The 2024-25 NHL season is set to start with high expectations on Tuesday night, with a tripleheader on ESPN and ESPN+. While fans are excited for the games to begin, many are already looking ahead to predict the outcomes of the season.
Will the Florida Panthers be able to defend their Stanley Cup title? Which teams will come out on top in each division? Who will be the standout players to watch for this season? These questions are on the minds of hockey fans as the season kicks off.
Predictions have been made by the ESPN hockey family for each division winner, the Stanley Cup champion, and the recipients of major individual awards. Let’s take a look at some of the predictions for the upcoming season.
In the Atlantic Division, the Florida Panthers have the most support from the ESPN experts, with 10 out of 23 predictions in their favor. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins also have strong backing from the experts.
Moving on to the Metropolitan Division, the New York Rangers are the clear favorites, with 15 out of 23 predictions in their favor. The New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes also received some support from the experts.
In the Central Division, the Dallas Stars are the team to watch, with 18 out of 23 predictions in their favor. The Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators also received some votes from the experts.
The Pacific Division is dominated by the Edmonton Oilers, with 21 out of 23 predictions in their favor. The Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights also received some support from the experts.
When it comes to predicting the Stanley Cup champion, the experts are divided, but the Edmonton Oilers seem to have the edge with 11 predictions in their favor. The Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins are also among the top picks.
For individual awards, Connor McDavid is the clear favorite to win the Hart Trophy for MVP, with 16 out of 23 experts predicting his victory. The Art Ross Trophy for points leader is also expected to go to McDavid, with 17 experts backing him for the win. In the Rocket Richard Trophy for goals leader, Auston Matthews is the favorite, with 15 experts predicting his victory.
On the defensive side, Cale Makar is the top pick for the Norris Trophy for best defenseman, with 12 experts predicting his win. In the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender, Igor Shesterkin leads the pack with 12 predictions in his favor.
For the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year, Matvei Michkov is the frontrunner, with 11 experts predicting his victory. Overall, the predictions paint an exciting picture for the upcoming NHL season, with plenty of talent and competition to look forward to.
