A first-time 50-goal scorer in Edmonton. A new king of the Metropolitan Division. An eight-figure contract in Boston. A legend traded out of Chicago (but not the one you’re expecting). And maybe even the NHL’s first 70-goal season since 1993?
Those were among the responses we got this week when we asked The Athletic’s NHL staff for their bold predictions for the 2022-23 season.
Here’s one prediction per team as we enter the first weekend of regular-season play:
Mason McTavish will win the Calder Trophy: Can the 19-year-old actually do it? It could be an uphill battle, with Buffalo defenseman Owen Power the favorite going into the season and Seattle’s Matty Beniers set to play a huge role and perhaps keep up his point-per-game introduction from last season (he has a goal and three points in two games so far). But McTavish showed off some nifty passing, with two assists Wednesday, and he could get prime ice time if he sticks on a top line with Troy Terry and Ryan Strome. His lethal shot could become a weapon on the power play, too. You wanted bold? McTavish could become Anaheim’s first Calder winner.
Read More: NHL 2022-23 bold predictions: A 70-goal scorer, trades, breakouts, awards, more 2022-10-15 18:56:01