Of the Sharks, Blackhawks and Ducks, Which Team Improves the Most This Season?

[@FoodFollow]

My go-to for hockey news. Thank you!

[@madLphnt]

No question

[@vipeholmskolan6052]

I think Leo Carlsson will take a huge step this season. That alone could improve the Ducks a lot.

[@nickalleye]

This, also we need to not have such terrible injury luck like last season, and to not be the most penaltized team of them all

[@ProggaWoggga]

Vatrano is a sniper. I don't think he will fall off. Just needs to stay out of the box.

[@brianvanwyk9425]

The defensemen as a group are still pretty bad. Either too young or just plain bad. But they might very well score enough that it doesn’t matter. Ducks absolutely the most fun team to watch of these three I think.

[@emmers9698]

I don’t think SJ gets much better, but I’m ok with that since another top 4-5 pick doesn’t hurt. Seeing young players play well and progress would be my baseline for a good season

[@zeroknight33]

Seeing Leo,cutter, and killorn dominate last night against Utah gives me so much more hope for the ducks this year. Sennecke looked good with MacT and Fabbri as well

[@nickalleye]

and we didn't even have Terry and Zegras in the lineup that time. So stocked to see if it actually works out. Although last year we started pretty strong and then fell off, with lethargic offense and defensive black holes all around

[@people3865]

​@@nickalleyeBetter without Zegras. Most overrated player in the world

[@mcthunderstick2374]

@@people3865agreed. Dude is just a flashy clown who doesn’t play Team hockey.

[@nickalleye]

@@people3865 nah I still don't buy it. He could be, but still early to tell

[@nickalleye]

@@mcthunderstick2374 incorrect. He was specifically told by the coaching staff to up his defensive game, but didn't have a chance to show it cause of injuries. This season is basically make or break for him

[@ericmyers0]

I love it when THG’s eyes light up before a sneeze cut😅

[@dangdelucia]

I want to see Bertuzzi play for every Original 6 team lol

[@brAnd7onX87]

I know its preseason but watching the Ducks vs Utah in the last game gave me hope for this year. Carlsson looked like he was on a different level and definitely had chemistry with Gauthier. McTavish looked jacked and ready to take his game to another level. Dostwall doing dostwall things. If Ducks can for the love of god stay out of the box and mitigate key injuries for long periods of time I could see them at .500 or possibly making a playoff push (I can dream).

[@CapnDiddles]

I sure hope so. I have McTavish and Carlsson on my fantasy team lol

[@mgourley1234]

I've been a Sharks fan since they came into the league since they were the closest team to me at the time. I'm happy to see the potential improvement and if they can manage a 10 point improvement, I'd consider that a success. I'd like to see closer to 30 wins though. I've got tickets to see them here in Tampa against the Bolts, so looking forward to that. When do they get back to the playoffs? 4-5 years?

[@TylrVncnt]

Hopefully sooner than that!! Cheers

[@kirknakano3775]

@@mgourley1234 as a sharks fan I feel like 2 playoff appearances or a 2nd round appearance this decade and well done GMMG. 🙌

[@justinpalumbo2447]

I just want us to finish higher than Anaheim, that’s a win this year

[@DeanHenry-hm9bd]

As a die hard Sharks fan from day one , and a Seals fan from the 70’s , I hope they can make the playoffs in 3 yrs hopefully. Will get some cap relief when Valssic and Coulture’s contracts expire.

[@Jonesyful10]

Gauthier, Carlsson, Mctavish, Zegras, Zellweger, Mintyukov. All have been top rated prospects at one point. This team has to get better and the young players have to put the team on their back and their veterans have to support them. I think they get close to playoffs after a strong start but fall off later in the season

[@jameschristian192]

You're really the only hockey news I can stand to listen to anymore really. Really great stuff as always

[@southsidesky]

The darndest thing about last year for the Hawks is that they beat a lot of good teams................Against bad teams, not so much.........................

[@habinations]

i like the team radko gudas is on

[@tomc5823]

Im really tempted to throw a few dollars away betting on the Sharks +40000 cup odds

[@sjsharksfan8573]

IMHO opinion the front office expects this team to continue to struggle. With little free-agent activity, it's clear that this is year two of a 4-5 year full rebuild. I expect very little change to the standings for the Sharks with maybe a +6 point improvement.

[@notNajimi]

Yeah I’m excited to see their young talent, but I don’t have high hopes for much better season performance

[@gabrielseaborn257]

I get that perspective but the sharks were _historically_ bad this past season. I'd forgotten they had two 10 game losing streaks. As much as I don't think they'll be good, they can't be that bad again

[@Cacuna]

Ducks are minimum 1 if not 2 years ahead of hawks and sharks in the rebuid

[@e-c-dia]

Agree

[@MagicalTrev88]

Well they also started their rebuild earlier. They're still ahead but the Hawks and Sharks have definitely made some ground on the Ducks.

