Every NHL season brings its own set of surprises, and the 2024 season is no exception. Teams that once seemed destined for playoff glory are struggling to find their rhythm, while unexpected contenders are emerging and capturing the hearts of fans. Utah is one such team that has made significant strides, and their recent acquisitions are turning heads across the league.
Utah's Strategic Acquisitions
Utah's roster has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to a few key additions. During the 2024 NHL Draft, they managed to acquire defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sergachev, known for his solid defensive skills and ability to contribute offensively, brings a wealth of experience to Utah's blueline. In addition, the team also landed John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and integrated Sean Durzi into their defensive corps, further strengthening their back end.
Up front, Clayton Keller is poised for another stellar season after coming off a 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season. Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, had a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points, showcasing his potential as a future star. Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, also impressed with 35 points in 45 games, indicating that Utah's youth movement is flourishing.
In goal, Connor Ingram has proven his reliability, saving 5.05 goals above average last season and maintaining a high-danger save percentage of .841. With such talents and the end of persistent relocation rumors, Utah seems poised for a promising future.
Buffalo Sabres' Playoff Drought
On the other side of the spectrum, the Buffalo Sabres continue to struggle. The Sabres have not made a playoff appearance since 2011, despite some commendable individual performances. Alex Tuch had a productive season with 22 goals and 37 assists, while Tage Thompson scored 56 points in 71 games. The young forward JJ Peterka also showed promise, reaching the 28-goal mark and notching 50 points last season.
Buffalo's recent addition of Bowen Byram aims to bolster their defense, while goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukonen saved 10.1 goals above average last season, providing a glimmer of hope in the crease. However, the team still faces an uphill battle to return to playoff contention.
Montreal's Dynamic Duo
Montreal's bright future hinges on the dynamic duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, who combined for 61 goals and 81 assists last season. Both players, at the ages of 24 and 23 respectively, are entering the prime of their careers and are expected to lead the Canadiens back to relevance. Juraj Slafkovsky also made significant contributions, with 20 goals and 30 assists last season.
Furthermore, Lane Hutson has shown promise after making his debut last season and playing two games. Hutson amassed an impressive 97 points in 77 games during his collegiate career at Boston University, indicating his potential to make a significant impact in the NHL.
Injury Setback for Laine
Not all news has been positive, though. Patrik Laine suffered a significant knee injury in a preseason game, sidelining one of the league's most prolific scorers. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by his team as they navigate the early part of the season without him.
Wild's Rising Stars
In Minnesota, Matt Boldy has steadily established himself as a key contributor, recording 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games. Boldy has maintained a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons, solidifying his status as a reliable scorer for the Wild. Marco Rossi also had a notable season, totaling 40 points in his first full season and playing the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward. Rossi controlled 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season, demonstrating his effectiveness on the ice.
The 2024 NHL season is unfolding with plenty of storylines to watch. From Utah's strategic acquisitions to the Buffalo Sabres' continued playoff drought and Montreal's young stars, fans have much to be excited about. As the season progresses, these narratives will undoubtedly evolve, adding to the drama and excitement that make the NHL one of the most thrilling leagues in professional sports.