Playoff Redemption: Three NHL Teams Poised for a Comeback in 2024-25
Three NHL Teams Ready to Reverse Fortunes and Make a Playoff Push in 2024-25
The NHL offseason is a time of transformation, where teams assess their past performance, make strategic acquisitions, and aim to rewrite their narratives for the upcoming season. For three NHL teams—New Jersey Devils, Seattle Kraken, and Utah Hockey Club—the 2023-24 season was a missed opportunity, but with recent roster improvements and strategic moves, they are poised for a comeback.
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils endured a tumultuous 2023-24 season, plagued by injuries and defensive woes that left them out of playoff contention with a record of 38-39-5. Despite these setbacks, optimism reigns in the Garden State with promising changes in their roster dynamics.
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald took decisive steps to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities by signing Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon. Pesce, renowned for his defensive prowess, brings stability with a six-year, $33-million contract. Dillon adds grit and defensive reliability on a three-year, $12-million deal. These additions are crucial upgrades alongside rising stars like Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes, fortifying the Devils’ blue line.
In goal, the acquisition of Jacob Markstrom addresses previous goaltending concerns, providing a solid backbone for defensive resilience. Offensively, the Devils enhanced their depth with forwards Stefan Noesen and Paul Cotter, crucial for sustaining pressure and adding scoring depth in critical moments.
The core of Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt, now seasoned and eager, adds another dimension to New Jersey’s playoff aspirations. With a revamped roster and renewed determination, the Devils aim to return to their winning ways and challenge for postseason contention.
Seattle Kraken
In their inaugural NHL season, the Seattle Kraken faced challenges typical of expansion teams, finishing 34-35-13 in the Pacific division and missing the playoffs. However, GM Ron Francis has set a clear course for improvement with strategic signings and roster adjustments.
Seattle addressed offensive deficiencies by securing Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour with seven-year contracts. Stephenson, a versatile forward, and Montour, an offensive defenseman, inject firepower and playmaking ability into the lineup. These signings aim to elevate Seattle’s scoring potential and overall offensive output, crucial for competing in a competitive Western Conference.
The Kraken’s foundation includes promising prospects like Shane Wright and Matty Beniers, pivotal figures in the team’s future success. Wright, a standout from the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Beniers, the 2023 Calder Trophy winner, offer skill, versatility, and leadership that are essential for driving Seattle’s resurgence.
With a balanced roster and enhanced offensive capabilities, the Kraken are poised to make a significant impact in the 2024-25 season. Their depth and potential for growth make them a team to watch as they aim to secure their first playoff appearance in franchise history.
Utah Hockey Club (formerly Arizona Coyotes)
Undergoing a rebranding as the Utah Hockey Club, the former Arizona Coyotes faced adversity in the 2023-24 season, finishing 36-41-5 in the Central division. Despite a promising start, the team faltered amidst relocation rumors and a 14-game losing streak that derailed their playoff aspirations.
Heading into the new season, Utah has undergone significant changes under the guidance of GM Bill Armstrong and head coach Andre Tourigny. The team’s defensive core received a substantial upgrade with acquisitions like Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino, and Ian Cole, reinforcing their blue line with experience and skill.
In goal, Karel Vejmelka and Connor Ingram form a dependable tandem, offering stability and reliability between the pipes. Their combined efforts provide Utah with a strong defensive foundation, crucial for withstanding the rigors of a competitive NHL season.
Offensively, the Utah Hockey Club boasts emerging talents like Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley, poised for breakout performances. With ample salary cap space and draft assets at their disposal, Utah has the flexibility to further enhance their offensive depth and scoring potential before the season begins.
With renewed stability and a fortified roster, Utah Hockey Club aims to reclaim competitiveness in the Western Conference. The team’s resilience and strategic acquisitions position them as contenders for a playoff berth, signaling a potential turnaround in the upcoming NHL season.
As the NHL offseason unfolds, teams like the New Jersey Devils, Seattle Kraken, and Utah Hockey Club are reshaping their rosters and recalibrating their strategies to reverse fortunes and pursue postseason success in 2024-25. With strengthened defenses, enhanced offensive capabilities, and promising young talent, these teams embody the resilience and determination synonymous with hockey’s competitive spirit. As fans eagerly anticipate the start of the new season, the stage is set for these teams to defy expectations and forge their paths to playoff contention.