As the 2021-22 NHL season draws to a close, hockey fans everywhere are already looking ahead to the 2023-24 season. With the addition of the Seattle Kraken to the league, the NHL will be more competitive than ever before. As such, the Seattle Times staff has made some bold predictions for the upcoming season.
The first prediction is that the Kraken will make the playoffs in their inaugural season. Despite the fact that they are an expansion team, the Kraken have already put together a formidable roster and have a great coaching staff. This, combined with the fact that they will be playing in a strong Pacific Division, should give them a good chance of making the playoffs in their first year.
The second prediction is that the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning will remain one of the top teams in the league. With a core of players that includes Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, and Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Lightning have all the pieces in place to make another deep playoff run.
The third prediction is that the Toronto Maple Leafs will finally break through and win their first Stanley Cup since 1967. With a talented young core of players led by Auston Matthews and John Tavares, the Maple Leafs have all the pieces in place to make a deep playoff run.
The fourth prediction is that the Vegas Golden Knights will remain one of the top teams in the league. With a strong core of players led by Mark Stone and Marc-Andre Fleury, the Golden Knights have all the pieces in place to make another deep playoff run.
Finally, the fifth prediction is that the 2023-24 season will be one of the most competitive in NHL history. With so many talented teams in both conferences, it should be an exciting season for hockey fans everywhere.
Only time will tell if these predictions come true, but one thing is certain: the 2023-24 NHL season is sure to be an exciting one!