[@wokenpancake]

Great thumbnail. I was at that game!

[@MightyD_93]

McTavish will break out this year. Lacombe sounds like he’s improved a lot as well over the summer. Z will be near a point per game. Cutter will score 25+. Carlsson will have 60 pts.

[@AnaheimRob]

If Cutter plays on the same line as Carlsson he will have a whole lot more than 25.

[@CertifiedBenchwarmer]

I bet 2 of them play each other in the conference finals

[@nikolasgaunt580]

Shannon jinxed these 3 teams of doing bad. Time to dump my life savings on all 3 cup odds

[@brAnd7onX87]

RIP 401k

[@Kev-O]

The Blackhawks are gonna struggle more than we’re expecting

[@AnaheimRob]

Bedard isn't going to have the team he needs around him for three or four more years.

[@Wlightning25]

I know it is just preseason, but I do worry that the Hawks have yet to win a preseason game.

[@liam_thegoat99]

Bedard had so much potential, I really hope he explodes offensively this year

[@timbartschwolfman]

Love that Icehogs Jersey

[@idthejc]

I see the Sharks struggling out of the gates. Getting practice and reps with the new systems, playstyles, and new additions will take a bit to gel. Especially if you're playing against teams that haven't changed much since last season and have that experience together. We'll see how Will Smith progresses through his rookie season. I haven't been encouraged by his preseason, but I think he, far more than Celebrini, will have to adjust to the physical play of the NHL. After this initial period I see the season going one of two ways. Warsofsky gets the buy-in from the team and the players, and at the Dec/Jan mark the team starts to improve a lot. The flip side is he doesn't get the buy in and we're bookmarking the lottery broadcast to see if we get Hagens. I could see the season going either way. I can say though as long as Celebrini can stay healthy he could have a very strong season for the Sharks. He looks very capable from what we've seen so far.

[@kypie26]

We need another room tour!

[@LeylaDerben]

I definitely think that Chicago has a more guaranteed improvement coming this season. But I think the Ducks have by far more boom or bust potential since their core is almost entirely just young guys on the edge of taking the next step. I could see them crashing and burning and serious questions being raised about management and the rebuild, but I can also see taking a massive leap and going on a run to the playoffs like Toronto did during Matthews' rookie year.

[@chrismackay9680]

Cap space for Anaheim $21 million and they're as good as these two. Future much brighter as is relates to adding vets and retaining top prospects.

[@RRaquello]

Toffoli has been adjusting to a lot of new teams over the last five years or so, so that should be no problem in San Josie. The Ducks new uniforms look a whole lot like the Denver Spurs. They were a short lived WHA team, so if the Ducks used them as inspiration or copy material, they were doing some deep research.

[@mbertrand]

Ducks! 🤩

[@rocknroll368]

Ducks do best, then Chicago, then Sharks. Anaheim is just farthest along in its rebuild.

[@ponyboy9765]

As a sharks fan I honestly don’t mind / expect us to move up a ton in the standings. What I want to see is us not being an easy two points for other teams. No 10-1 blowouts no double digit loosing streaks back to back. Let some of the rookies get some good experience and hopefully end up with another top 5 pick in the 2025 draft. I’d say we’re another couple of years out from really starting to push back to playoff contention.

[@WindyCityHawkey]

I see a 25 point improvement with the Blackhawks

[@Ironguy-gm6vf]

Yeah definitely

[@rogueleafninja7521]

I can't help but feel coyotes tank losing streak lead to landing Iginla

[@jacobhuish292]

Ducks are a playoff team

[@peterolbrisch8970]

If the Blackhawk player's just maintain their lifetime stats, they'll improve by 70 goals. Of course some wont, but others will improve. A better D, and a better backup goalie helps. Maybe they surprise some teams, get a streak going and make a run.

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

I think Bedard having an actual semblance of NHL scoring talent around him will have their scoring take a massive jump, I think the days of them being an easy win are over

[@codyevans4551]

San Jose should shock the league and offer sheet swayman

[@kelanowen]

I think the Sharks will get to the 25 win mark this year, but I still think they end up with a top 5 pick, potentially winning the lottery. As a fan, if I can see that our rookies are playing well, and we're playing physical, skilled hockey again I'm happy with finishing with a worse record than this past year.

[@meghhfgh]

As a Sharks Fan i think they struggle again. The young Guys need time to develope. A lot of prospects could still bust. The bluline is full of bottom pairing defensemen. The easy part for mike grier is over. A least we can watch Celebrini wich makes the season more fun

[@zanemarte9877]

I however have high expectations to at least get out of the bottom and be lower midfield.

