The NHL season is over, and the Florida Panthers emerged as the Stanley Cup champions for the first time in franchise history. With the draft and free agency frenzy now behind us, it’s time to look ahead to the 2024-25 season and assess the teams’ prospects.
The ESPN panel of hockey commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors have ranked all 32 NHL teams based on their potential for the upcoming season. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top teams and their offseason moves.
The Florida Panthers, coming off their Stanley Cup win, have retained key players like Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell. The Edmonton Oilers, who lost in the Stanley Cup Final, have made strategic moves to strengthen their roster. The Dallas Stars, New York Rangers, and Colorado Avalanche are also expected to be strong contenders based on their previous performances.
Teams like the Nashville Predators, Vancouver Canucks, and New Jersey Devils have made significant signings in the offseason to improve their chances for the upcoming season. On the other hand, the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens are focusing on rebuilding and developing their young talent.
It will be interesting to see how new teams like the Utah Hockey Club and the Seattle Kraken perform in their debut seasons. With changes in coaching staff and key signings, these teams could surprise many fans.
Overall, the NHL landscape is set for an exciting and competitive 2024-25 season. Fans can expect thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and plenty of surprises as the teams battle it out for a chance at the Stanley Cup. Stay tuned for more updates as the season approaches.