PFHL 2024-2025 Season Preview - Atlantic Division
Sept 7, 2024 17:32:20 GMT -6
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Post by San Jose Sharks on Sept 7, 2024 17:32:20 GMT -6
Boston Bruins:
General Manager: Scott Davidson
Head Coach: Dominique Ducharme
Star Player: John Tavares
Starting Goalie: Linus Ullmark
20 Man Roster Average OV: 75.7
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 79.8
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 79
23-24 Regular Season Record: 49-28-5
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 3rd
23-24 Playoffs: Second Round
23-24 Recap:
The Boston Bruins have been on a steady incline since the inaugural 2021-2022 season. After a 15th place that year and 10th place finish in 2023, the 23-24 Bruins not only forced their way into a playoff spot, but finished 3rd overall in the Eastern Conference. An impressive climb made all the more impressive by winning their first ever playoff series 4-2 against division rivals the Buffalo Sabres. The fairytale would come to a crashing end in the second round however, where they were swept by eventual champions the Florida Panthers. Still, it was a very positive step forward for Boston and GM Davidson, and they’ll be looking to replicate that success again this year.
24-25 Predictions:
It was difficult to know what to expect from Boston in the off-season with the team potentially at a bit of a crossroads, but the GM made things clear with the immediate re-signing of their number one goalie Linus Ullmark straight out of the gate. Ullmark was a star goaltender in the league last season, finishing second overall in save percentage and 9th in GAA, and it was a big statement from the Bruins for the season to come.
It won’t just be the same again from the Bruins this year though. Winger Nino Neidereitter penned a big 4 year, $6million contract with the team, whilst rookie Quinton Byfield looks set to earn himself a promotion after finishing 5th in scoring in the minor’s last season. This additional scoring should more than make up for the loss of rental Nazem Kadri, and with more intensity on the lower lines this team could prove difficult to beat again this year.
Boston is another one of those well-balanced teams. Their overall roster depth is about average, and their top offensive and defensive talent tows the same line, with the defence peaking just over into above. Still, few teams can boast a best of both worlds situation like that and it puts them in a good position heading into pre-season. Their overall fortunes might just come down to the play of goaltender Linus Ullmark. If he can repeat last years heroics Boston fans could be in for another treat, but if he drops off even slightly, it might not end how they're expecting.
TL; DR: Top 3 in the Atlantic Division
Buffalo Sabres:
General Manager: Jesse Edwards
Head Coach: Bob Boughner
Star Player: Steven Stamkos
Starting Goalie: Chris Driedger
20 Man Roster Average OV: 75.6
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 80.2
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 76.3
23-24 Regular Season Record: 45-32-5
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 6th
23-24 Playoffs: First Round
23-24 Recap:
The Buffalo Sabres have now made the playoffs in all three of the leagues seasons and they’ve exited those same playoffs in the first round three out of three times. It doesn’t seem to matter what GM Edwards does with this team; they just can’t break through into that second round. In the 23-24 regular season, the Sabres had a solid 0.579 win percentage which was good enough for a 6th overall finish in the East, but it brought them into a head on collision with division rivals the Boston Bruins, who at the first time of asking powered through into the second round. This will no doubt have angered Sabres fans who have to continue their wait in the hope that the 24-25 season might finally be their time.
24-25 Predictions:
There has been a bit of retooling in Buffalo this off-season with star do it all defenseman John Carlson shipped off across the border to Montreal. This could be a sign that the team has one eye on the future with Carlson a pending UFA in 2025, with youth and futures coming back the other way. They were quick to address his departure however, with veteran Drew Doughty signed to a 4 year, $6.75million contract. He wasn’t the only marquee signing for Buffalo either. 36 year old Swede Nicklas Backstrom was also signed to a 4 year deal in an attempt to boost the team’s offense for the new season, something they’ll be needing if they hope to continue their run of successive playoffs.
Buffalo’s defensive play was a monster last season with only 257 goals against, good for 1st in the East and 2nd overall in the PFHL. Their offense, although just about good enough, left them wanting however, with only 297 goals, 10th in the East and 18th overall. This is something they’ll be hoping Backstrom can help out with, but the real key will be getting the best out of captain Steven Stamkos. The star forward is one of the league’s best, but despite his elite talent he was limited to “just” 33 goals and 88 points last season. For most players that would be pretty good, but for someone of Stamkos calibre, it isn’t good enough. Hopefully it isn’t the start of a decline from the captain, but it may be a sign that he isn’t able to carry the team like he once could.
