Ultimate NHL 2024-2025 Season Preview: Favorites, Dark Horses, and Disappointments

Get the ultimate NHL 2024-2025 season preview with insights on favorites, dark horses, potential disappointments, and team predictions. Explore expert forecasts for the Stanley Cup, individual awards, and more.

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by The Tipster

4 months ago 0 470

NHL 2024-2025 Season Preview

The NHL 2024-2025 season preview is packed with excitement as the puck is about to drop for a brand-new season. We take a deep dive into the favorites, dark horses, and teams that may disappoint. From the top contenders aiming for the Stanley Cup to potential surprises, this NHL 2024-2025 season preview covers everything you need to know.

NHL 2024-2025: What to Expect

In this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, we’ll take a look at the emerging young talent, offseason moves, and team dynamics that will shape the upcoming season. Each Conference and Division will be examined in detail, highlighting key favorites, dark horses, and potential disappointments. We’ll also predict the top teams and individual award winners for the NHL 2024-2025 season.

Eastern Conference: Atlantic Division

Atlantic Division Overview in the NHL 2024-2025 Season Preview

The Atlantic Division remains one of the most competitive in the league, featuring established powerhouses and rising challengers. As we dive into this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, it’s clear that several teams are poised for a strong run.

Winner Odds

Florida Panthers: 2.40
Toronto Maple Leafs: 3.80
Tampa Bay Lightning: 6.00
Boston Bruins: 6.00
Ottawa Senators: 12.50
Detroit Red Wings: 13.50
Buffalo Sabres: 16.00
Montreal Canadiens: 80.00

Favorite: Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs enter this NHL 2024-2025 season preview as one of the top contenders after a strong showing last season, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander are in their prime, and the team has further strengthened its defensive core. In this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, Toronto’s depth and a healthy Ilya Samsonov in goal could be the missing pieces they need to finally reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Key Player: Auston Matthews – Expected to compete for the Rocket Richard Trophy, Matthews' leadership will be key for Toronto’s success.

Prediction: 1st in Atlantic, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals.

Dark Horse: Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo Sabres stand out in this NHL 2024-2025 season preview as an exciting team to watch. With rising star Tage Thompson and a dynamic young defense led by Rasmus Dahlin, the Sabres are ready to make their first playoff appearance in over a decade. In this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, Buffalo’s growing roster and goaltender Devon Levi are expected to challenge the division’s heavyweights.

Key Player: Tage Thompson – If Thompson replicates last season's performance, Buffalo will be a formidable contender.

Prediction: 4th in Atlantic, entering the playoffs as a Wild Card.

Disappointment: Boston Bruins

As we examine the NHL 2024-2025 season preview, the Boston Bruins emerge as a potential disappointment. Despite a historic regular season in 2022/23, the Bruins are at a crossroads following the departure of key players and an aging core. The NHL 2024-2025 season preview highlights the team’s lack of depth and reliance on top performers like David Pastrnak, which may hinder them from competing with younger, faster teams.

Key Player: David Pastrnak – Although a prolific scorer, Pastrnak needs more support from his teammates.

Prediction: 5th in Atlantic, narrowly missing the playoffs.

Eastern Conference: Metropolitan Division

Metropolitan Division Outlook in the NHL 2024-2025 Season Preview

In this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, the Metropolitan Division is packed with top teams and rising stars. Some teams are ready for a championship run, while others are in the midst of rebuilding. Here’s how it looks in the NHL 2024-2025 season preview:

Winner Odds

New Jersey Devils: 3.20
Carolina Hurricanes: 3.50
New York Rangers: 3.70
New York Islanders: 14.00
Pittsburgh Penguins: 15.00
Washington Capitals: 18.00
Philadelphia Flyers: 20.00
Columbus Blue Jackets: 130.00

Favorite: Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are a consistent force in the NHL, and in this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, they are once again positioned as one of the top contenders. With stars like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, along with a solid defense, Carolina looks ready to make a deep playoff run.

Key Player: Sebastian Aho – His leadership and two-way play are vital to Carolina’s success.

Prediction: 1st in Metro, reaching the Stanley Cup Final.

