Welcome to The Athletic’s 2024-25 NHL Season Previews
As the excitement builds for the 2024-25 NHL season, The Athletic is here to guide you through a comprehensive preview of all 32 teams. This deep dive, crafted by the insightful trio of Sean Gentille, Shayna Goldman, and Dom Luszczyszyn, offers a detailed look at what fans can expect as the puck drops on another thrilling season of hockey.
The Preview Schedule
From September 30 to October 2, The Athletic will unveil its team previews in order of predicted regular-season finish, based on Dom’s advanced statistical model. This model takes into account various factors, including player performance, team dynamics, and historical data, to project how each team is likely to fare in the upcoming season.
What to Expect in Each Preview
Each team preview is packed with valuable insights that go beyond just the projected point totals and playoff chances. Here’s what you can look forward to:
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Projected Points and Playoff Chances: Each team will have a projected point total and a percentage chance of making the playoffs, giving fans a clear picture of their team’s potential.
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Wildcard Player: Every team preview will highlight a wildcard player—someone who could have an unexpected impact on the season. This could be a young prospect, a newly acquired player, or someone looking to bounce back from a tough previous season.
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Roster Breakdown: A detailed analysis of the team’s roster will be provided, including key players, depth options, and any notable changes from the previous season.
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Big Question: Each team will face its own set of challenges and uncertainties. The previews will pose one significant question that could shape the team’s season, prompting fans to think critically about their team’s prospects.
- Best and Worst-Case Scenarios: Finally, each preview will outline the best and worst-case scenarios for the team, helping fans understand the range of possibilities for their squad.
The Teams in Focus
The previews will kick off with the teams projected to finish at the bottom of the standings, gradually building up to the contenders. Here’s a sneak peek at the first few teams that will be analyzed:
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32. San Jose Sharks: Projected Points: 64.7 | Playoffs: 0% | Stanley Cup: 0%
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31. Columbus Blue Jackets: Projected Points: 68.6 | Playoffs: 0% | Stanley Cup: 0%
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30. Anaheim Ducks: Projected Points: 70.1 | Playoffs: 0% | Stanley Cup: 0%
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29. Chicago Blackhawks: Projected Points: 77.1 | Playoffs: 3% | Stanley Cup: 0%
- 28. Calgary Flames: Projected Points: 78.9 | Playoffs: 6% | Stanley Cup: 0%
As the previews progress, fans will see a mix of rebuilding teams and those on the cusp of playoff contention. Each analysis will provide a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Understanding the Projections
For those curious about the methodology behind these projections, The Athletic offers resources to help fans understand how the model works and the uncertainties involved in predicting NHL outcomes. This transparency adds an extra layer of engagement for readers who want to dive deeper into the analytics of the game.
Join the Conversation
As the previews roll out, fans are encouraged to engage with the content, share their thoughts, and discuss the implications of each team’s outlook. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, there’s something for everyone in these previews.
With the 2024-25 NHL season on the horizon, The Athletic’s team previews promise to be an essential resource for fans eager to stay informed and excited about their favorite teams. Stay tuned as we break down each team, one by one, leading up to the start of the season.