The new NHL season is always a fertile ground for surprises, and the 2024 season is living up to the tradition. Teams once solidified as playoff contenders are faltering, while others are surging beyond expectations. One team making waves for all the right reasons this year is Utah, thanks to key acquisitions and a crop of promising young talent.
Utah's Strategic Moves
Utah has been active in improving its roster, a strategy that may pay dividends as the season progresses. The team made headline-grabbing acquisitions during the 2024 NHL Draft, including defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sergachev brings a wealth of experience and defensive prowess that could provide stability to Utah's backline.
In addition, Utah scooped up John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and seamlessly integrated Sean Durzi into their defensive corps. These moves are bolstered by the arrival of Clayton Keller, who is coming off a stellar 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season. Utah's offensive capacity is further reinforced by Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, who enjoyed a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points.
Another notable young player is Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, who tallied 35 points in 45 games. With Matias Maccelli, 24, displaying emerging talent and Connor Ingram saving over 5 goals above average last season with a high-danger save percentage of .841, Utah is creating a well-rounded, formidable squad. As the team finds its footing, the long-standing relocation rumors seem to be finally laid to rest, fortifying Utah’s promising future.
Buffalo's Long-Awaited Rise
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres are striving to end their playoff drought, which has stretched since 2011. The team's prospects received a significant boost with the addition of Bowen Byram. Talent abounds in Buffalo's ranks, with Alex Tuch producing a productive season tallying 22 goals and 37 assists. Tage Thompson was also impressive, scoring 56 points in 71 games last season.
Buffalo's younger players are making their mark as well. Forward JJ Peterka, 22, achieved 28 goals and notched 50 points last season, while Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, had 14 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukonen also stood out, saving 10.1 goals above average last season, demonstrating that the team's defensive outlook is brightening.
Suzuki and Caufield: Dynamic Duo
Over in Montreal, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield form a dynamic offensive duo. Combining for a staggering 61 goals and 81 assists last season, the two young stars—Suzuki at 24 and Caufield at 23—are expected to drive Montreal’s bid for greatness this season. Juraj Slafkovsky’s contribution of 20 goals and 30 assists adds further depth, and Lane Hutson is another name to watch. Hutson, who debuted last season with two games under his belt, had an impressive collegiate career at Boston University, amassing 97 points in 77 games.
Challenges and Injuries
Not all the storylines are positive, however. Patrik Laine suffered a significant knee injury in a preseason game, a setback that will impact his team as the season unfolds. Injuries like these remind us of the harsh realities every team must navigate through the season.
Minnesota’s Steady Hands
Minnesota boasts standout talent in Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi. Boldy, an offensive powerhouse, has recorded 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games, maintaining a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons. Rossi, who totaled 40 points in his first full season, played the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward and controlled 52.9% of expected goals during those plays last season. Rossi's robust two-way play is a promising sign for the Wild.
The 2024 NHL season is unfolding with a plethora of captivating storylines. From surprising league leaders and emerging young talents to strategic trades and unfortunate injuries, fans have ample reason to stay glued to the action, anticipating what surprises each game might bring.