Every NHL season brings its own set of surprises, and the 2024 season is no exception. Teams that seemed like surefire playoff contenders are now struggling, while others are defying expectations. Among those making headlines is the Utah franchise, which has made significant acquisitions and boasts promising young talent.
Utah's Transformation
Utah has become an exciting team to watch this season. During the 2024 NHL Draft, they acquired defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning and landed John Marino from the New Jersey Devils. Additionally, they integrated Sean Durzi into their defensive corps, adding considerable depth to their blue line.
Offensively, Clayton Keller is coming off a 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season, showcasing his ability to be a top scorer. Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, had a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points, proving his worth at the professional level. Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, tallied an impressive 35 points in 45 games. At 24 years old, Matias Maccelli is another young talent to keep an eye on.
Goaltending has also been a bright spot for Utah. Connor Ingram saved 5.05 goals above average last season and maintained a high-danger save percentage of .841, providing stability between the pipes. With all these talents and the end of persistent relocation rumors, Utah seems poised for a promising future.
Buffalo Sabres: The Long Wait
In contrast, the Buffalo Sabres have not made a playoff appearance since 2011. However, there are signs that this drought could soon end. Alex Tuch had a productive season with 22 goals and 37 assists, while Tage Thompson scored 56 points in 71 games last season. JJ Peterka, a 22-year-old forward, reached the 28-goal mark and notched 50 points.
Recent acquisitions have bolstered their roster. Bowen Byram, added to the Sabres' lineup, is expected to provide defensive solidity. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen had an outstanding season between the posts, saving 10.1 goals above average, showcasing his potential as a top-tier goaltender.
Montreal's Rising Duo
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens have seen significant contributions from their young stars. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield combined for 61 goals and 81 assists last season, showing the potential for a dynamic duo that can lead the team for years to come. At just 24 and 23 years old, respectively, both players are entering their primes.
Juraj Slafkovsky, another promising young talent, contributed 20 goals and 30 assists last season. On the defensive end, Lane Hutson made his debut, playing two games, and amassed 97 points in 77 games during his collegiate career at Boston University, indicating a high ceiling for his future in the NHL.
Injuries and Comebacks
Some teams are navigating the challenges of injuries. Patrik Laine, unfortunately, suffered a significant knee injury in a preseason game, which has impacted his team's dynamics. However, other players have stepped up admirably. Matt Boldy has recorded 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games, maintaining a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons. Marco Rossi, in his first full season, totaled 40 points and played the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward, controlling 52.9% of expected goals during these situations.
The 2024 NHL season is unfolding with plenty of storylines to watch. Fans have much to be excited about, from emerging young talent to teams striving to end long playoff droughts. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see which narratives prevail and how the league's dynamics continue to shift.