Every NHL season brings its own surprises, and the 2024 season has been no exception. This year, unexpected developments have left fans and analysts alike buzzing with excitement and intrigue. While perennial playoff contenders are finding themselves in unfamiliar struggles, others are stepping up to defy all expectations. One such team is Utah, which has made significant strides through key acquisitions and the rise of promising young talent.
Utah's Strategic Moves
Perhaps the most talked-about team this season is the Utah franchise. During the 2024 NHL Draft, Utah made a significant splash by acquiring defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sergachev, known for his solid defensive play and ability to contribute offensively, is expected to bolster Utah's blue line significantly. Adding to their defensive depth, Utah also landed John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and integrated Sean Durzi into their defensive corps.
On the offensive front, Utah boasts a wealth of young talent. Clayton Keller is coming off an impressive 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season. Additionally, Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, had a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points. Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, also made his mark, tallying 35 points in 45 games. At just 24 years old, Matias Maccelli adds further depth to Utah's promising roster.
In goal, Connor Ingram's performance last season has been a bright spot, saving 5.05 goals above average and maintaining a high-danger save percentage of .841. With such talents and the end of persistent relocation rumors, Utah seems poised for a bright future.
Buffalo Sabres' Long-Awaited Resurgence
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres are looking to end their playoff drought, having not made a postseason appearance since 2011. Alex Tuch had a productive season, recording 22 goals and 37 assists. Tage Thompson also made significant contributions with 56 points in 71 games. Exciting young talent JJ Peterka, a 22-year-old forward, reached the 28-goal mark and notched 50 points, showing promise for the future. Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, scored 14 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23.
Buffalo's defense saw a key addition in Bowen Byram, whose presence is expected to solidify their back end. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukonen also showed flashes of brilliance, saving 10.1 goals above average last season. With this mix of seasoned players and up-and-coming stars, the Sabres are a team to watch as they push for a playoff spot.
Montreal Canadiens' Dynamic Duo
Another storyline to watch is the Montreal Canadiens, particularly the dynamic duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Last season, they combined for an impressive 61 goals and 81 assists. Suzuki, at 24 years old, and Caufield, at 23, are hitting their prime and are expected to lead the Canadiens' offensive charge.
In addition to their star forwards, Juraj Slafkovsky contributed 20 goals and 30 assists last season, while Lane Hutson made his debut, playing two games. Hutson, who amassed 97 points in 77 games during his collegiate career at Boston University, is another young player with significant potential.
Injury Woes and Emerging Stars
Injuries have also played a role in shaping this season's narrative. Patrik Laine suffered a significant knee injury in a preseason game, a blow to his team's ambitions. However, other players have stepped up in the wake of such setbacks. 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. Rossi also controlled 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season, indicating his growing importance to the team.
As the 2024 NHL season continues to unfold, fans have much to be excited about. The league is brimming with storylines, from Utah's rise and Buffalo's resurgence to the dynamic play of Montreal's young stars and the resilience of teams battling through injuries. With each game, the narrative of this season becomes richer, promising a thrilling journey for players and fans alike.