NHL 2024-2025 season kicks off with expanded 84-game schedule

NHL Season 2024-2025 Kicks Off Earlier Than Ever With Expanded Schedule

Carolina vs. Florida Opens the Season

The reigning champion Carolina will face the 2024 and 2025 champions Florida in the season opener at 11:00 PM Swedish time. Additional games on Tuesday night include Toronto vs. Montreal, Boston vs. New York Rangers, Edmonton vs. Vancouver, and Vegas vs. Chicago.

Swedish Legends Return to Leadership Roles

Three Swedish hockey icons are taking on influential roles in NHL front offices. Mats Sundin has been appointed as a senior advisor to new general manager John Chayka in Toronto. Sundin’s return comes as Toronto, which hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967, looks to rebuild after missing the playoffs last year.

Sedin Twins Lead Vancouver’s Revival

Twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin are now sharing the role of co-chairmen of the team’s hockey operations for the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks, who finished last in the NHL last year, are hoping the Sedin brothers’ expertise will help turn the franchise around. The duo has worked with the team in recent years.

Young Swedish Stars Enter the NHL

Several Swedish prospects are expected to make an immediate impact in their rookie seasons. Ivar Stenberg, the second overall pick in the draft this summer, is set to join the San Jose Sharks, where he could be a line mate with star Macklin Celebrini. Anton Frondell, part of Sweden’s World Championship team this spring, is joining the Chicago Blackhawks, while Viggo Björck and Victor Eklund are also making their NHL debuts with Winnipeg and the New York Islanders, respectively.

Stenberg’s Role in San Jose

Stenberg, 18, is one of the most anticipated rookies in the league. He is expected to have a large role in the young San Jose Sharks.

Controversy Over Mike Babcock’s Hiring

The Edmonton Oilers’ decision to hire Mike Babcock as new coach has sparked backlash from former players. Six-time Stanley Cup champion Mark Messier called the move “shocking,” citing concerns over how people have been treated. The coach has faced allegations of bullying and exclusion, including from former Detroit star Johan Franzén, who described Babcock as “a terrible person.” Babcock will now lead star player Connor McDavid.

Ovechkin Faces Criticism for Putin Support

Washington star Alexander Ovechkin has drawn criticism for his public support of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ovechkin appeared in a campaign video for Putin’s United Russia party ahead of the Russian Duma elections, prompting backlash. The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau argued that Ovechkin “cannot both claim to be a player and not a politician” while using his platform to support an “aggressive war.”

Broadcasting Changes for the 2024-2025 Season

Disney+ will broadcast 160 regular-season games and 20 playoff matches. Viaplay retains rights to the remaining games, having secured a deal through the 2030-2031 season.

NHL season start date and key Swedish players

When does the 2024-2025 NHL season start?

The season begins on Tuesday night with the Carolina vs. Florida game at 11:00 PM Swedish time.

How many games will each team play?

Each team will play 84 games, up from 82 in previous seasons.

Who are the key Swedish players to watch?

Ivar Stenberg (San Jose Sharks), Anton Frondell (Chicago Blackhawks), and Viggo Björck (Winnipeg Jets) are among the Swedish rookies making their NHL debuts.

What is the controversy surrounding Mike Babcock?

Babcock, hired by the Edmonton Oilers, has faced allegations of bullying and exclusion. Former players like Johan Franzén have criticized his management style.

Why is Alexander Ovechkin under scrutiny?

Ovechkin’s involvement in a pro-Putin campaign video has led to criticism over his political stance, with some arguing he should not use his platform to support an “aggressive war.”