The 2024–25 NHL season is the upcoming 108th season of operation (107th season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Arizona Coyotes franchise was folded and its players and personnel were transferred to a new expansion team in Utah. The regular season is scheduled to begin on October 4, 2024, when the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils are to play the first of two games in Prague, Czech Republic, as a part of the 2024 NHL Global Series.[1] The Stanley Cup playoffs are then planned to begin in April 2025, ending with the Stanley Cup Finals in June.
League business
Utah expansion and Arizona Coyotes deactivation
On April 13, 2024, it was reported that, with the NHL's permission, the Arizona Coyotes were making efforts to relocate to Salt Lake City, Utah, following concerns about an indefinite timeframe on a new arena and the effects of continued play at the 4,600-seat Mullett Arena.[2] The sale, which involved the NHL buying the franchise from Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo, then reselling it to Ryan Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA), was finalized on April 18, after the NHL Board of Governors voted to establish a team in Utah, with the Coyotes' hockey assets;[3] however, rather than formally relocate, the Coyotes franchise was instead marked "inactive", with Utah considered an expansion team in a similar situation to the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Meruelo subsequently remained on the NHL Board of Governors as an observer, retaining the rights to the Coyotes brand with a five-year window to complete a new arena and "reactivate" the Coyotes as an expansion team.[4] Of the reported US$1.2 billion sale price,[5][6] 1 billion was paid to Meruelo, with $200 million paid to the NHL's other owners as a relocation fee. In June, the auction was cancelled, and Meruelo left the ownership, ceasing the Coyotes.
The Utah Hockey Club will play home games at the Jazz's home arena, the Delta Center. Renovations will be required to make it the team's permanent home, similar to the renovations made to Climate Pledge Arena before the Kraken began play in the NHL.[7] The team will play its inaugural season without an official name, mascot, or colors, while a full identity is developed in time for 2025–26.[8]
Rule changes
On June 26, 2024, the league announced that following rule changes for the 2024–25 season:[9]
The puck-over-glass delay-of-game penalty has been added to the list of plays that can go under video review. This only applies to determine whether the puck instead deflected off a player, stick, the glass or the boards. The judgement call on how the puck left the defensive zone cannot be reviewed. A failed coach's challenge would thus essentially result in a double-minor: both the original puck-over-glass penalty and the failed coach's challenge penalty.[9]
The defensive team cannot make a line change after its goaltender accidentally dislodges the net.[9]
Following an icing, offensive centers will receive a warning for a faceoff violation, just like defensive players.[9]
A team that has players sitting on the boards will first receive a warning, and then be assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct bench minor penalty for subsequent violations.[9]
Each individual team's salary cap was increased to US$88 million for 2024–25.[11] This was an increase of US$4.5 million from the previous season. The salary cap floor will be increased to US$65 million.
Regular season
The regular season is planned from October 4, 2024, to April 17, 2025.[1]
Instead of the All-Star Game, the league will hold a new 4 Nations Face-Off tournament as a preview for the NHL's return to Olympic participation in 2026. Four teams representing NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States will play a total of seven games from February 12 to 20. Games will be held at Boston's TD Garden and Montreal's Bell Centre.[14][15]
On April 16, 2024, one day after the conclusion of their season, the Sabres fired Granato. In just over three-and-a-half seasons with Buffalo, Granato totaled a 122–125–27 record, with no playoff appearances.[16] Ruff, who had previously coached Buffalo from 1997 to 2013, and most recently served as head coach of the New Jersey Devils from 2020 to 2024, was named head coach on April 22.[17]
On June 17, 2024, two months after the conclusion of the Blue Jackets' season, Vincent was fired by Columbus. In his single season as head coach, the Blue Jackets posted a 27–43–12 record, finishing last in the Metropolitan Division.[18] Evason, most recently the head coach of the Minnesota Wild from 2020 to 2024, was named head coach on July 22, 2024.[19]
