NHL season previews 2024-25: Projecting each team from worst to first

30 September 2024Last Update :
NHL season previews 2024-25: Projecting each team from worst to first

Welcome to The Athletic’s 2024-25 edition of the team season previews, a deep dive into what to expect from each team for the upcoming season by Sean Gentille, Shayna Goldman, and Dom Luszczyszyn.

Between Sept. 30 and Oct. 2, we’re previewing all 32 NHL teams in order of predicted regular-season finish, according to Dom’s model.

Beyond the projected point total and playoff finish, you’ll find a wildcard player that might have an unexpected impact on the forecast, a roster breakdown, one big question facing each team, and a best and worst-case scenario for each team.

• How these projections work
• Understanding projection uncertainty


32. San Jose Sharks

Points: 64.7
Playoffs: 0 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent

31. Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 68.6 
Playoffs: 0 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent

30. Anaheim Ducks

Points: 70.1
Playoffs: 0 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent

29. Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 77.1
Playoffs: 3 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent

28. Calgary Flames

Points: 78.9
Playoffs: 6 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent

27. Montreal Canadiens

Points: 80.6
Playoffs: 7 percent
Stanley Cup: 0 percent

(Top photos of Matthew Tkachuk and William Nylander: Sean M. Haffey and Claus Andersen / Getty Images)