NHL point projections: How we see 2024-25 season unfolding

The NHL offseason was interesting because the wild-card Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals, plus the non-playoff New Jersey Devils and Utah Hockey Club, were among the most aggressive teams.
The last-place San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks also boosted their rosters while the 111-point Carolina Hurricanes and 2023 champion Vegas Golden Knights lost key players.
So how will that translate to the regular-season standings? Theoretically, the aggressive teams should improve while the Hurricanes’ and Golden Knights’ point totals should drop.
But injuries and even the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off could throw things off.
USA TODAY Sports makes its annual attempt at projecting the records for all 32 NHL teams (explanations below) before the season starts on Friday.
PREDICTIONS: Who’ll win the Stanley Cup, major awards?
SALARIES: Who makes the most in 2024-25?