Every NHL season brings its own set of surprises, and the 2024 season is no exception. Teams that once seemed like surefire playoff contenders are now struggling, while others are defying expectations. One team that has captured the attention of the hockey world is Utah, a team on the rise with significant acquisitions and promising young talent.
Utah's Strategic Acquisitions
Utah has made bold moves during the offseason, acquiring seasoned talent to bolster their lineup. During the 2024 NHL Draft, Utah snatched up defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning, a strategic acquisition aimed at solidifying their defensive front. Alongside Sergachev, Utah also welcomed John Marino from the New Jersey Devils, further enhancing their defensive capabilities with Sean Durzi, creating a formidable defensive corps.
Emerging Stars in Utah
Complementing these strategic acquisitions is a roster brimming with young talent. Clayton Keller is coming off an impressive 76-point campaign during the 2023-24 season, demonstrating his offensive prowess. Adding to this youthful vigor is Logan Cooley, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, who had a solid rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points. Dylan Guenther, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, also made his mark with 35 points in 45 games.
Matias Maccelli, at just 24 years old, and Connor Ingram, who saved 5.05 goals above average last season with a high-danger save percentage of .841, round out a squad that is poised for a promising future. With such talent and the end of persistent relocation rumors, Utah appears ready to make a serious push in the coming seasons.
Buffalo Sabres' Playoff Drought
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres have endured a long playoff drought, having not made an appearance since 2011. Despite this, there are positive signs on the horizon for Buffalo fans. Alex Tuch had a productive season with 22 goals and 37 assists, showcasing his value to the team. Tage Thompson also contributed significantly, scoring 56 points in 71 games.
Young forward JJ Peterka, at 22 years old, reached the 28-goal mark and notched 50 points last season, signaling his potential. Jack Quinn, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, added 14 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23. Additionally, the inclusion of Bowen Byram and Ukko-Pekka Luukonen, who saved 10.1 goals above average last season, has fortified the Sabres' lineup.
Montreal's Dynamic Duo
In Montreal, the combination of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield continues to excite fans. The duo combined for an impressive 61 goals and 81 assists last season, showing their undeniable chemistry on the ice. At 24 and 23 years old, respectively, Suzuki and Caufield have become cornerstones of the Canadiens' future. Adding to this dynamic mix is Juraj Slafkovsky, who contributed 20 goals and 30 assists last season, and Lane Hutson, who made his debut last season and amassed 97 points in 77 games during his collegiate career at Boston University.
Challenges and Breakthroughs
The 2024 season has also witnessed its fair share of challenges. Patrik Laine suffered a significant knee injury in a preseason game, a setback that will undoubtedly affect his team's performance. On the flip side, players like Matt Boldy have continued to impress, recording 75 goals and 96 points in 203 NHL games. Boldy has maintained a 30-goal pace over the last two seasons, underscoring his consistency and value. Marco Rossi's progression has been notable as well; totaling 40 points in his first full season, he played the second-most five-on-five minutes of any Wild forward and controlled 52.9% of expected goals during five-on-five play last season.
As the 2024 NHL season unfolds, fans have plenty to be excited about. From Utah's transformative acquisitions and promising young talent to the enduring hope in Buffalo and the dynamic duo in Montreal, the league is brimming with captivating storylines. Each game brings new developments, ensuring that this season will be one to remember for hockey enthusiasts everywhere.