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The 2024-25 NHL season begins with the New Jersey Devils facing the Buffalo Sabres in Prague for the Global Series Czechia. The teams will be with their new coaches, Sheldon Keefe and Lindy Ruff.
The Boston Bruins will face the Florida Panthers, who are raising their Stanley Cup banner. The Utah Hockey Club will debut against the Chicago Blackhawks, with star Connor Bedard. There's also a chance Macklin Celebrini, a top draft pick, could debut for the San Jose Sharks against the St. Louis Blues.
Former Maple Leafs coach Keefe returns to Toronto with the Devils. Steven Stamkos returns to Tampa Bay with the Nashville Predators.
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Finnish talent will be on display as the Dallas Stars face the Panthers in the Global Series Finland. The Detroit Red Wings visit the Toronto Maple Leafs during Hall of Fame weekend, celebrating Pavel Datsyuk's induction.
The Edmonton Oilers aim for revenge against the Florida Panthers in a Stanley Cup Final rematch. The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues feature in the NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.
The Columbus Blue Jackets host their inaugural outdoor game against the Red Wings at Ohio Stadium. Jonathan Marchessault's return to Vegas with the Nashville Predators ends the season with emotional significance.
The NHL asked fans on X (formerly Twitter):
"Which matchup are you most excited to watch this season?"
NHL fans began sharing their reactions and responses to the question posed.
"Bruins / Leafs," one fan said.
"Macklin vs. Bedard too!," another fan commented.
"Chicago Blackhawks vs San Jose Sharks, the top drafted players in the last two drafts going one on one. Both teams fighting for a playoff spot," one X user said.
Take a look at some more reactions from NHL fans on X.
"I am excited to see the Oilers, how do they respond. Is it revenge szn like Florida’s, should be a fun narrative all year long. Same with new coaching in Toronto," one fan said.
"Down with another match with the Rangers and Devils with both teams hopefully being good and honestly the Rangers/ Devils va the Panthers on a potential ECF," one fan posted.
"McDavid fans vs anyone sane processing a season where Kucherov steals yet another Art Ross during McDavid’s prime but somehow 97 is still the best player in the world," a fan commented.
Dallas Stars focus on defensive adjustments for the 2024-25 NHL season
The Dallas Stars didn't reach the Stanley Cup Final for the second year in a row, despite a solid playoff run in 2023. This season, they struggled with defense, especially in the 2024 playoffs, often changing their lineup.
They couldn't keep defenseman Chris Tanev because of salary cap limits. Instead, they signed Matt Dumba, Ilya Lyubushkin and Brendan Smith for depth.
The team plans to improve its defense with Miro Heiskanen, focusing on adjusting lineups for better pairings. Young prospects like Thomas Harley and possibly Lian Bichsel will add depth to the defense next season.
