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The 2024-25 NHL season begins on Friday with the Buffalo Sabres taking on the New Jersey Devils in Prague. The two teams play Friday and Saturday in the NHL Global Series.
The NHL regular season kicks off on Tuesday, so here are five hot-takes ahead of the season.
Top 5 hot-takes as 2024/25 NHL season gets underway
#1, Bruins miss playoffs
The Boston Bruins have been one of the best teams in the NHL for over the past decade. Many thought Boston would struggle the past two seasons after key players retired, but the Bruins had the best record in NHL history two years ago and were one of the top teams last season.
However, the Eastern Conference is much better this season, and with Jeremy Swayman still unsigned, this is the year Boston fails to make the playoffs.
#2, Mitch Marner re-signs during the season
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner, who enters the final year of his deal, has been the subject of trade rumors. Although Marner did not sign an extension in the offseason, a hot-take is the forward signs a multi-year extension before the calendar flips to 2025.
#3, Alex Ovechkin sets NHL goal record
Alex Ovechkin is 41 goals from tying and 42 goals from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goal record. The forward is doing well for his age.
Ovechkin will turn back the clock and score 42+ goals to set the NHL record for most goals.
#4, Vegas wins the Pacific Division
The Edmonton Oilers are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup and their division entering the 2024-25 NHL season.
However, the Vegas Golden Knights enter the season with little buzz due to a disappointing year last season. However, Vegas will remind everyone why it won the cup two years ago and the Pacific Division.
#5, Canada ends Cup drought
No Canadian NHL team has not won the Stanley Cup since 1993, although many have made it to the finals. But the drought will end in 2025.
Edmonton has the best chance to win the cup, but Vancouver and Toronto could have a shot too, so the Stanley Cup heads north this season.
