5 Bold Predictions For The Hurricanes In The Coming 24-25 Season

NHL training camps are right around the corner which means the start of the 2024-2025 season isn't far behind.

The Hurricanes saw a lot of change in their roster this off-season as long-time Hurricanes Teuvo Teravainen, Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce left for Chicago, Nashville and New Jersey respectively. Also leaving were Stefan Noesen, Evgeny Kuznetsov and last years' big trade deadline acquisition in Jake Guentzel.

The Hurricanes did make some additions too, bringing in William Carrier, Tyson Jost, Shayne Gostisbehere, Sean Walker, Eric Robinson and Jack Roslovic.

While the team will look different come October when they take to the ice in their season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning, under head coach Rod Brind'Amour the Canes are still expected to challenge for the Metropolitan crown.

Related: NHL Network Ranks Canes' Sebastian Aho As The NHL's 10th Best Center

As we prepare for training camp and the start of the NHL Pre-Season, here are 5 bold predictions heading into the season:

1. Sebastian Aho will score 40 goals for the first time in his career

Sebastian Aho has flirted with reaching the 40-goal plateau over the last few seasons. During the 21-22 season Aho scored 37 goals in 79 games which is currently his career high. In each of the last two seasons Aho scored 36 goals; with 36 in 75 games in the 22-23 season and 36 in 78 games last season. Something tells me the Canes' best player will break through that glass ceiling and reach 40 for the first time in his career this season.

2. Andrei Svechnikov will reach 80 points this season

When the Hurricanes drafted Andrei Svechnikov with the 2nd overall pick in the 2018 NHL draft they were expecting big things in the future. Since then, Svechnikov has become a very exciting player to watch, scoring many highlight reel goals in the form of the viral "Michigan" lacrosse style goal. While Svechnikov has gotten fans out of their seats, he has yet to reach the 70 point mark, with his 69 points in the 21-22 season being his best year to date. Since then, Svechnikov has failed to reach at least 60 points again. In the last two seasons Svechnikov has scored 55 points in 22-23 and 52 points last season, although they did come in only 64 and 59 games played respectively. If Svechnikov can stay healthy and play in 75+ games this season, we think he will really break out with a 80+ point season.

3. Pyotr Kochetkov will emerge as the Hurricanes starting goalie

When you think of the NHL's best Russian netminders names such as Andrei Vasilevskiy, Igor Shesterkin, Ilya Sorokin and Stanley Cup winner Sergei Bobrovsky immediately come to mind. The Hurricanes' Pyotr Kochetkov could soon be amongst that group. While Freddy Andersen was great after coming back last season after missing a good portion of the season, the 34-year-old Herning, Denmark native has had some trouble staying on the ice the last couple of seasons. If Andersen misses some time again this year, the 25-year-old Kochetkov is poised to step in and take the reins going forward, after he posted career highs in save percentage(.911) and goals against average(2.33) last season.

Related: Can Canes' Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov Take Over Starting Role?

4. Jaccob Slavin will win his 1st Norris trophy

Hurricanes' fans know very well that Jaccob Slavin is one of, if not the best pure shut-down defenseman in the NHL. Unfortunately, typically the Norris trophy gets awarded to the defenseman who scores the most points. While Slavin isn't going to score 90+ points like defensemen like Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes or Roman Josi, if Slavin can reach at least the 50 point mark all the while providing elite defensive play, members of the NHL PHWA(Professional Hockey Writers Association) may not be able to ignore Jaccob Slavin any longer. Slavins' current career high in points came back in the 21-22 season when he scored 4 goals, 38 assists and 42 points.

Related: Jaccob Slavin Ranked As NHL's 13th Best Defenseman

5. Bradly Nadeau makes the team and scores 20 goals in rookie season

Nadeau had a phenomenal rookie season last year at the University of Maine. As a Freshman last year Nadeau led the Black Bears in scoring with 46 points in 37 games, topping his brother Josh by just 1 point. The 19-year-old has produced at every level he's played at, scoring 113 points in 54 games leading his Penticton Vees' of the BCHL to a league title prior to joining Maine the year prior. The offensively gifted Nadeau has a real shot to crack Rod Brind'Amours' squad after losing key offensive players this summer. If Nadeau makes the team he could be given a real chance to make an impact.