Dark Horse: New Jersey Devils

As we explore this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, the New Jersey Devils emerge as a thrilling team to watch. Jack Hughes is expected to lead the team as a potential MVP candidate. The NHL 2024-2025 season preview sees the Devils as a strong contender if their goaltending holds up.

Key Player: Jack Hughes – Hughes is primed to challenge for the Hart Trophy.

Prediction: 2nd in Metro, advancing to the Conference Semifinals.

Disappointment: Washington Capitals

In this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, the Washington Capitals are at a crossroads. Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of the goal-scoring record will dominate headlines, but the NHL 2024-2025 season preview notes that the team lacks the depth to remain competitive in a fast and young division.

Key Player: Alex Ovechkin – All eyes are on Ovechkin as he chases Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record, but his teammates may not provide enough support.

Prediction: 7th in Metro, missing the playoffs.

Western Conference: Central Division

Central Division Breakdown in the NHL 2024-2025 Season Preview

As we move into the Western Conference in this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, the Central Division remains a battleground of veteran teams and rising franchises. Here are the key storylines:

Winner Odds

Dallas Stars: 3.20
Colorado Avalanche: 3.35
Nashville Predators: 5.00
Winnipeg Jets: 8.20
Minnesota Wild: 11.50
St. Louis Blues: 22.00
Utah Hockey Club: 22.00
Chicago Blackhawks: 100.00

Favorite: Colorado Avalanche

In this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, the Colorado Avalanche continue to be the team to beat in the Central Division. With a talented roster led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, the Avalanche are well-positioned to make another deep playoff run.

Key Player: Nathan MacKinnon – His speed and playmaking ability make him the cornerstone of Colorado's offense.

Prediction: 1st in Central, reaching the Conference Finals.

Dark Horse: Dallas Stars

As this NHL 2024-2025 season preview highlights, the Dallas Stars are a balanced team with both youth and veteran leadership. With young stars like Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen leading the charge, they are poised for another playoff run.

Key Player: Jason Robertson – One of the league’s top goal scorers, Robertson is key to Dallas’ success.

Prediction: 2nd in Central, reaching the Conference Finals.

Disappointment: Minnesota Wild

In this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, the Minnesota Wild are predicted to face challenges, despite regular-season success in the past. Relying heavily on Kirill Kaprizov for offense, the team’s lack of scoring depth may hinder their playoff aspirations.

Key Player: Kirill Kaprizov – While Kaprizov is an elite talent, he can't carry the team alone.

Prediction: 4th in Central, eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Western Conference: Pacific Division

Pacific Division in the NHL 2024-2025 Season Preview

The Pacific Division is wide open, with both established teams and rising stars. This NHL 2024-2025 season preview outlines the key contenders and potential surprises in the division:

Winner Odds

Edmonton Oilers: 2.05
Vancouver Canucks: 5.00
Vegas Golden Knights: 5.10
Los Angeles Kings: 7.00
Seattle Kraken: 19.00
Calgary Flames: 35.00
Anaheim Ducks: 130.00
San Jose Sharks: 200.00

Favorite: Edmonton Oilers

With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way, the NHL 2024-2025 season preview predicts that the Edmonton Oilers are favorites to win the division. McDavid, the best player in the world, is expected to carry the team to a deep playoff run.

Key Player: Connor McDavid – McDavid will compete for both the Hart and Art Ross Trophies.

Prediction: 1st in Pacific, reaching the Stanley Cup Final.

Dark Horse: Seattle Kraken

In this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, the Seattle Kraken emerge as a dark horse after exceeding expectations last season. Their depth and balanced roster make them a serious contender in the Pacific Division.

Key Player: Matty Beniers – The Calder Trophy winner has the potential to become a superstar in the league.

Prediction: 3rd in Pacific, advancing to the Conference Semifinals.

Disappointment: Calgary Flames

As outlined in this NHL 2024-2025 season preview, the Calgary Flames may struggle again this season. Despite a talented roster, the Flames have been inconsistent, and questions remain about their core players, especially Jonathan Huberdeau.

Key Player: Jonathan Huberdeau – He needs a strong season to reignite Calgary's playoff hopes.

Prediction: 6th in Pacific, missing the playoffs.