TL; DR: Top 3 in the Atlantic Division
Detroit Redwings:
General Manager: Mathias Lundgren
Head Coach: Jeremy Colliton
Star Player: Nikita Kucherov
Starting Goalie: Andrei Vasilevskiy
20 Man Roster Average OV: 73.9
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 80.5
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 76
23-24 Regular Season Record: 43-34-5
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 8th
23-24 Playoffs: First Round
23-24 Recap:
The Detroit Redwings got caught up in a three-way battle at the end of last season for the wildcard spots in the East. In the end just one point separated both 7th placed Ottawa from 8th placed Detroit, and Detroit from 9th placed Montreal. On the one hand that 1 point was the difference between making the playoffs or not for the Redwings, but on the other hand it was the difference between facing the Philadelphia Flyers in round one, or the conference topping and eventual championship winning Florida Panthers. As such, Detroit were pushed to one side in 5 whilst 7th placed Ottawa battled all the way to the conference finals on the more favourable side of the bracket. A bitter disappointment for the team that went all the way to the finals just one year earlier.
24-25 Predictions:
Not much has changed in Detroit over the off-season. The only notable difference outside of the bottom lines is the loss of center Nicklas Backstrom (more on that later) who tested free agency and now finds himself suiting up for division rivals the Buffalo Sabres. Otherwise it’s rinse and repeat for the star studded Wings who’ll be hoping to book a safer passage to the playoffs this year.
Star forward Nikita Kucherov was a late addition in 2024 and showed incredible scoring ability in his limited showing of just 15 regular season games. If he can continue to score at the kind of pace he set last year in Detroit (1.87PPG), we could be looking at a league record breaking season. There could however be real concern that a large part of that was his chemistry with Nicklas Backstrom who is no longer with the team. Backstrom and Kucherov, along with Kyle Connor, were a dynamic trio on both 5 on 5 and the powerplay and it’s possible without the star playmaker between them things could quickly turn sour.
Detroit is a very top-heavy team that relies on star power to get them through. Any team with Nikita Kucherov, David Pastrnak, Kyle Connor and Andrei Vasilevskiy will always be a contender, but with no true number one center, a below average defensive core, and one of the worst ranked roster depths in the league, their time near the top could be coming to a close.
TL; DR: Wildcard Contender
Florida Panthers:
General Manager: Jay Seo
Head Coach: John Tortorella
Star Player: Tomas Hertl
Starting Goalie: Jake Allen
20 Man Roster Average OV: 73.9
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 79.3
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 73.8
23-24 Regular Season Record: 53-23-6
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 1st
23-24 Playoffs: CHAMPIONS!!!
23-24 Recap:
Well it’s safe to say the 2023-2024 season will be one to remember for the Florida Panthers and their fans. After finishing the regular season top of the Eastern Conference with a 0.683 win percentage and massive 31-8-2 home record, the Panthers went all the way and took home the big prize last season. It wasn’t just what they did though, it was also how they did it. They scored more regular season goals than any other team in the history of the PFHL, they scored more goals in the playoffs than any other team, despite playing 3 games less than the next closest rival, and they dropped only 3 games in the entire playoffs. A crazy season that will be impossible to top, so why bother…
24-25 Predictions:
And that is exactly what GM Seo has decided. After taking home the most coveted prize in all of sports, Seo has blown it up and gone for a full rebuild. Top scoring 100+ point forwards Nikolaj Ehlers, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, all gone. Voracek, Bergeron, Vrana, Doughty, Saros, all gone. This team is tanking for Hagens and beyond that there isn’t much more that can be said.
TL; DR: Draft Lottery
Montreal Canadiens:
General Manager: Todd Snider
Head Coach: Dave Lowry
Star Player: Mark Stone
Starting Goalie: Nico Dawes
20 Man Roster Average OV: 75.7
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 81.3
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 75.3
23-24 Regular Season Record: 41-33-8
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 9th
23-24 Playoffs: None
23-24 Recap:
Montreal fell agonisingly short of a wildcard spot last season, with an overtime loss in their last 10 being the difference between themselves and the 8th placed Redwings. It was a vast improvement on the two seasons prior where successive 14th place finishes were the best they could manage, but it was still disappointing nonetheless. Their outstanding offensive performances had them as the highest scoring team to miss the playoffs by a large margin, and in actuality they were the 5th highest scoring team in the league. It was the opposite end of the ice where they struggled, with a poor defensive record and a goalie tandem of Dan Vladar and Nico Dawes splitting the starting role. Neither goalie performed to the level expected of a starter and it ultimately hurt the team across the season, but it could prove as an important developmental step for rookie Dawes.