McLellan was fired on February 2, 2024, with the Kings holding a record of 23–15–10; despite a 20–7–4 start to the season, the team went 3–8–6 in the 17 games preceding his dismissal. In four and a half seasons with Los Angeles, McLellan posted a 164–130–44 record, reaching the playoffs twice but failing to advance past the first round. Hiller, an assistant coach, was promoted to interim head coach,[20][21] before being named full-time head coach on May 22, 2024.[22]
Ruff was fired on March 4, 2024, after the Devils started 30–27–4. In just over three-and-a-half seasons with New Jersey, Ruff totaled a 128–125–28 record, with one playoff appearance. Green, the associate coach, and previously head coach of the Vancouver Canucks from 2017 to 2021, was promoted to interim head coach the same day.[23] Green finished out the season 8–12–1, failing to make the playoffs, and was subsequently hired by the Ottawa Senators following the season.[24] Keefe, most recently the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2019 to 2024, was named head coach on May 23, 2024.[25]
Smith was fired on December 18, 2023, after the Senators started the season 11–15–0. In just over four seasons with Ottawa, Smith compiled a 131–154–32 record, with no playoff appearances. Martin, a senior advisor to the coaching staff who previously served as the team's head coach from 1996 to 2004, and most recently served as head coach of the Montreal Canadiens from 2009 to 2011, was promoted to interim head coach.[26] Martin subsequently finished out the season 26–26–4, failing to reach the playoffs. Green, most recently the interim head coach of the New Jersey Devils, and previously head coach of the Vancouver Canucks from 2017 to 2021, was named head coach on May 7, 2024.[24]
On April 24, 2024, one week after the conclusion of their season, the Sharks fired Quinn. In two seasons with San Jose, Quinn posted a 41–98–25 record, with no playoff appearances.[27] Warsofsky, an assistant coach, was promoted to head coach on June 13, 2024.[28]
Hakstol was fired on April 29, 2024, a week and a half after the conclusion of Seattle's season. The franchise's first head coach, Hakstol recorded a 107–112–27 record in three seasons with the Kraken, leading the franchise to its first playoff appearance in 2023.[29] Bylsma, most recently head coach of Seattle's AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, and previously head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres, was promoted to head coach on May 28, 2024.[30]
Berube was fired on December 12, 2023, after the Blues started the season 13–14–1. In parts of six seasons with St. Louis, Berube compiled a 206–132–44 record with four playoff appearances, leading the franchise to its first Stanley Cup championship in 2019. Bannister, previously the head coach of the Blues' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, was promoted to interim head coach,[31] before signing a two-year contract to become the full-time head coach on May 7, 2024.[32]
On May 9, 2024, five days following Toronto's first-round elimination from the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, Keefe was fired after four-and-a-half seasons with the team. Under Keefe, the team went 212–97–40, winning the North Division title in 2021 and making the playoffs every season, but only reaching the second round once.[33] Berube, most recently head coach of the St. Louis Blues from 2018 to 2023, and who played for the Maple Leafs during the 1991–92 season, was named head coach on May 17.[34]
Alongside the other hockey assets of the Arizona Coyotes, Tourigny's contract was transferred to the new Utah Hockey Club, who retained him as head coach.[35][36]
Bowness announced his retirement from coaching on May 6, 2024. In two seasons with Winnipeg, Bowness compiled a 98–57–9 record, with two playoff appearances.[37] Arniel, an associate coach, and formerly head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2010 to 2012, was promoted to head coach on May 24.[38]
Waddell announced his resignation on May 24, 2024, eight days after Carolina's elimination from the playoffs. Having joined the Hurricanes' organization in 2014 and serving as general manager since 2018, Waddell oversaw six consecutive playoff appearances, three division championships, and two trips to the Eastern Conference finals. Tulsky, the assistant GM, was named interim general manager,[39] before being promoted to full-time general manager on June 18, 2024.[40]
Kekalainen was fired on February 15, 2024, after the Blue Jackets began the season 16–26–10. Kekalainen had served as general manager of the Blue Jackets since 2013, overseeing five playoff appearances, including the franchise's first playoff series win in 2019. Davidson, the president of hockey operations, was named interim general manager.[41] Waddell, most recently general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes from 2018 to 2024, and who had resigned from the Hurricanes four days prior, was named general manager on May 28, 2024, also assuming the roles of president of hockey operations and alternate governor.[42]
