As with every season in the NHL, we have the right to surprises and disappointments, so here are 7 from each.
Surprise - Marco Rossi
The Austrian center player of the Wild of Minnesota has blossomed this year, he who is in the top-50 of the best scorers of the Bettman Circuit. Solid progression!
Surprise - Blue Jackets de Columbus
Despite the trade of Patrik Laine and the Johnny Gaudreau tragedy, the Jackets players have not given up yet. Dean Evason’s team is at the height of the playoff run.
Surprise - Pavel Dorofeyev
After a good first campaign in the NHL, Dorofeyev has developed as an impact player for the Golden Knights in 2024-2025, counting 22 goals in 53 games. This is a nice surprise for the team, given the losses of Chandler Stephenson and Jonathan Marchessault last summer.
Surprise - Lane Hutson
The small Habs defenseman is not only at the top of the rookie scorers in the NHL, but also among the best defensemen in the entire league. For a 20-year-old prospect, it’s frankly surprising!
Surprise - Calgary Flames
Many observers saw the Flames at the bottom of the standings this season, but to everyone’s surprise, they are in the midst of a battle for a playoff spot. Veterans Huberdeau, Kadri, and Coleman have taken things into their own hands.
Surprise - Aliaksei Protas
The monster-sized winger of the Washington Capitals has now become a key player for Spencer Carbery, who has unlocked his offense this year.
Surprise - Dustin Wolf
Without the prowess of the green rookie in front of the net, namely Dustin Wolf, the Flames would not be where they are now. At 23 years old, the American is already the starting goalie for the Alberta team, having won 19 of his 30 matches. Not to mention his goals against average and save percentage. Will he be mentioned for the Calder?
Disappointment - Phillip Danault
The Québécois, despite his team’s excellent performance, is having a somewhat disappointing season offensively. The former Habs player had only scored 5 goals in 49 games this year… He was never the greatest scorer, but still…
Disappointment - Buffalo Sabres
The more years go by, the more we think that the Buffalo Sabres will take the next step as an organization, Certainly, we are still waiting for that moment, as Buffalo is still struggling in the NHL basement, or last place in the East.
Disappointment - Elias Pettersson
With his new $11.6 million (US) deal, we were expecting Pettersson to put up a 100-point season and more in 2024-2025, but we are far from it.
Disappointment - Nashville Predators
Given the acquisitions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei, everyone saw the Preds becoming a power in the NHL. Certainly, this season is to be thrown in the trash…
Disappointment - Thatcher Demko
The American goaltender, after an extraordinary 2023-2024 season, has collapsed this season, maintaining a save percentage of .873 in 14 games. Kevin Lankinen even seems to have surpassed him in the team hierarchy.
Disappointment - New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are currently out of the playoffs, they are having a complicated season.
Disappointment - Elias Lindholm
Signed as a free agent last summer, the Swede was seen as the legitimate successor to Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, but the latter has been producing largely below expectations this season.