24-25 Predictions:
Mark Stone, Matthew Tkachuk, Nick Suzuki and Gabriel Landeskog were all over a point per game last season, with the former three being over the 100-point mark. That impressive offense will be back again this year alongside a few familiar faces, but it’s the unfamiliar ones that could make the biggest difference. Defence is where this team struggled the most last season and GM Snider has addressed that by adding do it all defenseman John Carlson. The hope will be that his veteran presence can improve their fortunes in front of their own net this year whilst also chipping in at the opposite end. As an impending unrestricted free agent though, the Habs will need to show him they have what it takes to compete at another level if they want him to sign an extension.
With one major issue ticked off the list, Montreal will be hoping that extra couple of points won’t be too hard to come by this season. However, we can’t ignore the fact that the other major issue hasn’t be addressed. Goaltending was by far their weakest area last season and Nico Dawes is back again, although this time it looks like he’ll have to do it on his own as a viable backup is nowhere to be seen. The improved defence will have to do everything they can to reduce the scoring chances and shots against to protect the sophomore goalie, and GM Snider will have to hope and pray the 23 year old is ready to shoulder the responsibility as he continues to improve.
TL; DR: Wildcard Contender
Ottawa Senators:
General Manager: Mike Bell
Head Coach: John Hynes
Star Player: Sean Monahan
Starting Goalie: Jeremy Swayman
20 Man Roster Average OV: 75.3
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 80
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 78.3
23-24 Regular Season Record: 41-31-10
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 7th
23-24 Playoffs: Conference Finals
23-24 Recap:
The Ottawa Senators were all over the show last season with only four skaters playing all 82 games. Almost the entire team, including goalie Jeremy Swayman, arrived in Ottawa at some point during the regular season. That level of up-ending would be enough to disorientate even the most experienced journeyman and so it’s no surprise that they stuttered into a 7th place finish. It’s the playoffs that really count though, and that’s where this team really came alive. After beating out the 2nd seed Philadelphia Flyers in a thrilling 7 game series, the Senators went on to sweep the New York Rangers on their way to the conference finals. There they would lose to eventual cup champs the Florida Panthers 4 games to 1, but overall it was an impressive showing for a patch work team that was thrown together as the year progressed.
24-25 Predictions:
The revamp hasn’t stopped during the off-season with a few notable changes taking place, but the biggest move GM Bell has pulled off is tying down this team’s core for the long term. Six of the teams top eight skaters have been signed to 4 year deals with nine of the top ten signed for at least 3 and/or a restricted free agent. This means that barring any more trading, which is a doubt if history is anything to by, the team you see before is at the very least the core that should lead the Sens back to the playoffs again this year.
Like many of the best teams, Ottawa has balance. A two-way offensive core, a strong and deep defence, and one of the league's premier young goaltenders. It all adds up to an enticing package that should easily finish the right side of the playoff line. Last years scoring history suggests no one player is an offensive standout, but even if that’s the case again this year, if they can all chip in their fair share, Ottawa will be a good bet for a top three finish.
TL; DR: Top 3 in the Atlantic Division
Tampa Bay Lightning:
General Manager: Mike Cooley
Head Coach: Bruce Cassidy
Star Player: Jack Eichel
Starting Goalie: Adin Hill
20 Man Roster Average OV: 74.6
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 79.3
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 74.5
23-24 Regular Season Record: 35-39-8
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 11th
23-24 Playoffs: None
23-24 Recap:
Tampa were another team that changed a lot of the roster throughout last season but to a lesser effect than Ottawa. A 0.476 win percentage, -4 goal differential and 11th overall in the East, all a bit “meh” really. They were by no means a bad team, but they weren’t a good one either. Captain and franchise center Jack Eichel topped the scoring charts with 58 goals (tied for 2nd overall) and 115 points, but production outside of him was a bit hit and miss. One hit was early season addition Oliver Bjorkstrand, who found some success with 25 goals and 59 points in 53 games for the Lightning, but William Nylander would prove to be the ying to his yang. By all accounts Nylander should have been a great acquisition with 31 goals and 58 points in 56 games for Minnesota earlier in the year. As soon as he put on the Tampa blue jersey though he lost his scoring touch, fumbling his way to only 4 goals and 15 points in 24 games. This trend seemed to replicate itself up and down the lineup with some doing well and others not, and ultimately it resulted in a neither here nor there season for the Lightning.
