With the 2024-25 Just a few days before the start of the season, all 32 teams start with a blank slate. Some will see their respective performances skyrocket compared to what they achieved a season ago.
However, many teams are likely to take a step backwards in the coming season due to the break in the season so far. The Florida Panthers are on their way to winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history, and that will certainly be a tough task to repeat in the 2024-25 season.
Let's take a look at some franchises that could take a step back this season.
The Canucks began their preparation for the 2023-24 season by hiring head coach Rick Tocchet as a replacement Bruce Boudreau in the second half of the 2022-23 season. After Tocchet took over, he led the Canucks to a 20-12-4 record at the end of the season. The Canucks followed up that performance with a 50-23-9 (109 points) record and won the Western Conference's Pacific Division in 2023-24.
While the Canucks had an outstanding season, this is a team that saw the middle Elias Lindholm and defenders Nikita Zadorovboth of whom were acquired during the season, are leaving the club in free agency. While the Canucks will likely be a playoff team in 2024-25, it's hard to imagine a repeat of their performance after giving up some high-profile talent. Additionally, one of the biggest question marks is goalkeeping Thatcher Demko. He suffered a knee injury in the team's opening-round playoff game against the United States Nashville Predators. If Demko is 100% healthy, there is nothing to worry about. However, you'll have to wait and see before you can trust the veteran goaltender over an 82-game regular season.
Florida Panthers
Repeating a championship season is one of the most difficult tasks in all of sports, and the NHL is no different. The Panthers made a magical run to the Stanley Cup and ultimately defeated it Oiler to win everything. It was also the first Stanley Cup in franchise history after failing to win the Stanley Cup Golden Knights in the previous year.
If the Panthers fail to win the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row, they will certainly have taken steps backwards. Florida lost the veteran Brandon Montour in free agency who provided a huge offensive boost from the blue line in recent years. In addition, experienced winger Vladimir Tarasenko also left when he signed with the Red wings on the free market. The Panthers' top six forwards are still extremely elite, especially after the signing of their star winger Sam Reinhart to a massive contract extension. Even when it comes to Reinhart, it won't be much of a surprise if he takes a step back after scoring a career-high 57 goals a season ago. Additionally, Florida also needs an experienced goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to continue playing at an elite level at 36 years old.
The Hurricanes were a popular choice for a strong Stanley Cup win, especially after acquiring their star forward Jake Guentzel when trading with the Penguins. The addition of Guentzel did not catapult the Hurricanes to the heights many thought it would, as it eliminated the Hurricanes ranger in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Guentzel didn't stay with the Hurricanes either and eventually signed with the Hurricanes flash last summer.
After a 111-point campaign, that's a pretty high bar for the Hurricanes. Carolina has signed wingers Jack Roslovic in free agency, which is a solid depth move. However, replacing Guentzel with Roslovic in the top six will certainly be seen as a demotion. The team was able to keep the defender Jacob Slavin and top winger Seth Jarvis on lofty contract extensions, so the talent is definitely still there. It might not be at the same level as last season.
After the Maple Leafs won a playoff series in 2022–23, the team returned to its traditional habits when it was eliminated in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs of the 2023–24 season. The Maple Leafs still managed to surpass the 100-point mark and finished third in the Atlantic Division, so it was quite a successful season.
The Maple Leafs made a splash last summer by signing a winger Tyler Bertuzzi to a one-year deal, but Bertuzzi eventually left via free agency to sign with the Blackhawks. While Bertuzzi only scored 43 points (21 goals and 22 assists) last season, his production will definitely be missed on the second line. Additionally, the Maple Leafs have Mitch Marner's contract situation on their minds as his contract expires after the 2024-25 season. If the Marner contract scenario doesn't become a distraction, this could be a playoff team, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the offense take a step back.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have never been afraid to acquire top talent and part with draft capital and young players to acquire that talent. This was the case again when the Golden Knights acquired center Tomas Hertl from the Sharks at the 2024 trade deadline. Vegas eventually sneaked into the Stanley Cup Playoffs but was ousted by the Stars in seven games.
While the Golden Knights have a strong group of forwards, that strength has suffered greatly over the summer. Star winger Jonathan Marchessault – who was selected by the franchise in their 2017 expansion draft – left the Golden Knights to sign with the Predators in free agency. Marchessault enjoyed a wealth of success, including helping Vegas win the Stanley Cup in 2023 and winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The star striker is coming off a 42-goal season in 2023-24 and his production will definitely be missed. Marchessault has also been the heartbeat of this Golden Knights squad, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him perform so well this coming season.
