Every season, we expect certain teams to perform to certain standards based on their roster. However, a few teams always decide to turn the tables on our predictions. Last season, the Vancouver Canucks, who, after missing the playoffs by 12 points in 2022-23, took the league by storm, winning the Pacific Division and making it to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Similarly, the Nashville Predators, who, after parting ways with many long-time players at the 2023 Trade Deadline, willed their way to the playoffs last season.
As we near the start of the 2024-25 campaign, teams begin to finalize their rosters so we can anticipate who might surprise. Here are four teams, one from each division, who might make significant moves this offseason to chase a playoff spot.
Atlantic Division – Buffalo Sabres
Surely, this is the season, right? It has been 13 years since the Buffalo Sabres have played a postseason game, and with some minor roster changes and a healthier team, this could be the season they break the curse. Last season was frustrating for Sabres fans. After they missed the playoffs by one point in 2022-23, many thought that last season would have kick-started their rise in the Atlantic Division.
Unfortunately, they suffered a significant setback, finishing 6th in the Atlantic and 12th in the Eastern Conference. General Manager Kevyn Adams was aggressive this offseason, looking to revamp the roster for a stronger push this season, and from the looks of it, it could be enough.
The bottom six has been overhauled with free agents, including Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, Sam Lafferty, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, and Beck Malenstyn, to bring versatility to the lineup. Though Adams might not have landed a much-needed top-six winger like Jonathan Marchessault, Matt Duchene, or Tyler Toffoli, his additions have made the team much deeper than last season.
While some might still have their doubts, the Sabres shouldn’t be ruled out. The Atlantic Division will be tough, and the Sabres will need to up their game if they want a wild-card spot. The veteran additions to the bottom six, bounce-back seasons from Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens and younger players like Zach Benson, Bown Byram, JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn hitting a higher level of production could see Buffalo put an end to their 13-year curse.
Metropolitan Division – Washington Capitals
Last season, the…
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