24-25 Predictions:
If Eichel and Bjorkstrand can continue their successful partnership on offense, you can expect to see some big numbers from the pairing next season. The newly acquired Adin Hill is also a much-needed upgrade in goal, but he still lacks the starting credentials of most contending teams. The big hope will be that Nylander can get back to his old ways though, and start producing at the rate expected of a top forward that cost Cooley a premium prospect and 1st round draft pick. If not, it might be another also ran season for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
TL; DR: Draft Lottery
Edit - I missed the trade where Bjorkstrand was moved to Seattle...
Toronto Maple Leafs:
General Manager: Vince Gibbons
Head Coach: Barry Trotz
Star Player: Elias Pettersson
Starting Goalie: Robin Lehner
20 Man Roster Average OV: 72.4
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 75.8
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 74.8
23-24 Regular Season Record: 29-48-5
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 15th
23-24 Playoffs: None
23-24 Recap:
There’s a fair bit of rebuilding going on the Eastern Conference and the Maple Leafs are one of those teams. As such there isn’t too much to talk about with regards to last season or next. Star forward Elias Pettersson put up surprisingly good numbers (50G-95PTS) for someone with no help from the rest of his team, but he must feel like he is wasting the best years of his career in Toronto. Toronto also set the record for most goals against in the single season with 349. Ivan Demidov is a pretty good wooden spoon prize though.
24-25 Predictions:
It’ll more of the same for Toronto this season with no signs of the rebuilding ending anytime soon. A stockpile of picks in upcoming drafts will help them on their way, but it’s going to be a longggg time before this team is ready to compete again.
TL; DR: Draft Lottery
2024-2025 Standings Prediction:
1. Boston Bruins
2. Ottawa Senators
3. Buffalo Sabres
4. Montreal Canadiens
5. Detroit Redwings
6. Tampa Bay Lightning
7. Florida Panthers
8. Toronto Maple Leafs
General Manager: Scott Davidson
Head Coach: Dominique Ducharme
Star Player: John Tavares
Starting Goalie: Linus Ullmark
20 Man Roster Average OV: 75.7
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 79.8
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 79
23-24 Regular Season Record: 49-28-5
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 3rd
23-24 Playoffs: Second Round
23-24 Recap:
The Boston Bruins have been on a steady incline since the inaugural 2021-2022 season. After a 15th place that year and 10th place finish in 2023, the 23-24 Bruins not only forced their way into a playoff spot, but finished 3rd overall in the Eastern Conference. An impressive climb made all the more impressive by winning their first ever playoff series 4-2 against division rivals the Buffalo Sabres. The fairytale would come to a crashing end in the second round however, where they were swept by eventual champions the Florida Panthers. Still, it was a very positive step forward for Boston and GM Davidson, and they’ll be looking to replicate that success again this year.
24-25 Predictions:
It was difficult to know what to expect from Boston in the off-season with the team potentially at a bit of a crossroads, but the GM made things clear with the immediate re-signing of their number one goalie Linus Ullmark straight out of the gate. Ullmark was a star goaltender in the league last season, finishing second overall in save percentage and 9th in GAA, and it was a big statement from the Bruins for the season to come.
It won’t just be the same again from the Bruins this year though. Winger Nino Neidereitter penned a big 4 year, $6million contract with the team, whilst rookie Quinton Byfield looks set to earn himself a promotion after finishing 5th in scoring in the minor’s last season. This additional scoring should more than make up for the loss of rental Nazem Kadri, and with more intensity on the lower lines this team could prove difficult to beat again this year.
Boston is another one of those well-balanced teams. Their overall roster depth is about average, and their top offensive and defensive talent tows the same line, with the defence peaking just over into above. Still, few teams can boast a best of both worlds situation like that and it puts them in a good position heading into pre-season. Their overall fortunes might just come down to the play of goaltender Linus Ullmark. If he can repeat last years heroics Boston fans could be in for another treat, but if he drops off even slightly, it might not end how they're expecting.
