The 2024-25 NHL season could see some teams take surprising steps forward.
Last NHL season, we saw some teams exceed expectations.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2023-24 campaign was the Vancouver Canucks. After missing the playoffs by 12 points in 2022-23, they shocked the hockey world and won the Pacific Division last season. The Nashville Predators were also a pleasant surprise, as they made it back to the playoffs last season after parting ways with multiple former core players dating back to the 2023 NHL trade deadline.
As we inch closer to the 2024-25 NHL season, we could see more surprise clubs emerge. Let's discuss three teams that could take significant steps next season.
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals were a strange team in 2023-24. Although they had a minus-37 goal differential on the year, they secured the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. However, their playoff run was as short as it gets, as the New York Rangers swept them in the first round.
In response to their quick playoff exit, the Capitals made significant moves this summer. Their newcomers include Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakob Chychrun, Matt Roy, Andrew Mangiapane, Logan Thompson, Brandon Duhaime and Taylor Raddysh. With these additions, it is apparent the Capitals are not ready to roll over and are instead looking to stay competitive.
After their busy summer, the Capitals could be a threat in the Metropolitan Division. They have added some notable names to their forward group, two top-four defensemen and a potential starting goalie, so fans should not sleep on them heading into 2024-25.
Utah Hockey Club
During their first off-season, the Utah Hockey Club has made it clear they want to be competitive immediately.
They shocked the hockey world when they acquired star defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning at the draft. They also acquired John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and signed Ian Cole in free agency. Needless to say, they have significantly strengthened their blueline this summer, which was a necessity. They also signed Kevin Stenlund, who should be a nice piece for their bottom six.
With these additions, it is fair to wonder if Utah HC could take a big step forward in 2024-25. In addition to building a strong blueline, they also have rising stars like Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Mattias Maccelli and Josh Doan, who could hit new heights.
While the Arizona Coyotes missed the playoffs in 11 out of their final 12 years in the league, Utah HC has the potential to create a winning culture and be competitive out of the gate. While some may have their doubts about the NHL's newest club, they should not slept on.
Buffalo Sabres
It has been 13 years since the Buffalo Sabres have made the playoffs. The 2023-24 season was particularly frustrating for the Sabres, as they were expected to take another step forward after missing the post-season by just one point in 2022-23. Instead, they suffered a setback and finished 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams was aggressive in response to the Sabres' deflating season. He revamped their bottom six, adding Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, Sam Lafferty, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Beck Malenstyn. While Adams could not land the Sabres their much-coveted top-six winger, their forward group looks deeper heading into 2024-25.
Some may feel pessimism regarding the Sabres' playoff chances in 2024-25, but they should not be ruled out. They not only added some solid forwards this off-season but also have several young players, such as Bowen Byram, Zach Benson, JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn, who could hit higher levels.
