Predicting the 2024-2025 NHL Standings and where the Chicago Blackhawks might fall

Metropolitan Division

I expect the New Jersey Devils to rise substantially this season. They added great pieces this offseason like Brett Pesce on Defense, and Jacob Markstrom in net.

The most significant improvement in my opinion, is the addition of Sheldon Keefe as their head coach. Now, I'm not a fan of Keefe as a playoff coach... but regular season? Oh, he's gonna kill it. I think the Devils will be this year's Vancouver Canucks. They will start hot and stay hot, and by the end of the season they will be a sexy pick to win the cup.

The rest of the division isn't too surprising. Maybe the only surprise is how low I have the Washington Capitals. However honestly, they really shouldn't be taken too seriously.

They were lucky to make the playoffs last year and the difference between fourth place and sixth was about 2 points in the standings. I know they added a ton this offseason (Matt Roy, Logan Thompson, and most notably Pierre-Luc Dubois) but is it enough to secure a playoff spot? They are making a massive bet on Dubois helping them to score more goals, as last season this team struggled mightily to score.

This brings me to my last point. No disrespect to the all-time legend, Alex Ovechkin.... but his playoff performance last season was shameful.

He gave almost zero effort and was clearly not interested in being there. It was as damning a playoff appearance as I've ever seen in hockey. I hate to say it, but I think he mostly cares about catching Gretzky's goal record this year (he is around 40 goals away currently). That isn't a recipe for team success.

Also, a small note here... Columbus, I am rooting hard for you! The whole hockey world joins you in mourning for Johnny Gaudreau, and I seriously hope that this season is a good celebration of his life and impact on the game of hockey.