Don Cherry names team he expects to be "biggest surprise of the year" in 2024-25 NHL season

With the 2024-25 NHL season now underway, fans have had a glimpse of what their favorite teams have to offer for the year ahead. While some have faltered, the league's newest entrants, Utah Hockey Club, have made a commendable start.

Currently third in the Central Division with a 4-1-1 record, Utah has gotten the better of the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins. With the new NHL season just three weeks in, Utah's recent performances have caught the eye of Don Cherry.

On the latest episode of "The Don Cherry's Grapevine Podcast," the legendary Bruins coach said:

"Utah. I think they'll be the biggest surprise. They are in a new town and the whole deal. I think they'll be the surprise of the year.

"I don't think they'll make a run for it (Stanley Cup) but they'll make the playoffs, that's about it."

Utah hopes to continue winning as it hosts the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.

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Don Cherry slams NHL side for stripping veteran off captaincy

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a new era, with new coach Craig Berube and team captain Auston Matthews calling the shots. However, the team's decision to strip John Tavares of captaincy hasn't sat well with many in the NHL community.

One among those is Don Cherry. In an episode of his podcast, Cherry voiced his discontent over the Maple Leafs' handling of the situation. He said,

"I really believe they went to Tavares, and they said, 'Look, we'll give you another couple years.' It is a slap in the face. I don't care what anybody says. To take the captaincy off of one player and give it to another, there's something wrong somewhere."

The Maple Leafs have gotten off to a slightly shaky start in the 2024/25 NHL season with a 3-2-0 record. They must pick up their game to pick points against teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Winnipeg Jets and Boston Bruins this month.