Surprising NHL predictions: Who will stun the league?

Surprising NHL predictions: Who will stun the league?

The NHL season is always a surprise package, and experts often disagree about which players will have the very best performances. This season, all eyes are on the players in the Metropolitan Division. While some players are already considered safe, there are always candidates who can go beyond the predictions. While predictions often have to be taken with a grain of salt, two NHL experts share their bold predictions for the upcoming season.

At the Carolina Hurricanes, Philippe Landry believes that Jesperi Kotkaniemi could make a breakthrough this season. Despite the critical voices among Poolers, Landry sees Kotkaniemi as having the potential to finally get close to 60 points. However, this assessment is no coincidence, as the young Finn has struggled in the past and the organization will give him another chance in the second attack duo.

The tensions in the team and unexpected strokes of fate

But not all predictions are optimistic. Nicolas Ducharme of LNH.com warns that the Hurricanes will lose significant strength with the loss of several key players such as Jake Guentzel and Teuvo Teravainen. Ducharme predicts that Carolina will have a hard time qualifying for the playoffs, and even goaltenders Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov won't be among the NHL's top 25 in wins.

A completely different wind will blow for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Landry expects Boone Jenner, whose career could take a significant turn, to have a great season. Remembering the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau calls for protagonist leadership, which Jenner will embrace. Landry sees Jenner, who has never scored more than 49 points in a season, on his way to exceeding the 70-point mark.

With an optimism that is contagious, Ducharme predicts that Kent Johnson will shine on a starting attacking duo after struggling last season. In this case, a score of over 50 points, including 20 goals, doesn't seem unlikely, which could put him ahead of star players like Adam Fantilli.

Reversal of fate for the Devils and Islanders

As for the New Jersey Devils, Landry sees their hopes of a great season potentially diminished by new addition Jacob Markstrom. According to Landry, the Swedish goaltender will have difficulty maintaining his performance, which could jeopardize the Devils' playoff chances. Ducharme, however, has a very different view of the Devils' future: He believes Sheldon Keefe will win the Jack Adams Award as the new coach, while the team could win the Stanley Cup Championship at the same time. That would be a total game changer for the organization!

The New York Islanders appear to have no shortage of potential stars. Anthony Duclair, fresh off a four-year deal, will have his best season yet, according to Landry. He will play on a strong line and has the potential to score over 70 points, which could make him the Islanders' second-best scorer behind Mathew Barzal. In contrast, Maxim Tsyplakov, also fresh from the Continental Hockey League, could exceed all expectations and become the highest point scorer among the rookies.

With so much talent and unpredictable combinations, the upcoming season is sure to hold some surprises. The predictions, as bold as they may be, show the excitement that fans and analysts alike are feeling about the upcoming peak season.

For more information on all predictions and analysis for this exciting sporting season, see the latest coverage on www.nhl.com.