(All opinions expressed in this article are my own. Stats are recorded as of 11/13/24.)
The start of the 2024-25 NHL season was one of the most anticipated starts in the league’s history. Now that we are several weeks in, let us review the highlights of the season so far.
HOCKEY WORLD PAYS TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY AND MATTHEW GAUDREAU
As teams began their seasons, organizations paid tribute to late Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were killed a few weeks before the start of the NHL preseason. The NHL allowed each team to wear special helmet decals to start the 2024-25 season to honor the duo. Teams also made their own efforts to honor the brothers’ legacy; for example, the Nashville Predators Foundation partnered with players’ wives to sell bracelets benefitting the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation.
The most emotional tribute came from the Jackets’ first home game of the year. CBJ coaches elected to start the game without a left wing, leaving the spot open for Gaudreau. When the puck dropped, both teams stood still and let 13 seconds tick off the clock to honor Gaudreau’s jersey number. Gaudreau’s family was also in attendance for the game.
UTAH HOCKEY CLUB MAKES LEAGUE DEBUT
The 2024-25 season marked the inauguration of the new Utah Hockey Club based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. The former Arizona Coyotes underwent a massive rebranding during the offseason, including new ownership under the Smith Entertainment Group run by Ryan and Ashley Smith. The group also owns the Utah Jazz of the NBA.
The team is currently 6-6-3 and 10th in the Western Conference.
JESSICA CAMPBELL BECOMES FIRST FEMALE NHL COACH
Jessica Campbell made history as the first female NHL coach when she joined the Seattle Kraken coaching staff in July. She currently serves as an assistant coach under head coach Dan Blysma. Campbell spent the last two years as an assistant coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken’s AHL affiliate team.
The Kraken currently have 15 points on the season and are coming off of a dominant win against the Blue Jackets.
ESPN HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL NHL FROZEN FRENZY
Oct. 22 was the date of ESPN’s second annual NHL Frozen Frenzy, where every team in the league plays and a new game kicks off every fifteen minutes. Similar to the concept of “NFL RedZone”, the show takes viewers around the league and covers every game until all 16 games are completed. The 2024 edition of Frozen Frenzy resulted in 98 goals scored throughout the night.
PANTHERS LOOKING TO REPEAT STANLEY CUP RUN
Stanley Cup hangover? The Panthers have never heard of it.
The Panthers are having a strong start to the season, currently sitting at 11-4-1 with 23 points. One of the big dates circled for the Panthers was the NHL Global Series Finland against the Dallas Stars. The Panthers did not seem too worried though, as they would go on to win both games against the Stars 6-4 and 4-2. Aleksandar Barkov has also set himself apart as an early frontrunner for the Selke trophy (awarded to the best defensive forward), despite being hampered by a lower-body injury to start the season.
OVECHKIN INCHES CLOSER TO ALL-TIME GOAL RECORD
Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record of 894 seemed permanent for a long time, but Alex Ovechkin is primed to break it sooner rather than later. Ovechkin sits at a career 863 goals, meaning he only needs 31 to tie the record and 32 to pass it. Despite having a low-production season in 2023-24 (by Ovechkin standards), breaking the record this season is entirely possible. No matter how the Capitals perform as a team this season, it is never a good idea to underestimate Ovechkin.
STAMKOS MAKES EMOTIONAL RETURN TO TAMPA BAY
One of the biggest offseason stories was Steven Stamkos signing with the Nashville Predators on a four-year, $32 million deal after spending his entire career with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stamkos’ return to Tampa Bay caused the first matchup of the year between the Lightning and the Predators to be one of the most anticipated games of the season. The Lightning took an extended media timeout to show a video honoring his contributions to the team over his 16 seasons with the organization, and Stamkos took a lap around the ice to show his appreciation to the fans.
The Lightning would go on to defeat their former captain 3-2 in overtime, but Stamkos would assist on both Predators goals.
