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 all expectations. Among the latter stands Utah, a team that has made significant strides through key acquisitions and young talent, making them a team to watch closely.
Utah's Bold Moves
Utah made headlines during the 2024 NHL Draft by acquiring defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning. This was a statement move, signaling Utah's intent to build a formidable defensive line. Alongside Sergachev, Utah also secured John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and integrated Sean Durzi into their defensive corps. These additions have already shown promise, revitalizing the team's back end.
But it's not just about defense. Offensively, Clayton Keller is coming off a stellar 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season, ensuring Utah has a reliable force up front. Logan Cooley, selected as the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, had a solid rookie season, notching 20 goals and 44 points. Meanwhile, Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, tallied 35 points in just 45 games, showcasing his scoring prowess.
Beyond these standout performances, promise lies in the form of Matias Maccelli, who, at 24 years old, has plenty of room for growth. On the back end, Connor Ingram stood out by saving 5.05 goals above average last season and maintaining a high-danger save percentage of .841. With these young talents and the stabilization of the franchise, previously plagued by relocation rumors, Utah seems to be headed for a promising future.
Buffalo Sabres: Breaking the Drought
The Buffalo Sabres have not seen playoff action since 2011, but there’s an air of optimism this season. Alex Tuch led the charge last season with 22 goals and 37 assists, while Tage Thompson contributed with 56 points over 71 games, providing consistent offensive firepower. Rising star JJ Peterka, a 22-year-old forward, reached the 28-goal mark and notched 50 points, hinting at a bright future ahead.
Young talent Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, had a promising start with 14 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23. Buffalo also bolstered their defense by adding Bowen Byram, a move that will undoubtedly strengthen their blue line. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukonen was a standout, saving 10.1 goals above average last season, giving the Sabres the reliability they need between the pipes.
Montreal's Dynamic Duo
In Montreal, the dynamic duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield continues to impress. Combined, they scored 61 goals and 81 assists last season, proving themselves as integral parts of the Canadiens' offensive strategy. With Suzuki just 24 years old and Caufield 23, Montreal's future looks bright.
Adding to the offensive mix, Juraj Slafkovsky contributed 20 goals and 30 assists. In a promising debut, Lane Hutson played two games last season, bringing with him an impressive collegiate record—amassing 97 points in 77 games at Boston University. His transition to the NHL will be an interesting storyline to follow.
Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild: Key Players
The Columbus Blue Jackets faced a setback with star forward Patrik Laine suffering a significant knee injury in a preseason game, a blow to their aspirations this season. Conversely, the Minnesota Wild have reasons to be optimistic. Matt Boldy has consistently performed, recording 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games and maintaining a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons.
Marco Rossi, who totaled 40 points in his first full season, played the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward. His ability to control 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season underscores his importance to the team.
As the 2024 NHL season unfolds, fans have an array of storylines to follow, from Utah’s promising future to Buffalo’s quest to break their playoff drought. The season is already proving to be one of intrigue and excitement, with much more to come.