32 Thoughts: EHE Season Preview Edition - Part One
2024-12-13Utah HC: The future of Utah HC is clouded with uncertainty, as the team appears poised for a rebuild or retooling phase, which could signal some growing pains in the short term. However, GM Mike McComish made a strong statement in the draft, securing Berkley Catton 8th overall—a pick that could help anchor the team’s resurgence in the coming seasons. If they hit on a few more picks like that, Utah could quickly transform into a contender.
Anaheim Ducks: Under the leadership of new GM Colin McBain, Anaheim is embracing a bold rebuild, offloading veteran talent in exchange for future assets. One move that stood out was sending forward Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche for a collection of picks, including Colorado’s 2026 1st-rounder. It seems like McBain isn’t done yet, though, as the team is currently fielding offers for defenseman Darnell Nurse, but it’s clear they won’t be letting him go for anything less than a significant return. The Ducks are setting themselves up for a bright future with a foundation built on youth and future draft capital.
Boston Bruins: Despite a bitter first-round exit following an impressive 114-point regular season, GM Trevor Cook has kept the Bruins' championship window wide open, resisting the urge to make drastic changes. The only significant move came in the Mintyukov-for-Benson trade, but otherwise, Cook seems committed to his core group, believing this team still has what it takes. It looks like he’s giving the squad at least the first 20 games to prove themselves, trusting that chemistry and stability will pay off in the long run. If things don’t click, I would expect him to be more aggressive in making roster changes.
Buffalo Sabres: As the defending cup champions, the Sabres are primed for another deep playoff run, even after the departures of key veterans Chris Tanev and Noel Acciari. GM Roberto Martucci’s decision to lock up Jordan Binnington early in free agency was a key move, shoring up the goaltending and ensuring the team remains a formidable force between the pipes. With elite talent like Auston Matthews, Sam Reinhart, Kyle Connor, and Brady Tkachuk, Buffalo’s offense remains as potent as ever. Expect the Sabres to light up the scoreboard while staying in the hunt for another championship.
Calgary Flames: It was a relatively quiet summer for GM Gough, but securing veteran forward Brayden Schenn on a team-friendly Day 0 deal was a savvy move that likely feels like a win given the chaos of free agency. The Flames already boast a solid roster, with exciting young talent like Cale Makar and Elias Pettersson who are expected to lead the charge and hopefully push the Flames deeper into the playoffs this year. One thing I’m hearing are whispers around the league suggesting that Jacob Trouba may be looking for a change of scenery, and GM Gough could be exploring trade options.
Carolina Hurricanes: After a strong playoff run to the conference finals, where they were ultimately eliminated by the eventual Cup-winning Buffalo Sabres, the Hurricanes find themselves at an intriguing crossroads. GM Kevin Lacy has a solid roster capable of competing, but there's a sense that this might be a year of subtle changes rather than a full-on push. The ongoing rumors surrounding Kevin Fiala suggest that Lacy could be exploring some retooling moves, though exactly what direction he’ll take remains unclear. With the team starting to get a little older, there’s a quiet uncertainty about how much longer Carolina’s current core can remain a top contender. The coming season feels like a delicate balancing act—Lacy may decide to tweak the roster, but how far he goes remains to be seen. Whatever the decision, it’s shaping up to be a defining year for the Hurricanes.
Chicago Blackhawks: Still in the midst of their rebuild, GM Adam Doogan-Smith continues to impress with his work in Chicago. After another solid summer, he’s got to be pleased with the direction the team is headed. At the draft, the Hawks secured promising prospects Levshunov and Luchanko, and then added some valuable depth in free agency with Sean Monahan, Kiefer Sherwood, and Shayne Gostisbehere. But the real buzz around Chicago is Connor Bedard, who is set to make his EHE debut. With all eyes on the young phenom, the Blackhawks are poised to take another step forward in their rebuild. While the focus remains on the future, expect Chicago to be more competitive this season as they continue to grow.
Colorado Avalanche: After a rollercoaster of a season that ended with a conference final defeat, the Avalanche are looking to build on their strong foundation. While they did face key departures in Brent Burns and Dylan DeMelo, the team has reloaded with some impactful additions. Bringing in Brock Nelson and Teuvo Teravainen adds more forward depth to a lineup that includes the likes of Tage Thompson, Alex Ovechkin, and Patrick Kane. With the top-rated goaltender in the EHE, Connor Hellebuyck, locked up long-term, the Avs are in prime position to make another deep playoff run.
One Question surrounding the team is Lane Hutson. Pundits are wondering what GM Lycar's plan is with the young d man, whom the Avalanche selected 20th overall in the 2022 entry draft. The team is excited about his potential, but Lycar has emphasized they won’t rush his development. While the lack of depth on the blue line might make an NHL spot tempting, the Avalanche remain committed to giving Hutson the time he needs to adjust and grow. Still, with his skill set, it wouldn’t be surprising if he found his way onto the big club sooner rather than later.
Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets have undergone a slight retool this offseason, though GM Payeur remains firmly committed to ensuring the team remains competitive in the tough Metropolitan Division. With the division’s strength at an all-time high, Payeur has made some key moves to bolster his lineup, bringing in veteran defenseman Brent Burns and star forward Jonathan Huberdeau. These additions should help solidify the Jackets’ top six and provide more stability on the back end. While the road to the playoffs in the Metro won’t be easy, Columbus is positioning itself to be a formidable contender, with the right mix of youth and experience to challenge for a postseason spot.
