Halfway through the season, fans of Canada’s beloved game are eager to see what lies ahead for their teams
As January marks the halfway point of the NHL season, hockey fans across Canada are buzzing about how their teams are shaping up. The 2024-2025 season has been anything but predictable, packed with surprises and its fair share of controversies. Here’s a closer look at where Canada’s NHL teams stand and their playoff chances.
Toronto Maple Leafs
While fans are happy to see the Leafs staying competitive, the team is still haunted by the pressure to make it past the first round of the playoffs. Defensive struggles have been a weak spot and with the trade deadline just around the corner, there are a lot of conversations about potential moves to shore up their blue line. Reflecting on the team’s goals, Auston Matthews said in April 2023, “We’re a team that wants to be playing in meaningful games in the playoffs and have success in the playoffs. We know the work that’s ahead of us, and we’re excited to take it on.” As always, Leafs fans are hopeful this will finally be the year they see the Cup return to Toronto.
Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to showcase their team’s determination with their offensive firepower, but their defensive struggles and inconsistent goaltending have raised questions about their playoff viability. However, fans are hopeful the team will still progress despite their shaky start to the season.
Calgary Flames
After an offseason of change, the Flames are still finding their footing under new leadership. As players like Jonathan Huberdeau adjust to the system, Calgary’s playoff hopes will hinge on finding consistent scoring and defensive stability. As head coach Ryan Huska stated in an interview with TSN in June 2023, “We’re still in the process of putting the pieces together.”
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have been one of the season’s biggest surprises, showing significant improvement under head coach Rick Tocchet. Young star Elias Pettersson and veteran J.T. Miller have been essential to their success. While the team’s improvement has been impressive, fans remain cautiously optimistic about their chances of returning to the playoffs.
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens are continuing their rebuilding process, with emerging stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield leading the charge. While a playoff spot may be out of reach this season, the team is displaying encouraging signs for the future, building a solid foundation of skill and optimism for what lies ahead.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators have had their ups and downs this season, with standout performances from Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk. While they’ve shown potential, consistency has been a challenge. As Travis Green commented in an interview with Sportsnet, “They’re a team that’s building with a lot of young talent, and when they get the consistency they need, they’ll be a tough team to play against.”
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets have surpassed expectations this season, with Connor Hellebuyck playing outstanding in goal and balanced scoring throughout the lineup. Players like Kyle Connor, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Mark Scheifele have been key contributors, while the defence, led by Josh Morrissey, has been solid. With momentum on their side, Winnipeg fans are optimistic about the team’s playoff chances, including first-year Business Administration student and Laurier hockey defensemen Nolan Bettens, who is hoping the Jets’ strong play continues well into the postseason.
Overall, as the season progresses, Canadian teams show promise, but consistency remains key for their future playoff aspirations.
This article was originally printed in Volume 24, issue 5 on January 9, 2025.