With every new NHL season comes shock and awe as new teams and new players make waves across the hockey world, establishing themselves as contenders and stars. With the 2024-25 only a few months away, here are three teams primed for a breakout season to surprise fans across the NHL.
Buffalo Sabres
After a disappointing campaign in 2023-24, Buffalo fans have been left with a sour taste in their mouths; yet another season without clinching a playoff berth. This makes 13 straight years without even seeing the first round. To put this into perspective, the Sabres haven't been in the top half of NHL teams in well over a decade. That is embarrassing, to put it lightly.
However, the Sabres do look very promising, with the hiring of a new head coach, Lindy Ruff, and the further development of young stars in the system. Ruff is a new hire; however, he isn't exactly new to Buffalo. He formerly coached the team from 1997-98 to 2012-13, a stint of 15 years. Sabres management is hoping that bringing back the last coach to clinch a playoff berth and win a playoff series with the team will spark new life to finally return to the big dance for the Stanley Cup.
(Photo Credit: Jeffrey T. Barnes, The Associated Press)
With young stars like Tage Thompson. Rasmus Dahlin, Bowen Byram, JJ Peterka, Dylan Cozens, Owen Power, and Devon Levi, it seems inevitable that this team will shock those who aren't familiar with the offensive electricity this roster can bring to the ice. The biggest question remains defence for the Sabres, as it has been their biggest fault for the past few seasons. It would seem that their ability to overcome their defensive woes could decide whether or not they can make the dream of clinching a playoff berth a reality or not.
One thing is for sure, the Sabres are set for the future in nets. With Devon Levi headlining the future in the crease, they are sure to be secure between the pipes. Levi is perhaps the most underrated goaltending prospect in the game right now, after having been stellar in his 21 games last season. Compared to other NHL goaltenders with at least 20 games played, he ranked 5th in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes played, per Moneypuck.com.
Washington Capitals
Unlike the Buffalo Sabres, Washington is a team that did manage to clinch a berth in the postseason last season, however with Ovechkin climbing in age, many fans have pegged them in as a team to likely fall out of contention as the core ages.
The Capitals had a fantastic off-season, bringing various key players like Andrew Mangiapane, Jakob Chychrun, Matt Roy, Logan Thompson and Pierre-Luc Dubois, while also clearing the contract of Darcy Kuemper. While it is true that they have taken on an unfortunate contract with the addition of Dubois, I am here to give Capitals fans some hope; that Pierre-Luc Dubois can bounce back.
(Photo Credit: Sergei Belski, USA Today Sports)
Am I saying that he will live up to his $8,500,000 per season cap hit? Most likely not, and it is debatable as to if he was ever good enough to earn that kind of money. The thing is, Pierre-Luc Dubois has shown himself to be a very good player when he wants to be. I truly believe a change of scenery could help him get going and rekindle the motivation to play at the top of his game, and he can drive the play at a high level when he's at his best.
Aside from Dubois, Jakob Chychrun is going to prove a key addition to the blue line, being acquired for dirt cheap from the Ottawa Senators in a trade. This, along with Logan Thompson solidifying a very good tandem between himself and Charlie Lindgren, I believe the Capitals could turn some heads in 2024-25.
Chicago Blackhawks
Who else but Connor Bedard is to shock the hockey world in the 2024-25 season? With many new additions that GM Kyle Davidson has made to cement a decent group of players around Bedard, things could look different in Chicago.
Will they make the playoffs? Most likely, the answer will be no. However, that doesn't mean they can't make waves in the NHL. After adding big offensive players like Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Terravainen, not to mention Taylor Hall returning from injury, Bedard will finally have the opportunity to play with star talent in the NHL. It is going to be very interesting to see what chemistry Bedard develops with his new teammates, and how it could spark a new direction for the team heading into 2024-25.
(Photo Credit: Michael Chisholm, Getty Images)
Outside of the young phenom, the Blackhawks have upgraded their back end with the addition of Alec Martinez in free agency. Martinez brings leadership and experience to an otherwise young and inexperienced squad. The Blackhawks have also made a splash between the pipes, signing Laurent Broissoit in free agency. Broissoit has been one of the most underrated goaltenders in the NHL for a few years, and now, he finally has a chance to earn a full-time job as the starter in Chicago. It will be interesting to see how he does as the main stopper in Chicago.
Overall, you have to be very excited about where the Blackhawks are heading. The best part about their offseason was that yes, they improved right now, but the signings they made to bolster their ranks did not harm their future in any way, which Kyle Davidson deserves major props for. Another thing to look at is that not only are the Hawks adding to the roster, but the youth within the team is developing even further with every game that passes, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see them get better and better as the season rolls along.
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