On June 27, 2024, three days after the Oilers' loss in the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals, and with his contract expiring, the team and Holland mutually agreed to part ways. Holland had served as general manager since 2019, with the Oilers qualifying for the playoffs every season of his term, including two trips to the Western Conference Finals and the aforementioned Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Jackson, the CEO of hockey operations, assumed the role of interim general manager.[43] Bowman, most recently general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks from 2009 to 2021, and who had been reinstated from a suspension relating to the Blackhawks' sexual assault scandal three weeks prior, was named general manager on July 24, 2024.[44]
Alongside the other hockey assets of the Arizona Coyotes, Armstrong's contract was transferred to the new Utah Hockey Club, who retained him as general manager.[35][45]
Patrick was promoted to general manager on July 8, 2024. MacLellan remained president of hockey operations, having held the role since 2023.[46]
(*) Indicates interim
Uniforms
This will be the first season for Fanatics as the official apparel provider of the NHL under a ten-year contract, replacing Adidas, which was the official apparel provider on a seven-year contract since the 2017–18 season.[47]
Wholesale team changes
The Anaheim Ducks unveiled a new logo and uniforms, introducing a modernized version of their Mighty Ducks-era primary logo previously utilized from 1993 to 2006, but re-colored in their current orange, black, and gold color scheme. Their new uniforms feature an orange base, with matching helmets and pants.[48]
The Los Angeles Kings unveiled a new logo, consisting of a modernized version of their Wayne Gretzky-era logo utilized from 1988 to 1998, with the crown from their original 1967 logo.[49] The Kings also revealed new jerseys, similarly based off their 1988–98 set, and featuring a new matte black helmet.[50]
The Utah Hockey Club revealed their temporary logo, colors, and uniforms for their inaugural season. The logo depicts a roundel with a "Utah" wordmark in the center, ringed with "Hockey Club" and colored with mountain blue, rock black, and salt white.[51] The home uniforms consisted of a black base with a diagonal "UTAH" wordmark across the front, with blue and white striping, with the road uniforms utilizing a white base with black and blue striping.[52]
Broadcast rights
Canada
National
This will be the eleventh season of the twelve-year Canadian national broadcast rights deal with Sportsnet. This includes Sportsnet's sub-licensing agreements to air Saturday Hockey Night in Canada games on CBC Television and French-language broadcasts on TVA Sports.[53] Games will be streamed on Sportsnet+, with national games available on the Standard level, out-of-market games on the Premium tier, and via authenticated streaming on participating teams.[54]
The Calgary Flames[56] and Edmonton Oilers[57] both begin an 11-year extension with Sportsnet West through the 2034–35 season.
Personnel
Prime Monday Night Hockey will feature a new broadcast team, to be announced at a later date.[55]
The Calgary Flames hired Jon Abbott to be the new TV play-by-play announcer this season after Rick Ball left to become the Chicago Blackhawks' TV play-by-play announcer. Abbott was previously the backup TV play-by-play announcer for the Ottawa Senators.[58][59]
The Ottawa Senators will have a new backup TV play-by-play announcer this season, typically filling in during Gord Miller's national TSN assignments, after Jon Abbott left to become the Calgary Flames' primary TV play-by-play announcer.[59]
United States
National
This will be the fourth season of the league's seven-year U.S. national broadcast rights deals with the ESPN family of networks and TNT Sports.[60] ESPN's contract allows at least 25 exclusive games per season on ABC or ESPN (including ABC Hockey Saturday on selected Saturdays), up to 75 exclusive games streamed on ESPN+ (also simulcast on Hulu), out-of-market games streamed on ESPN+ (under the NHL Power Play branding), exclusive rights to the opening night games and the Stadium Series, and simulcasts/alternate broadcasts on other ESPN networks.[61] TNT Sports' contract allows for up to 72 games per season (some may be non-exclusive broadcasts and thus blacked out in local markets), including Wednesday night games, selected Sunday games, the Winter Classic, simulcasts/alternate broadcasts on TBS and TruTV, and the rights to stream its games on Max.[62] While ESPN and ABC would normally televise the All-Star skills competition and the All-Star Game, respectively, the eight-day 4 Nations Face-Off tournament will be split by ABC, ESPN, and TNT.[15] As per the rotation, TNT will hold rights to the Stanley Cup Finals this season.