TL; DR: Top 3 in the Atlantic Division
Buffalo Sabres:
General Manager: Jesse Edwards
Head Coach: Bob Boughner
Star Player: Steven Stamkos
Starting Goalie: Chris Driedger
20 Man Roster Average OV: 75.6
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 80.2
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 76.3
23-24 Regular Season Record: 45-32-5
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 6th
23-24 Playoffs: First Round
23-24 Recap:
The Buffalo Sabres have now made the playoffs in all three of the leagues seasons and they’ve exited those same playoffs in the first round three out of three times. It doesn’t seem to matter what GM Edwards does with this team; they just can’t break through into that second round. In the 23-24 regular season, the Sabres had a solid 0.579 win percentage which was good enough for a 6th overall finish in the East, but it brought them into a head on collision with division rivals the Boston Bruins, who at the first time of asking powered through into the second round. This will no doubt have angered Sabres fans who have to continue their wait in the hope that the 24-25 season might finally be their time.
24-25 Predictions:
There has been a bit of retooling in Buffalo this off-season with star do it all defenseman John Carlson shipped off across the border to Montreal. This could be a sign that the team has one eye on the future with Carlson a pending UFA in 2025, with youth and futures coming back the other way. They were quick to address his departure however, with veteran Drew Doughty signed to a 4 year, $6.75million contract. He wasn’t the only marquee signing for Buffalo either. 36 year old Swede Nicklas Backstrom was also signed to a 4 year deal in an attempt to boost the team’s offense for the new season, something they’ll be needing if they hope to continue their run of successive playoffs.
Buffalo’s defensive play was a monster last season with only 257 goals against, good for 1st in the East and 2nd overall in the PFHL. Their offense, although just about good enough, left them wanting however, with only 297 goals, 10th in the East and 18th overall. This is something they’ll be hoping Backstrom can help out with, but the real key will be getting the best out of captain Steven Stamkos. The star forward is one of the league’s best, but despite his elite talent he was limited to “just” 33 goals and 88 points last season. For most players that would be pretty good, but for someone of Stamkos calibre, it isn’t good enough. Hopefully it isn’t the start of a decline from the captain, but it may be a sign that he isn’t able to carry the team like he once could.
TL; DR: Top 3 in the Atlantic Division
Detroit Redwings:
General Manager: Mathias Lundgren
Head Coach: Jeremy Colliton
Star Player: Nikita Kucherov
Starting Goalie: Andrei Vasilevskiy
20 Man Roster Average OV: 73.9
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 80.5
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 76
23-24 Regular Season Record: 43-34-5
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 8th
23-24 Playoffs: First Round
23-24 Recap:
The Detroit Redwings got caught up in a three-way battle at the end of last season for the wildcard spots in the East. In the end just one point separated both 7th placed Ottawa from 8th placed Detroit, and Detroit from 9th placed Montreal. On the one hand that 1 point was the difference between making the playoffs or not for the Redwings, but on the other hand it was the difference between facing the Philadelphia Flyers in round one, or the conference topping and eventual championship winning Florida Panthers. As such, Detroit were pushed to one side in 5 whilst 7th placed Ottawa battled all the way to the conference finals on the more favourable side of the bracket. A bitter disappointment for the team that went all the way to the finals just one year earlier.
24-25 Predictions:
Not much has changed in Detroit over the off-season. The only notable difference outside of the bottom lines is the loss of center Nicklas Backstrom (more on that later) who tested free agency and now finds himself suiting up for division rivals the Buffalo Sabres. Otherwise it’s rinse and repeat for the star studded Wings who’ll be hoping to book a safer passage to the playoffs this year.
Star forward Nikita Kucherov was a late addition in 2024 and showed incredible scoring ability in his limited showing of just 15 regular season games. If he can continue to score at the kind of pace he set last year in Detroit (1.87PPG), we could be looking at a league record breaking season. There could however be real concern that a large part of that was his chemistry with Nicklas Backstrom who is no longer with the team. Backstrom and Kucherov, along with Kyle Connor, were a dynamic trio on both 5 on 5 and the powerplay and it’s possible without the star playmaker between them things could quickly turn sour.
