Yahoo Sports 2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Portland Winterhawks
Welcome to The Hockey News 2024-25 season preview series. From August 29 to September 20, THN's WHL duo will examine some of the biggest storylines facing each team this season. Today's edition is focused on the Portland Winterhawks, whose roster will look very different compared to last year's.
2023-24 Statistics:
Regular Season Record: 48-15-4-1, 101 Points (2nd B.C. Division)
Playoffs: Defeated Victoria Royals 4-0
Defeated Everett Silvertips 4-0
Defeated Prince George Cougars 4-2
Defeated By Moose Jaw Warriors 4-0
Key Departures: Nate Danielson (F), Jan Špunar (G), Gabe Klassen (F)
Key Additions: Nikita Mikhailov (F), Marek Chaloupka (D), Ondrej Stebetak (G)
The Winterhawks may be the hardest team to project in the Western Conference. Thanks to trades and players aging out, Portland could be missing seven of their top ten scorers from last season, as well as goaltender Jan Špunar, who was nominated for the Del Wilson Trophy last year.
Starting with the forwards, the Winterhawks will be getting some key players back for 2024-25. Diego Buttazzoni should lead the way offensively, while Josh Zakreski and Kyle Chyzowski are expected to play significant roles for the team. Portland also added Nikita Mikhailov this offseason, who recorded 67 points in 53 games at the U16 AAA level last season. While it may take some time for Mikhailov to adjust to the WHL, he should be able to be a consistent point producer this season for Portland.
On defence, Carter Sotheran, Tyson Jugnauth and Marek Chaloupka will be looked upon to lead what should be a young group. There is a chance that Luca Cagnoni will also return, but as a 20-year-old who is signed, the odds are that he will spend the season in the AHL. Outside of the top three, look for players like Alex and Ryder Thompson to see elevated minutes, as well as some 07s and 08s on a nightly basis.
As for goaltending, the Winterhawks look set thanks to import draft selection Ondrej Stebetak. The Czechia-born goaltender thrived at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning a Silver Medal. If he can produce similar performances at the WHL level, plenty of players will be looking to the sky, wondering how he made the save.
Ultimately, new head coach Kyle Gustafson will have his hands full this season. While Portland does have some talented players on their roster, this could be the start of a rebuild after going all-in last year. Regardless, there are some exciting prospects in the Winterhawks system who have the potential to be stars with the right development.
Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
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