Dallas Stars: GM Justin Tang has been very active this offseason, making some strategic moves to strengthen the Stars' lineup. One of the most notable additions was bringing in forward Nikolaj Ehlers, who will add speed and skill to the top six. Perhaps even more significant, Tang moved veteran Sidney Crosby in a deal that netted a substantial return, including future assets. With the 2026 1st still available, don’t expect Tang to rest on his laurels—he’s likely to remain aggressive in bolstering the roster further. With elite offensive talents like Kirill Kaprizov and David Pastrnak leading the charge, Dallas is positioned to be a legitimate Cup contender, and they’ll be a team to watch closely throughout the season.
Detroit Red Wings: Much of the buzz around Detroit this season will focus on pending UFA Vincent Trocheck, with many around the organization believing he could be moved before the trade deadline. GM Cisco Valle has made it clear that his philosophy is to acquire assets for expiring contracts, as seen last year with Connor Hellebuyck. Whether Trocheck follows that same path remains to be seen, but it’s clear the Red Wings will be in a position to make some strategic moves. Detroit will have a competitive roster capable of vying for a playoff spot, and with the addition of Maclin Celebrini—selected 1st overall in this past draft—the team’s future looks even brighter. Celebrini is expected to make an immediate impact when he joins the lineup, adding to the Wings' already exciting core.
Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers seem to be in a state of limbo—are they in win-now mode or are they quietly rebuilding? It’s hard to say. Gilbert Dubois, is generally one to keep his cards close to his chest, however some around the organization speculate that if Edmonton doesn’t get off to a strong start, they could look to move all of their pending UFAs—Max Pacioretty, Erik Haula, and Dmitry Kulikov. With those key veterans potentially on the block, it could signal a shift in direction for the Oilers, but for now, the team remains in flux. Regardless, the roster although aging - still has plenty of talent, and how they perform early in the season will be telling for what comes next.
Florida Panthers: Like several teams this season, Florida’s direction will likely hinge on their early performance. All eyes will be on the status of John Tavares, as GM Sean has hinted that if Tavares is moved, key players like Ilya Sorokin and Mark Stone could be next to go. With some moving parts, the Panthers’ approach could shift dramatically as the season unfolds. In the offseason, the team made a notable move by trading Nik Ehlers for Isaak Rosen and a 1st-round pick, signaling that Florida is open to change. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether the Panthers remain in playoff contention or pivot towards a new vision.
LA Kings: The Kings are fully in rebuild mode after a series of moves that signal a shift towards the future. Despite the focus on rebuilding, they still have a solid core, with defenseman Charlie McAvoy leading the way. However, the blockbuster trade that sent Steven Stamkos to Long Island has made it clear that the Kings are transitioning into a new phase. While they may not be contenders this season, the team is laying the groundwork for long-term success, and the youth they’re bringing in will be key to their future growth. Expect some more moves as GM Snider continues to reshape the roster.
Minnesota Wild: GM Harald Geissler has consistently kept the Wild competitive, and this season should be no different. The team is once again poised to compete for a playoff spot, with Juuse Saros being a key piece to their success between the pipes. One of the most notable moves of the offseason was signing Rickard Rakell to a three-year, $6.8 million per year deal, adding more depth and Swedish flair to the lineup. With Minnesota’s first-round pick still in hand, there’s speculation that Geissler might target more Scandinavian talent to continue shaping the roster in his preferred style. However, one thing to keep an eye on is the Wild’s financial situation—they enter the season with just $5.75 million in cash, the lowest in the league. With limited financial flexibility, GM Geissler will need to be resourceful, especially if an early road stretch puts added pressure on the team’s budget. It could be a tight squeeze, but if anyone can navigate it, it’s Harald.
Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens are firmly in the midst of their rebuild, but GM Matthew Rensby-Wills has made it clear that the future is bright. Since taking over in early 2023, Rensby-Wills has made some bold moves, including a trade for highly-touted prospect Will Smith in exchange for the second overall pick—an aggressive decision that shows his commitment to turning the franchise into a contender. The Habs also bolstered their roster in free agency by signing JG Pageau and Ian Cole, adding valuable experience and depth. While the current roster may not be ready to compete for a playoff spot just yet, many within the organization speculate that more moves could be on the horizon. If Rensby-Wills continues his proactive approach, the Canadiens could quickly strengthen their lineup and accelerate their rebuild. Time will tell, but the signs point to a very promising future in Montreal.
Part 2 was the friends we made along the way :D
32 Thoughts: EHE Season Preview Edition - Part One
Setting the stage for the 24/25 EHE season
i am loving ur article mister lycar!!!!!! just in case rickard has been a wild the last 8 seasons:)
32 Thoughts: EHE Season Preview Edition - Part One
Setting the stage for the 24/25 EHE season
Nice work, love reading stuff like this!
32 Thoughts: EHE Season Preview Edition - Part One
Setting the stage for the 24/25 EHE season
Amazing stuff Kirk!
32 Thoughts: EHE Season Preview Edition - Part One
Setting the stage for the 24/25 EHE season
Nice article!
32 Thoughts: EHE Season Preview Edition - Part One
Setting the stage for the 24/25 EHE season
Stay tuned for part 2 with the other 16 teams, as well divisional standings predictions!
32 Thoughts: EHE Season Preview Edition - Part One
Setting the stage for the 24/25 EHE season
