Hockey Teams To Look Out For This Season
As temperatures drop and chilly weather begins to settle in, the world of ice hockey springs to life once again, captivating fans with its fast-paced action and heart-pounding moments. The 2023/2024 NHL season promises to be an exhilarating one, with several hockey teams poised to make a significant impact on the ice.
From the storied franchises with a rich history of success to the up-and-coming underdogs hungry for glory, this season is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle for hockey enthusiasts. Join us as we take a closer look at four NHL teams that are primed to steal the spotlight and leave their mark on the 2023/2024 season.
Las Vegas Golden Knights (Reigning Champions)
Having only been a team for six years, the Las Vegas Golden Knights are reigning champions. Since their inaugural season, the Golden Knights have been a powerhouse in the Western Conference. Their passionate fan base, impressive roster, and relentless pursuit of a Stanley Cup make them a perennial contender and a team worth following closely.
Jack Eichel is one of the best players on their team. Last season he had 27 goals and 39 assists in just 67 games. Eichel is known for his exceptional skating ability, puck-handling skills, and playmaking capabilities. He's recognized for his speed and agility on the ice. Eichel is a prolific scorer with the team and has the ability to both score goals and set his teammates up for scoring opportunities.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have picked up a young and talented player, Connor Bedard, during the draft. Bedard is considered one of the most talented young prospects in the sport. He possesses elite-level skills in skating, scoring, and playmaking, setting him apart from his peers. Bedard also made history as the youngest player of the Western Hockey League, making his debut with the Regina Pats in 2020 at the age of 15.
With a rich history, the Blackhawks are striving to return to their championship-winning ways. They have a blend of veteran leadership and promising young talent, making them a team to watch as they seek a deep playoff run.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche arguably have the league's strongest quartet of stars with Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews. Together, the quartet has a Net Rating of plus-82, which is significantly above the league average of plus-43 and ranks second in the league among a team's top four skaters only to Edmonton's plus-85.
MacKinnon is a player who may be compared to a bull in a china shop if the bull were also as quick as a gazelle with the puck. MacKinnon will make any offensive move he wants, whether it be on the rush or off the forecheck.
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers finished third in the division and fifth in their conference last season. That season they traded with the Chicago Blackhawks for Patrick Kane. Kane made five goals and seven assists in just 19 appearances.
With Kane getting picked up, The Rangers have gone through a well-executed rebuilding phase in recent years. This process has led to the acquisition of top draft picks and skilled young players, creating a strong foundation for future competitiveness. Players like Alexis Lafrenière, Kaapo Kakko, and Adam Fox have shown immense potential and are poised to play key roles in the team's future success.
The Eastern Conference is known for its competitiveness, and the Rangers will face strong opposition. Their journey to success will involve intense battles against formidable rivals, making their games all the more exciting to follow.
Which NHL team are you cheering for? Let us know in the comments!