addition to Sergachev, Utah landed John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and integrated Sean Durzi into their defensive corps, creating a robust and dynamic defense line.
Offensively, Utah shines with Clayton Keller coming off a stellar 76-point campaign in the 2023-24 season. Keller's performance is complemented by Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, who had a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points. The team's young talent is rounded out by Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, who tallied an impressive 35 points in just 45 games.
Matias Maccelli, at 24 years old, also offers a promising contribution, while Connor Ingram's goaltending is a key asset, with 5.05 goals saved above average last season and a high-danger save percentage of .841. With such talents and the end of persistent relocation rumors, Utah seems poised for a promising future.
Buffalo Sabres' Playoff Aspirations
On the other side of the spectrum are the Buffalo Sabres, a team known for their lengthy playoff drought, having not made an appearance since 2011. This season, however, the Sabres are showing signs of breaking that cycle. Alex Tuch has been a productive force with 22 goals and 37 assists, while Tage Thompson contributed 56 points in 71 games last season. Not to be overlooked, JJ Peterka, a 22-year-old forward, reached the 28-goal mark and notched 50 points last season, signaling a bright future ahead.
Adding further depth, Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, had 14 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23. Moreover, the addition of Bowen Byram has only strengthened Buffalo's defensive lineup. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukonen, saving 10.1 goals above average last season, is another asset keeping the Sabres competitive in tight games.
Rising Stars in Montreal
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens are witnessing the rise of young stars Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, who combined for 61 goals and 81 assists last season. At just 24 and 23 years old respectively, Suzuki and Caufield represent the future core of the Canadiens. Supporting them, Juraj Slafkovsky contributed 20 goals and 30 assists, adding depth to Montreal's offensive threats.
Lane Hutson made his debut last season, playing two games, and his collegiate career at Boston University was nothing short of spectacular, amassing 97 points in 77 games. His transition into the NHL is highly anticipated, as he is likely to become an essential part of Montreal's setup.
Challenges and Triumphs in Minnesota
The Minnesota Wild have had their share of challenges, particularly with Patrik Laine suffering a significant knee injury in a preseason game. Yet, the team continues to find success with players like Matt Boldy, who has recorded 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games. Boldy has maintained a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons, proving to be a consistent goal scorer for Minnesota.
Marco Rossi, who totaled 40 points in his first full season, has been another standout. Rossi played the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward, controlling 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season. His impact on the ice is undeniably significant.
As the 2024 NHL season unfolds, fans have much to be excited about. From Utah's bold acquisitions and Buffalo's playoff ambitions to Montreal's rising stars and Minnesota's resilience, the narratives are compelling and diverse. The season is still young, but the action so far sets the stage for an exhilarating journey ahead.