The NHL season never fails to surprise, and the 2024 season is shaping up to be no different. Teams that looked like they were destined for the playoffs are now finding themselves in unexpected struggles, while others are exceeding all expectations and rewriting their narratives. One such team is Utah, which has made a series of strategic acquisitions that could very well make them the season's dark horse.
Utah's Strategic Moves
Utah's front office has been busy, making significant moves that have the potential to transform their lineup. During the 2024 NHL Draft, Utah acquired defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Alongside this, they landed John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and integrated Sean Durzi into their defensive corps. This revamped defense could provide the backbone Utah needs to solidify their standing this season.
Offensively, Utah is looking strong. Clayton Keller is coming off a stellar 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season, proving he's a force to be reckoned with. Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, had a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points, showing immense promise. Meanwhile, Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, tallied 35 points in 45 games, further bolstering Utah’s offensive depth.
Among the younger talents, 24-year-old Matias Maccelli is poised for a breakout season. Additionally, goaltender Connor Ingram saved 5.05 goals above average last season and maintained a high-danger save percentage of .841, providing Utah with much-needed stability in the net. With a blend of seasoned players and budding stars, and the end of persistent relocation rumors, Utah seems poised for a bright future.
The Buffalo Sabres' Playoff Drought
On the opposite spectrum, the Buffalo Sabres are in the midst of a prolonged playoff drought, having not made a postseason appearance since 2011. However, there are glimmers of hope for the franchise. Alex Tuch had a productive season with 22 goals and 37 assists. Tage Thompson also showed promise by scoring 56 points in 71 games last season. Meanwhile, JJ Peterka, a 22-year-old forward, reached the 28-goal mark and notched 50 points, marking him as a player to watch.
Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, contributed 14 goals during his rookie season in 2022-23, adding another piece to Buffalo's future puzzle. The acquisition of defenseman Bowen Byram further strengthens their lineup. Additionally, goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukonen made significant strides, saving 10.1 goals above average last season, indicating potential for even better performances ahead.
Young Guns in Montreal
In Montreal, a young dynamic duo is taking the league by storm. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield combined for an impressive 61 goals and 81 assists last season. With Suzuki at 24 years old and Caufield at 23, Montreal seems to have secured its offensive core for years to come. Juraj Slafkovsky also added to the scoring sheet with 20 goals and 30 assists last season.
Lane Hutson, a promising talent who debuted last season with two games, amassed 97 points in 77 games during his collegiate career at Boston University, showing the potential to become a significant offensive contributor for Montreal in the future.
Challenges and Triumphs Across the League
However, not all news is positive. Patrik Laine suffered a significant knee injury in a preseason game, a setback that could impact his team's performance. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, Matt Boldy has established himself as a reliable scorer with 75 goals and 96 points over 203 NHL games, maintaining a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons. Marco Rossi also made notable contributions, totaling 40 points in his first full season and playing the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward. His control of 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season indicates a bright future for the young forward.
As the 2024 NHL season unfolds with countless storylines and emerging talents, fans have plenty to be excited about. Whether it's observing Utah's transformative season, following Buffalo's quest to end their playoff drought, or watching the rise of young stars in Montreal and Minnesota, the NHL promises another thrilling chapter in its storied history.