2025 NHL Preview: Metropolitan Division

Welcome into Caleb's 2025 NHL Divisional previews! Today, we are focusing on the Metropolitan Division, let's dive in. 

 

 

  1. Pittsburgh Penguins

 

This is the only option here. The Penguins are in deep this season, with really the ONLY storyline whether or not Sidney Crosby will get traded. That’s it, that's all. The goaltending isn't good, the d core is shaky and the forwards are not deep. I can't absolutely see a passing of the torch, from Sid to Gavin. Whether Crosby gets traded or not, this team is a bottom dweller and there is every chance this team wins the draft lottery and is once again given a generational prospect. Sid would finish out his deal, much like Lemeiux did for him, and guide Gavin, leading the Pens back to success. Honestly, that is all Pens fans can hope for. 

 

Pittsburgh to Win Division: +12500

One Player Future: Evgeni Malkin 20+ goals +115

 

  1. Philadelphia Flyers

 

Not a good year for hockey in Pennsylvania. I guess Penn State might have the most eyes on it with Gavin McKenna taking his talents away from the WHL. Philly was really bad last year, and I don't think they will be a ton better this year. Adding Zegras, getting rid of Torts, those are good moves. Solid bets. But the D core isn't inspiring, and forward depth is lacking. Samuel Ersson and Dan Vladar make up a goalie tandem that will likely just be a flip flop of who is not playing terrible. I think Vladar might actually take over the starter role, seeing him play in Calgary for the last few years, I think he is solid. Not a bona fide starter, but competent. But this team is not going anywhere. Maybe trade Konecny and Couturier, get a haul for them, and build for next year. 

 

Philadelphia to Win Division: +4000

One Player Future: Matvei Michkov 80+ points +310

 

  1. New York Rangers

 

I have no idea why people think this team will bounce back. I have scrolled through so many projections of this team and literally nothing makes sense. Shersterkin going nuclear, which I guess he could do, is the only way this team makes any kind of run to the playoffs. They were a tire fire last year, with no cohesiveness seemingly. And too many stars are not carrying their weight. Fox should bounce back, but what are they going to get out of Mika? Is a Panarin contract year enough to carry the load offensively? Geez, I don't think so. Unfortunately for Chris Drury’s squad, this team might actually be worse than its in-state rivals. I considered putting them lower then Philly, but Shesterkin gives this team a leg up on the bottom feeders in the division. 

 

New York Rangers to Win Division: +550

One Player Future: Igor Shesterkin Vezina +650

  1. New York Islanders

 

Boy do I love watching Matthew Schafer skate. Consider me a huge fan. He probably wont win the Calder, he likely wont put up enough points, but I think his influence on this team will be shown right away. They have some good pieces in place, I loved the Cal Ritchie pick up, and hopefully a good season from Barzal, there’s a CHANCE they could sneak into a wild card. We have seen this before, they're scrappy and don't give up a ton, but also don't generate a ton. A boring style of hockey for sure, but maybe Patty Roy decides to let his guys run a bit and they can get the offence going. I also like Sorokin, and feel like he kind of gets pushed to the side in goalie conversations. But he has had some stellar years in the past and still has it in him. A fairly boring team, but they have more to give. 

 

New York Islanders to Win Division: +3300

One Player Future: Matthew Schaefer Calder +1700

 

  1. Columbus Blue Jackets

 

A bit of a shock team last year but they made noise with a strong roster that got stronger. There is so much to like about this team. They're young, but have good veterans to surround those guys, and they are carried by an absolute stud in Zach Werenski. I see no reason for him to not be in the Norris conversations again. I like Charlie Coyle coming over to solidify that 3rd line center role, that fills a need for sure. I really hope they continue to grow, and see them making the playoffs this year after ALMOST sneaking in last year. I guess there’s some fear in net with Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins, it’s a bit of an unknown. But if they have any kind of above average goaltending this team will make the playoffs. 

 

Columbus to Win Division: +3000

One Player Future: Zach Werenski 80+ points +230

 

  1. Washington Capitals

 

There is a case to be made that Washington and Columbus could flip flop here, I think the Blue Jackets are that good. But I also think the Caps are a super good team. They have great goaltending, a solid blue line, and a deep (if not flashy) forward core. Ryan Leonard is one guy here who could make some noise in his first year, a dark horse Calder candidate maybe. It isn't that far-fetched. I don't think they are going to run away with the division again like last year, but they will likely grab a division spot and end up with a tougher first round than last year. And will this be Alex Ovechkin's last year? If it is, I hope they give him a deep playoff run. 

 

Washington to Win Division: +600

One Player Future: Alex Ovechkin 40+ goals +600

 

  1. Carolina Hurricanes

 

The perpetually dominant Carolina Hurricanes FINALLY got what they had been missing for so long: A win a SINGLE game in an Eastern Conference Final. They did it. Finally. This year they are not getting there. Sorry Canes fans. This team just does not have the playoff performance nor the goaltending to actually make a cup final. The forward depth scares me, it just gives me no faith. Stankoven is going to have to play center, which isn't a terrible thing, but boy you like that guy on the wing. The D core is solid. Really solid. Probably a top 3 d core in the league. But that goaltending scares you come playoff time and I just don't see them getting a cup. YET. They are almost there. I do want to see how Nikishin plays, I love that guy. He is tough as nails out there, and can move as well.

 

Carolina to Win Division: +130

One Player Future: Andrei Svechnikov 40+ goals +800



  1. New Jersey Devils 

 

Your Metro division champs this year. If this team is healthy, this team could legitimately win the Presidents Trophy. That's how good this team is. Straight up. Health is the ONLY thing that can slow this team down, and this team more than most, health has been a struggle lately so its no guarantee. Looking at some line combos, I do not love the fact that Dadonov is the starting LW, but you can fill that role at some point, and that would be a Cup team to me. Luke Hughes is now signed, which is big. The d core just has such a perfect mix of vets and young guys, and puck movers and stable guys, like wow. Markstrom stays healthy and this team gets 115 points and they run away with the metro division and a clear route to the ECF. 

 

New Jersey to Win Division: +325

One Player Future: Jack Hughes 100+ points +600