In 3…2…1…ACTION!
Yes, it’s still summertime, but before you know it, The NHL season will be back and in full swing. August is just over a week away. Then, Training Camps start in September, followed by pre-season hockey, and then BOOM! Opening Night!
So, while you’re all enjoying your pools, the beach, fruity beverages, and more summer fun, we’ve compiled five things to look out for during the coming NHL season. Think of these as appetizers, as we’ll have more for you to look forward to as we get closer to the season.
(Editor’s Note: This list is in no particular order).
CONNOR MCDAVID’S REVENGE TOUR
You might be wondering, how can a player who’s widely regarded as the best in the game be out for revenge.
Well, there are three parts to this.
Firstly, McDavid finished third in last season’s Art Ross scoring race. The last time he failed to lead The NHL in scoring, he ripped off three consecutive scoring titles and averaged 127 points per season.
Secondly, last season, Edmonton’s Captain finished third in Hart Trophy voting. Do you know what he’s done the last two times he failed to take home MVP honors? Oh, he only stormed back with two otherworldly seasons to give the voters no choice but to hand him the award; once it was even done unanimously.
Lastly, the Oilers just lost Game 7 of The Stanley Cup Final to the Panthers. If history repeats itself, Edmonton will win The Cup in the year immediately after finishing as the runner-up; just like Florida did. And if Edmonton is going to win it all, then you can bet your bottom dollar that McDavid will be the one leading the charge.
In other words, get out the popcorn because McDavid’s likely going to take his game to a whole new level.
LEON DRAISAITL’S CONTRACT TAKES CENTER STAGE
The Robin to McDavid’s Batman, Leon Draisaitl is in need of a new contract, as the 2024-25 season is the last of his current deal. Will the Oilers be able to re-sign him? Will they let him walk for nothing? Or, gasp, will they trade him?
Nobody knows for sure what will happen, but it’s certainly telling that July 1st is already in the rearview mirror and no new deal has been worked out.
SID THE KID ENTERS TWO NEW CLUBS
Put down the pitchforks and torches Penguins fans. I’m not talking about your beloved Captain potentially leaving Pittsburgh to go to another team. What I am talking about is the fact that Crosby is on the cusp of joining The 600-goal and 1,600-Point Clubs.
The man who saved hockey in Pittsburgh – the second time around – is just eight goals and four points away from joining those exclusive clubs. Crosby will almost certainly earn his membership into both clubs before the first month of the season is complete.
THE GREAT EIGHT CHASES DOWN THE GREAT ONE
41! That’s how many goals separate Alex Ovechkin and Wayne Gretzky.
For many hockey fans, the thought of Gretzky’s career goals record falling must seem blasphemous. But barring a career-ending injury or a complete deterioration of Ovechkin’s skills, he will take the number one spot from Gretzky. It might not be this year, but he’s going to make it close. And even if Ovechkin doesn’t finish the job in 2024-25, he almost certainly will early in the 2025-26 campaign.
STAMKOS ASKS, “REMEMBER ME?”
Get out your calendars and circle the following date.
Monday, October 28, 2024, is going to be a night you don’t want to miss. That is the night the Nashville Predators will visit the Tampa Bay Lightning and they’ll be bringing Tampa’s former Captain, Steven Stamkos.
In one of the true Free Agent shockers of recent memory, longtime Lightning Captain Steven Stamkos bolted Florida for Tennessee when negotiations broke down on what will likely be his last NHL player contract.
The rumored dissension between both parties existed for months but right up until the market opened on July 1st very few people actually expected the two sides to get a divorce. Then, along came the Predators, and suddenly Stamkos was calling Nashville “home.”
There will be a video tribute. There will be tears and mixed emotions. And, if Stamkos has taught us anything during the course of his career, there will be at least one unforgettable moment.
Did that whet your appetite? Are you looking forward to the next NHL season? Well, fret not, because October is just around the corner.