Detroit is a very top-heavy team that relies on star power to get them through. Any team with Nikita Kucherov, David Pastrnak, Kyle Connor and Andrei Vasilevskiy will always be a contender, but with no true number one center, a below average defensive core, and one of the worst ranked roster depths in the league, their time near the top could be coming to a close.
TL; DR: Wildcard Contender
Florida Panthers:
General Manager: Jay Seo
Head Coach: John Tortorella
Star Player: Tomas Hertl
Starting Goalie: Jake Allen
20 Man Roster Average OV: 73.9
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 79.3
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 73.8
23-24 Regular Season Record: 53-23-6
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 1st
23-24 Playoffs: CHAMPIONS!!!
23-24 Recap:
Well it’s safe to say the 2023-2024 season will be one to remember for the Florida Panthers and their fans. After finishing the regular season top of the Eastern Conference with a 0.683 win percentage and massive 31-8-2 home record, the Panthers went all the way and took home the big prize last season. It wasn’t just what they did though, it was also how they did it. They scored more regular season goals than any other team in the history of the PFHL, they scored more goals in the playoffs than any other team, despite playing 3 games less than the next closest rival, and they dropped only 3 games in the entire playoffs. A crazy season that will be impossible to top, so why bother…
24-25 Predictions:
And that is exactly what GM Seo has decided. After taking home the most coveted prize in all of sports, Seo has blown it up and gone for a full rebuild. Top scoring 100+ point forwards Nikolaj Ehlers, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, all gone. Voracek, Bergeron, Vrana, Doughty, Saros, all gone. This team is tanking for Hagens and beyond that there isn’t much more that can be said.
TL; DR: Draft Lottery
Montreal Canadiens:
General Manager: Todd Snider
Head Coach: Dave Lowry
Star Player: Mark Stone
Starting Goalie: Nico Dawes
20 Man Roster Average OV: 75.7
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 81.3
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 75.3
23-24 Regular Season Record: 41-33-8
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 9th
23-24 Playoffs: None
23-24 Recap:
Montreal fell agonisingly short of a wildcard spot last season, with an overtime loss in their last 10 being the difference between themselves and the 8th placed Redwings. It was a vast improvement on the two seasons prior where successive 14th place finishes were the best they could manage, but it was still disappointing nonetheless. Their outstanding offensive performances had them as the highest scoring team to miss the playoffs by a large margin, and in actuality they were the 5th highest scoring team in the league. It was the opposite end of the ice where they struggled, with a poor defensive record and a goalie tandem of Dan Vladar and Nico Dawes splitting the starting role. Neither goalie performed to the level expected of a starter and it ultimately hurt the team across the season, but it could prove as an important developmental step for rookie Dawes.
24-25 Predictions:
Mark Stone, Matthew Tkachuk, Nick Suzuki and Gabriel Landeskog were all over a point per game last season, with the former three being over the 100-point mark. That impressive offense will be back again this year alongside a few familiar faces, but it’s the unfamiliar ones that could make the biggest difference. Defence is where this team struggled the most last season and GM Snider has addressed that by adding do it all defenseman John Carlson. The hope will be that his veteran presence can improve their fortunes in front of their own net this year whilst also chipping in at the opposite end. As an impending unrestricted free agent though, the Habs will need to show him they have what it takes to compete at another level if they want him to sign an extension.
With one major issue ticked off the list, Montreal will be hoping that extra couple of points won’t be too hard to come by this season. However, we can’t ignore the fact that the other major issue hasn’t be addressed. Goaltending was by far their weakest area last season and Nico Dawes is back again, although this time it looks like he’ll have to do it on his own as a viable backup is nowhere to be seen. The improved defence will have to do everything they can to reduce the scoring chances and shots against to protect the sophomore goalie, and GM Snider will have to hope and pray the 23 year old is ready to shoulder the responsibility as he continues to improve.
