Every NHL season is full of twists and turns, and the 2024 season is proving to be no different. As teams settle into the rhythm of the season, the landscape is beginning to take shape, with several franchises standing out for their remarkable moves and performances.
Utah's Bold Moves and Rising Talent
The Utah NHL team has made significant waves this season through strategic acquisitions and the emergence of its young talent. During the 2024 NHL Draft, Utah made a statement by acquiring defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sergachev's addition is expected to bolster the defensive line, providing a solid backbone for the team's efforts this season.
Further strengthening their defense, Utah also landed John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and integrated Sean Durzi into their defensive corps. These moves signal Utah’s commitment to building a formidable defense that can stand up to the league's best.
On the offensive side, Clayton Keller continues to be a standout, coming off a strong 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season. The young guns are also making their presence felt. Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, had an impressive rookie season, scoring 20 goals and totaling 44 points. Not to be outdone, Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, contributed 35 points in just 45 games.
Goalie Connor Ingram has been a rock in the net, saving 5.05 goals above average last season and maintaining a high-danger save percentage of .841. With this mix of established stars and promising newcomers, Utah seems to have a bright future ahead as it lays to rest the persistent relocation rumors.
Buffalo Sabres: Climbing From the Abyss
The Buffalo Sabres, who have not seen playoff action since 2011, appear to be on a mission to change their fortunes this season. Key players are stepping up, and new additions are expected to make a significant impact. Alex Tuch had a productive season, tallying 22 goals and 37 assists, while Tage Thompson scored 56 points in 71 games. Younger players are also making a splash; JJ Peterka reached the 28-goal mark and amassed 50 points last season, and Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, had 14 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23.
Moreover, the addition of defenseman Bowen Byram adds a new dynamic to Buffalo’s roster. Between the pipes, Ukko-Pekka Luukonen's performance has been stellar, saving 10.1 goals above average last season.
Montreal Canadiens: A Duo to Watch
In Montreal, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have become the duo to watch, combining for an impressive 61 goals and 81 assists last season. Their youth is an asset, with Suzuki at 24 years old and Caufield at 23, indicating that the best is yet to come for these forwards.
Juraj Slafkovsky, another rising star, contributed 20 goals and 30 assists last season, while Lane Hutson, who debuted last season, is another name fans are excited about. Hutson has already shown his potential by amassing 97 points in 77 games during his collegiate career at Boston University.
A Season of Recovery and Promise
The 2024 NHL season also has its share of challenges. Patrik Laine’s significant knee injury in a preseason game was a blow to his team. However, the season continues unabated, with other players stepping up to fill the gaps left by injuries.
Matt Boldy, for instance, has been a consistent performer with 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games, maintaining a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons. Marco Rossi also had a strong season, totaling 40 points in his first full campaign and playing a crucial role in five-on-five situations. Rossi’s ability to control 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season showcases his importance to his team’s success.
As the 2024 NHL season progresses, fans have plenty to be excited about. The mixture of young talent and strategic acquisitions across the league promises an unpredictably thrilling race to the playoffs. With the landscape ever-shifting and teams continuously redefining their strategies, the next few months will undoubtedly be filled with high-stakes, high-energy hockey that no fan will want to miss.