The 2024-25 season is about to get underway, and that means that it’s time to get out the crystal ball.
It’s a clean slate for all 32 NHL franchises as they receive a fresh start in 2024-25. Following a significant amount of movement in the offseason, the Florida Panthers will be coming off their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, and many teams will be looking to give them all that they can handle throughout the season. With the puck set to drop on a new campaign, we have unveiled our individual picks for each of the major awards as well as which team will be raising the Stanley Cup in June.
Award predictions
Chris Bengel
Austin Nivison
Stanley Cup predictions
Bengel
- Western Conference Final: Edmonton Oilers over Dallas Stars
- Eastern Conference Final: New York Rangers over Florida Panthers
- Stanley Cup Final: Edmonton Oilers over New York Rangers
The Edmonton Oilers nearly reached the pinnacle of the sport during the 2023-24 season, but fell just short against the Florida Panthers in last season’s Stanley Cup Final. This time around, the Oilers will get the job done. Edmonton arguably has a deeper roster than a year ago after adding veteran forwards like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson to their top six. For the first time in several years, the Oilers also have a strong netminder in the crease in the form of Stuart Skinner, who tallied a 2.45 goals-against-average during Edmonton’s run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2023-24. The Oilers could easily be the most talented team in the West, and it won’t be a huge surprise if they finally reach the mountaintop of the NHL during the 2024-25 campaign.
Nivison
- Western Conference Final: Dallas Stars over Edmonton Oilers
- Eastern Conference Final: New Jersey Devils over Florida Panthers
- Stanley Cup Final: Dallas Stars over New Jersey Devils
The Dallas Stars have lost in the Western Conference Final in each of the last two seasons, but they get over that hump this season. The Stars did downgrade their defensive depth in the offseason, but that is made up for and then some by a forward group that has more firepower than the Galactic Empire. That, along with elite goaltending from Jake Oettinger, helps them sneak past the Edmonton Oilers in a rematch of last year’s conference final. Coming off a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, the New Jersey Devils plugged holes in their roster and once again look like a true Cup contender. Jack Hughes, coming off a Hart Trophy regular season, will help New Jersey overcome the reigning Cup champs in the Eastern Conference Final. In a Stanley Cup Final that should provide plenty of offense, the Stars outlast the Devils in a long series.
As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, hockey fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating what the upcoming season will bring. With a new crop of talented rookies entering the league and established superstars looking to make their mark, there are plenty of storylines to follow.
When it comes to predicting the Stanley Cup favorites for the 2024-25 season, several teams stand out as early contenders. The defending champions, the Colorado Avalanche, are expected to be a strong force once again with their dynamic offense led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The Toronto Maple Leafs, with their potent scoring duo of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, are also considered a top contender. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have won back-to-back championships in recent years, are always a threat with their deep roster and experienced core.
In terms of division winners, experts are predicting that the Metropolitan Division will be highly competitive, with teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and New York Rangers all vying for the top spot. In the Central Division, the Avalanche are expected to dominate once again, while the Pacific Division could see a tight race between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers.
When it comes to individual awards, there are several players who are early favorites to be finalists. In the Hart Trophy race for league MVP, players like Connor McDavid of the Oilers, Matthews of the Maple Leafs, and MacKinnon of the Avalanche are all expected to be in contention. In the Norris Trophy race for best defenseman, Makar of the Avalanche, Victor Hedman of the Lightning, and Adam Fox of the Rangers are all considered top contenders. And in the Vezina Trophy race for best goaltender, Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Lightning, Igor Shesterkin of the Rangers, and Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues are all names to watch.
Of course, these predictions are just early projections and anything can happen over the course of an NHL season. Injuries, trades, and unexpected breakout performances can all impact the outcome of the season. But one thing is for certain – hockey fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive 2024-25 NHL season.