TL; DR: Wildcard Contender
Ottawa Senators:
General Manager: Mike Bell
Head Coach: John Hynes
Star Player: Sean Monahan
Starting Goalie: Jeremy Swayman
20 Man Roster Average OV: 75.3
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 80
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 78.3
23-24 Regular Season Record: 41-31-10
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 7th
23-24 Playoffs: Conference Finals
23-24 Recap:
The Ottawa Senators were all over the show last season with only four skaters playing all 82 games. Almost the entire team, including goalie Jeremy Swayman, arrived in Ottawa at some point during the regular season. That level of up-ending would be enough to disorientate even the most experienced journeyman and so it’s no surprise that they stuttered into a 7th place finish. It’s the playoffs that really count though, and that’s where this team really came alive. After beating out the 2nd seed Philadelphia Flyers in a thrilling 7 game series, the Senators went on to sweep the New York Rangers on their way to the conference finals. There they would lose to eventual cup champs the Florida Panthers 4 games to 1, but overall it was an impressive showing for a patch work team that was thrown together as the year progressed.
24-25 Predictions:
The revamp hasn’t stopped during the off-season with a few notable changes taking place, but the biggest move GM Bell has pulled off is tying down this team’s core for the long term. Six of the teams top eight skaters have been signed to 4 year deals with nine of the top ten signed for at least 3 and/or a restricted free agent. This means that barring any more trading, which is a doubt if history is anything to by, the team you see before is at the very least the core that should lead the Sens back to the playoffs again this year.
Like many of the best teams, Ottawa has balance. A two-way offensive core, a strong and deep defence, and one of the league's premier young goaltenders. It all adds up to an enticing package that should easily finish the right side of the playoff line. Last years scoring history suggests no one player is an offensive standout, but even if that’s the case again this year, if they can all chip in their fair share, Ottawa will be a good bet for a top three finish.
TL; DR: Top 3 in the Atlantic Division
Tampa Bay Lightning:
General Manager: Mike Cooley
Head Coach: Bruce Cassidy
Star Player: Jack Eichel
Starting Goalie: Adin Hill
20 Man Roster Average OV: 74.6
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 79.3
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 74.5
23-24 Regular Season Record: 35-39-8
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 11th
23-24 Playoffs: None
23-24 Recap:
Tampa were another team that changed a lot of the roster throughout last season but to a lesser effect than Ottawa. A 0.476 win percentage, -4 goal differential and 11th overall in the East, all a bit “meh” really. They were by no means a bad team, but they weren’t a good one either. Captain and franchise center Jack Eichel topped the scoring charts with 58 goals (tied for 2nd overall) and 115 points, but production outside of him was a bit hit and miss. One hit was early season addition Oliver Bjorkstrand, who found some success with 25 goals and 59 points in 53 games for the Lightning, but William Nylander would prove to be the ying to his yang. By all accounts Nylander should have been a great acquisition with 31 goals and 58 points in 56 games for Minnesota earlier in the year. As soon as he put on the Tampa blue jersey though he lost his scoring touch, fumbling his way to only 4 goals and 15 points in 24 games. This trend seemed to replicate itself up and down the lineup with some doing well and others not, and ultimately it resulted in a neither here nor there season for the Lightning.
24-25 Predictions:
TL; DR: Draft Lottery
Edit - I missed the trade where Bjorkstrand was moved to Seattle...
Toronto Maple Leafs:
General Manager: Vince Gibbons
Head Coach: Barry Trotz
Star Player: Elias Pettersson
Starting Goalie: Robin Lehner
20 Man Roster Average OV: 72.4
Top 6 Offense Average OV: 75.8
Top 4 Defence Average OV: 74.8
23-24 Regular Season Record: 29-48-5
23-24 Regular Season Finish: 15th
23-24 Playoffs: None
23-24 Recap:
There’s a fair bit of rebuilding going on the Eastern Conference and the Maple Leafs are one of those teams. As such there isn’t too much to talk about with regards to last season or next. Star forward Elias Pettersson put up surprisingly good numbers (50G-95PTS) for someone with no help from the rest of his team, but he must feel like he is wasting the best years of his career in Toronto. Toronto also set the record for most goals against in the single season with 349. Ivan Demidov is a pretty good wooden spoon prize though.
24-25 Predictions:
It’ll more of the same for Toronto this season with no signs of the rebuilding ending anytime soon. A stockpile of picks in upcoming drafts will help them on their way, but it’s going to be a longggg time before this team is ready to compete again.
TL; DR: Draft Lottery
2024-2025 Standings Prediction:
1. Boston Bruins
2. Ottawa Senators
3. Buffalo Sabres
4. Montreal Canadiens
5. Detroit Redwings
6. Tampa Bay Lightning
7. Florida Panthers
8. Toronto Maple Leafs