As the first month of the 2024-25 NHL season comes to a close, intriguing storylines and surprising performances have emerged across the league. While it’s still early, these trends offer a glimpse into which teams and players could be destined for success or disappointment. Let’s dive into the most notable developments and assess their staying power.
Jets Soaring to New Heights
The Winnipeg Jets have taken the NHL by storm, winning 12 of their first 13 games – a feat achieved by only six teams in league history. Fueled by a potent offense that has seen them score a staggering 59 goals, the Jets look poised to contend for the Western Conference crown. While maintaining this torrid pace is unlikely, the depth and firepower of this team suggest they’ll be a force to be reckoned with all season long.
Makar’s March Toward History
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has picked up where he left off last season, racking up 21 points in his first 12 games to co-lead the NHL in scoring. If he maintains this pace, Makar could become just the seventh blueliner in history to reach the 100-point milestone and the first since Brian Leetch in 1991-92. However, the grueling nature of an 82-game season and the risk of injury make this a tall order, even for a talent like Makar.
“Makar is an offensive force of nature who is underestimated at one’s own peril,” noted an NHL analyst. “But he’s pushing against history.”
Bounce-Back Blues in St. Louis?
After missing the playoffs last season, the St. Louis Blues have relied on strong goaltending from Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer to keep them competitive in the early going. With an inexperienced coaching staff and an offense that has struggled to find its footing, the Blues will need their netminders to continue standing tall if they hope to claw their way back into postseason contention.
Slumping Stars Seeking a Spark
Several high-profile players have stumbled out of the gates, raising concerns among their respective fan bases:
- Elias Pettersson – Vancouver Canucks The highly-paid center has managed just 2 goals and 3 assists through 11 games.
- Wyatt Johnston – Dallas Stars Touted as a breakout candidate, the young forward has only found the net once so far.
- Trevor Zegras – Anaheim Ducks The skilled winger seems to have lost some of the magic that made him a highlight-reel regular.
While there’s plenty of time for these stars to rediscover their form, the pressure is mounting for them to contribute more consistently.
Goaltending Gambles Pay Off
Several teams raised eyebrows with their goaltending decisions entering the season, but a few are reaping unexpected rewards in the early going:
| Team | Goalie | Key Stat |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Anthony Stolarz | .919 SV% |
| Seattle Kraken | Brandon Montour | 4 G, 6 A in 13 GP |
| Vegas Golden Knights | Ivan Barbashev & Mark Stone | 1st in NHL scoring |
If these trends hold, they could alter the balance of power in their respective divisions and conferences.
The Bottom Line
As tantalizing as it may be to draw firm conclusions from the season’s first month, the reality is that small sample sizes can be deceiving. The true contenders and pretenders will reveal themselves over the grind of a full campaign. However, these early returns offer valuable insight into which teams and players are trending in the right or wrong directions. By keeping a pulse on these developments, fans and pundits alike can better anticipate the twists and turns that lie ahead in what promises to be another captivating NHL season.