The Seattle Kraken will begin a multi-year agreement with Tegna to start airing games on Tegna's Seattle broadcast stations KING and KONG, replacing Root Sports Northwest as the Kraken's regional broadcaster, and syndicate the telecasts to other stations across the team's broadcast territory. Amazon Prime Video will also stream Tegna's Kraken games within the team's territory.[65]
As part of the asset transfer, the Utah expansion team received the Arizona Coyotes' existing broadcasting contract with Scripps Sports. KUPX-TV in Salt Lake City, which had been televising Coyotes and Vegas Golden Knights games, will become the Utah team's new flagship station.[66]
On July 2, 2024, the Florida Panthers and Bally Sports Florida mutually agreed to end their broadcast partnership. The Panthers will begin a multi-year agreement with Scripps Sports to broadcast games on three Scripps-owned stations: WSFL-TV in Miami/Fort Lauderdale, WHDT in West Palm Beach and a yet-to-be-announced station in Fort Myers.[67] On July 5, Bally Sports terminated its contract with the Dallas Stars through bankruptcy court.[68] The Stars subsequently announced a new digital platform known as Victory+ as part of a partnership with A Parent Media Co., which will carry the team's ancillary video content, and stream regionally-televised games in-market for free.[69] On August 27, the Anaheim Ducks announced its agreement with Bally Sports had expired. The Ducks will stream their games on the same platform as the Stars, Victory+, and will also air all games over-the-air on KCOP-TV.[70]
As part of the bankruptcy, on August 23, 2024, Diamond Sports announced a long-term agreement with the NHL which will allow Bally Sports to continue broadcasting the league. The agreement will result in NHL teams having a 20 percent reduction in their rights fees. Despite being a long-term deal, if Diamond Sports is unable to get a bankruptcy plan approved by the court, the agreement will expire following the end of the 2024–25 season.[71][72]
Due to the bankruptcy, Bally Sports will be rebranded before the season begins.[73]
Personnel
The Boston Bruins hired Judd Sirott to be the new TV play-by-play announcer this season following the retirement of Jack Edwards. Sirott was previously the team's radio play-by-play announcer.[74][75]
The Columbus Blue Jackets hired Steve Mears to be the new TV play-by-play announcer this season following the retirement of Jeff Rimer. Mears was previously the play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Penguins, spending six seasons on television before moving to radio last season.[76]
The Chicago Blackhawks hired Rick Ball to replace Chris Vosters as the team's TV play-by-play announcer. Ball was previously the lead TV play-by-play announcer for the Calgary Flames and occasional announcer of Sportsnet's national NHL broadcasts.[58][77]
New York Rangers TV play-by-play announcer Sam Rosen announced his impending retirement after this season. Rosen called Rangers games since the 1977–78 season, and became the full-time lead TV announcer starting with the 1984–85 season. Rosen also called national radio games of the Stanley Cup Finals for NHL Radio from 1996 to 2008.[78]
^"Coyotes bid Arizona farewell with bittersweet win over Oilers". ESPN.com. April 17, 2024. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 18, 2024. There could be a new arena -- eventually. Meruelo had been pursuing a tract of land in north Phoenix to build it. When delays pushed the land auction until June, the NHL and the players' association got cold feet about continuing to play at Mullett Arena, the loud-but-bandbox-sized venue shared with Arizona State University. Meruelo was adamant about not selling the team despite constant offers since he bought in 2019, but he also didn't want the players stuck playing in a 5,000-seat arena -- by far the NHL's smallest -- that wasn't up to league standards. With no guarantee he would have an arena and with no other options, Meruelo agreed to sell the franchise.
^Wyshynski, Greg (April 15, 2024). "Everything we know about the Arizona Coyotes moving to Utah - How is the transaction going to work?". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 15, 2024. It's expected that the final transaction will include a clause that allows Meruelo to "reactivate" the franchise as an expansion team -- paying what's expected to be a $1 billion expansion fee if that happens -- between now and 2029 if his arena project is completed. All of the team's intellectual property -- including those iconic Kachina jerseys -- would remain with Meruelo. It's an agreement that evokes the deal made with the city of Cleveland when the Browns moved to Baltimore in 1995.