2023-24 NHL season preview: Stanley Cup odds, predictions, more

A new NHL season is here and we at amNewYork are here to get you ready for the next eight months of thrilling races, remarkable play, and awe-inspiring performances.

The Vegas Golden Knights currently hold the NHL’s throne as defending Stanley Cup champions, but the summer has provided ample opportunity for championship hopefuls to force an abdication at the top of the hockey world. 

Here’s a look at our 2023-24 season predictions including division winners and how we see the playoffs panning out.

Metropolitan Division predictions

1. Carolina Hurricanes (M1, East 1)
2. New Jersey Devils (M2)
3. New York Rangers (M3)
4. New York Islanders (WC1)
5. Pittsburgh Penguins
6. Washington Capitals
7. Columbus Blue Jackets
8. Philadelphia Flyers

This is the year the Hurricanes should put it all together. Andrei Svechnikov is back healthy to lead the attack in front of a defense that should be one of the very best in hockey. It boils down to goaltending and a healthy Frederik Andersen (which is a big if) is good enough to back a legitimate Stanley Cup threat. The Devils are even more dangerous with Tyler Toffoli and a young core that will be a menace in the Metro for years to come while the Rangers are clearly the third-best team in the division. The No. 4 spot and a Wild Card berth comes down to the Islanders and Penguins — and the Islanders have the defense and goaltending to take the edge.

Atlantic Division predictions

1. Toronto Maple Leafs (A1, East 2)
2. Florida Panthers (A2)
3. Buffalo Sabres (A3)
4. Boston Bruins (WC2)
5. Tampa Bay Lightning
6. Ottawa Senators
7. Detroit Red Wings
8. Montreal Canadiens

Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi add a physical edge to a talented Maple…