The NHL season is upon us! Last year, the Stanley Cup Playoffs concluded in dramatic fashion, as the Florida Panthers earned their first franchise championship, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in an epic game 7 battle of the Stanley Cup Finals. This year is shaping up to be another season of drama, intrigue and suspense. With that being said, here are my top five teams to look out for in the 2024/2025 NHL season.
1. Florida Panthers
Key additions: forward Thomas Nosek; forward Jesper Boqvist
The reigning Stanley Cup champions look poised and ready to defend their title. Despite a short summer due to their Cup run and losing some key rotation players, the Panthers have vital experience that few other teams have. If the team can find a way to reverse the aging process of Sergei Bobrovsky and keep their legs fresh throughout the season, they might make it five straight years that a Florida team has made it to the finals, and three in a row for the Panthers.
2. Edmonton Oilers
Key additions: defenseman Josh Brown; forward Viktor Arvidsson
After clawing their way back from a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Finals, but ultimately falling in game seven, many fans are wondering: Can Connor McDavid win the big one? The 2024/25 season seems to be the best shot yet to win the cup for the three-time Hart trophy winner, despite the fatigue from a short summer off. Remembering the bad taste of a Stanley Cup loss will only fuel this Oilers squad throughout the long season. To go all the way, the Oilers will need even more out of star players McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
3. Dallas Stars
Key additions: forward Colin Blackwell; defenseman Matt Dumba
The Dallas Stars have been one of the NHL’s best teams over the past few seasons, and they hope to continue that trend this year by making it over the hump of the Western Conference Finals and competing for a championship. The key to the Stars’ recent success has been their talent development. The ability to revitalize a roster year over year is crucial to sustaining success in the NHL. Wyatt Johnston has already emerged as an elite player, but he will need to be even better in his third year if the Stars are going to realize their Cup dreams. Another up-and-coming Dallas forward to watch this season is Logan Stankoven, who is looking to establish himself in his sophomore season.
4. New York Rangers
Key additions: forward Reilly Smith; center Sam Carrick
Before falling to the eventual champions in the Florida Panthers in the semifinals last year, the New York Rangers entered the playoffs with high hopes after leading the NHL in points in the regular season. The season’s end was disappointing for New York, and now they enter 2024 with an aging, yet star-studded, roster—the clock is ticking louder than ever for the Rangers. The team is held together by goaltender Igor Shesterkin who was voted best at his position during the 2021-22 season. Shesterkin is in the midst of contract negotiations with New York, and the team’s hot start to the season has put even more pressure on the front office to get a deal done. There is no doubt that the squad has all the tools necessary to bring a Stanley Cup home, but a few major questions loom large: Can winger and 2020 first overall pick Alexis Lafrenière get going? And, how will the high-powered top line including stars like Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox and Vincent Trocheck do as the season wears on? If the Rangers can perform at their ceiling, they will be one of, if not, the best team in the NHL. The window is closing for the Rangers.
5. Boston Bruins
Key additions: forward Elias Lindholm; defenseman Nikita Zadorov
The Boston Bruins do not rebuild, they reload. With the key signing of Elias Lindholm, Bruins fans are hoping that Patrice Bergeron has been resurrected. It is important to note that these are the same Boston fans who thought Mac Jones was the reincarnation of Tom Brady. Nevertheless, Lindholm is positioned to anchor the Bruins’ top line this season and adds key veteran experience. Newly extended goaltender Jeremy Swayman is the Bruins’ main man following a trade that sent his partner in net, Linus Ullmark, to the Ottawa Senators. If Swayman emerges as a top NHL goaltender this year and leads the Bruins to another successful season defensively, Boston fans should enjoy a continuation of their winning ways.
Prediction for the 2024/25 NHL Season: I believe that the Edmonton Oilers will finally climb the mountain this year and win it all. They have the best 1-2 punch in the league with McDavid and Draisatal and are eager to redeem themselves following last year’s game 7 loss. The Oilers’ biggest challenge is their schedule, not because of who they play but because of how many games they have played in the last year. Staying fresh will be paramount for the fulfillment of the Oilers’ postseason dreams.
Hot take: Not mentioned in the list above, but the Chicago Blackhawks are a dark horse for the playoffs this year. The team has signed veteran players Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi to pair with their young core of promising players. If star player and former number one overall pick Connor Bedard has an even better sophomore year, the Blackhawks may be contending for a Wild Card spot in April.