5 way-too-early predictions for 2024/25 NHL season

The start of the 2024/25 NHL season is more than three months away. But that’s no reason to keep from predicting what could happen. Sure, it might be way too early to make predictions, but with the way free agency and coaching changes have shaped up, it’s worth breaking out the crystal ball to see what could be on the horizon.

So, here’s a look at five way-too-early predictions for the upcoming NHL season.

5 way-too-early predictions for the 2024/25 NHL season

No. 1: Auston Matthews breaks the 70-goal mark

Auston Matthews registered 69 goals last season. While he tried his best to get to 70, he ultimately fell one goal shy of the coveted 70-goal plateau.

This NHL season, Matthews should break 70. He has established himself among the league’s elite goal scorers, making his presence felt across the NHL.

However, there’s one caveat: Matthews should break the mark as long as he has playmaker Mitch Marner. If the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Marner, Matthews may fail to reach the 70-goal mark, as he might lack a playmaker to support him.

Whether Marner is on the team or not, Matthews should be in the conversation for the Rocket Richard Trophy again this season.

No. 2: The Detroit Red Wings make the playoffs

The Red Wings look poised to take the next step in their rebuild. The club re-signed Patrick Kane and added Vladimir Tarasenko, Tyler Motte, netminder Cam Talbot and others. With the club already boasting young talent like Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin and Moritz Seider, the Wings should be in the conversation for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

It’s worth considering that the major losses suffered by the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers could level the playing field in the Atlantic Division. Plus, the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers may take a step back, allowing a team like the Detroit Red Wings to challenge for at least one of the wild-card spots.

No. 3: The clock strikes midnight for the Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers went on an inspirational run last season. They overcame a poor start to make it to within one game of winning the Stanley Cup. However, the Oilers will need to overcome the inconsistent play that plagued the club during the postseason. That inconsistency includes goaltender Stuart Skinner.

Unless players like Evander Kane and Darnell Nurse rediscover their talents, the Oilers could be in a bind, hampered by inconsistency and salary-cap constraints. While Edmonton should make the playoffs, the team may fail to replicate last season’s playoff success.

No. 4: Macklin Celebrini will run away with the Calder Trophy

Celebrini is still on the fence regarding his NHL future. While he has hinted that he may return to Boston University next season, Celebrini should attend the San Jose Sharks training camp in the fall. There, Celebrini could impress management enough to make the team.

With little pressure to win, and a veteran team supporting him, Celebrini should find instant success in San Jose. Given his skill and dedication, it’s fair to assume that Celebrini will run away with the Calder Trophy.

No. 5: The Predators will make it to the Stanley Cup Final

The most improved team this NHL offseason is Nashville. The Predators made huge waves by signing Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. They put trade rumors surrounding Juuse Saros to rest. With Andrew Brunette at the helm, the Predators should become the most dangerous team in the Western Conference.

The Preds will find formidable opponents in the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars. But ultimately, Nashville should make the Stanley Cup Final. Who they face from the Eastern Conference remains to be seen. Nevertheless, this season could be the best chance the Toronto Maple Leafs have to make a deep postseason run.