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5 NHL teams facing most pressure to perform in 2024-25 season ft. Toronto Maple Leafs
The first wave of NHL free agency is in the rearview mirror, as most teams are likely done making moves and have their rosters set. Although there are some solid NHL players available in free agency, major deals have already taken place.
With most NHL teams likely having their roster set, here are the five teams that are facing the most pressure to perform.
5 NHL teams facing the most pressure to perform
#1. Toronto Maple Leafs
No team has more pressure than the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Maple Leafs have plenty of media attention and after another first-round playoff exit, Toronto decided to run back the same core group.
The Maple Leafs have John Tavares and Mitch Marner entering the final year of their contracts, so this could be the final Cup run for this core group.
#2. New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils missed the playoffs last season but are now one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup.
New Jersey is now tied for the third-best odds of winning the Stanley Cup, according to DraftKings, at +1300. The Devils added Jacob Markstrom to be their starting goalie, and there is pressure on New Jersey to not only make the playoffs but go on a deep run.
#3. Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators were one of the most active teams in free agency, as they signed Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei.
The Predators are a serious Cup contender, but after handing out all that money, Nashville has pressure on them to go on a deep playoff run. The Predators need to prove the contracts they landed were worth it as they compete in the stacked Western Conference.
#4. Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup Final this past season but lost in Game 7 to the Florida Panthers.
Entering the 2024–25 NHL season, there is pressure on Edmonton as Leon Draisaitl enters the final year of his deal, and Connor McDavid only has two years left on his contract.
This may be the final season of Draisaitl and McDavid playing together, so the pressure is on them to not just go far but to win the Cup.
#5. New York Rangers
The New York Rangers have been one of the top teams in the NHL for the past couple of seasons but somehow they haven't gotten over the hump.
The Rangers have one of the most talented rosters in the NHL, but New York needs to prove this core can win, or there could be major changes.
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