[@meghhfgh]

@@zanemarte9877 Wich wouldn't give us a high Pick in the Top 5. I would like to get Martone or Schaefer.

[@zanemarte9877]

@@meghhfgh What more would either of those players add to the roster in '25? We have Eklund, Bordeleau, Smith, Celebrini, Zetterlund, Blackwood, etc. What more do we need on the ice?

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

@@zanemarte9877 Blackwood is a backup level goalie. You replace backup level guys with starter level guys.

[@zanemarte9877]

@@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants What are you talking about backup? Blackwood is literally the Sharks' best goalie the franchise has had for a long time. He earned that starting goaltender spot for his stellar performances last year even when they weren't winning so much

[@fubartotale3389]

I"m with you on Luke Richardson, I respect your opinion and was excited when the Hawks picked him, but I was dismayed by all the "fans" calling for him and Davidson to be whacked after going 0-2. And the poor showing last year after being decimated by injuries to an admittedly weak roster. The year before when they had better players for most of the year, Richardson had them playing hard every night and lost most of their games by one goal and an empty netter or so.

[@Tech_-on1ou]

With the way the world is going, im calling it now. Sharks make it to the SCF and lose by 1 goal in game 7 double OT

[@BoyNamedSue4]

I just need the ducks to take a step forward. I’m so sick of losing and being the laughing stock of the league. I’ll cheer for this team no matter what but as an east coast fan it’s hard staying up until 1AM just to watch them get blown out and show low effort.

[@brAnd7onX87]

I agree ducks fan from tampa here... Fans here have high playoff expectations and I want the ducks to get back to that point sooner rather than later. I can take barely missing playoffs this year but not bottom 3 or even bottom 5 team this year. I will lose it.

[@Jon-gx6de]

@@BoyNamedSue4 From a Blue Jackets fan, I feel you brother haha

[@chrismackay9680]

Dostal is way better than Mrazek!!! Wait and see.

[@FischerFan]

I hope it's Chicago, but I think it could be Disneyland.

[@zZach___]

Leo's hitting the century make this year

[@AnaheimRob]

That would be awesome but probably closer to the 70 point mark this year.

[@tiffanynaidoo2003]

The way Canadians pronounce José is just as funny to me as the way Americans pronounce Hélène. Maybe Ozay and Hulleen can go on a date.

[@Varonno]

Is this impordant? Many Americans can’t spell border. And the vernacular of asking being axing ya’ll? Of all provinces BC has the least of regional accents. The stereotypes don’t make sense. Look up how many singers, musicians, actors and famous people are from BC. It’s quite important to point out the accent of singers of the past. The accent people sang with was very close to a generic Canadian talking accent. I speak Spanish, French, Italian and can mimic many regional dialects so I have some experiences. Have fun neighbour/neighbor! 😂🎉

[@Varonno]

@@Scantronimus466 Maybe she’s thinking of the national anthem of USA. “Oh say” can you see by the … “JOSÉ” can you see…

[@tiffanynaidoo2003]

@@Varonno Haha!

[@tiffanynaidoo2003]

@@Scantronimus466 The José one is in this video and the Hélène one is all over the news in the US when they try to talk about the hurricane.

[@natemady1584]

Sharks are lacking defense, top 3 pick should help.

[@retflo2583]

Ducks finish ahead of CHI, but hawks win lottery an get another number 1

[@AnaheimRob]

...Probably.

[@Scantronimus466]

Big brain betting strategy: Right now, put a dollar on every team to win the Cup. At worst, you'll be out $32...but if San Jose beats the odds, you'll win a cool $40,000!

[@connorloughnane1534]

so one team had 4 more wins than the 2nd best, should of had more, and with way more injuries and this is a question? ducks will improve the most by far

[@dcoxinator]

As a sharks fan, can vlassic just retire?

[@Ducktales_00]

For better or worse Ducks!!! But I do really look forward to see what the "new" Sharks can do Oh and I forgot F..k the Blackhawks...

[@dvon1097]

I'm calling it now. Chicago makes the playoffs as the 8 seed

[@Kuffdad]

Nope. I want Porter Martone

[@dieinvincible]

Chicago should be ok this season … but they won’t be 😢

[@madLphnt]

Not even including logos, the ducks win because of their logo 😎😏

[@jasonkashefi8241]

First hi Shannon!

[@andrewtormanen]

Hawks might flirt with the playoffs

[@rozzie101]

It didn't bother me that the Blackhawks were a bad team,why? They won the Cup.

[@alexmorgan88]

S’go Hawks! I think they’ll improve by about 8-10 points this year. Just looking forward to prospect development and seeing what Richardson can do behind the bench with actual NHL player depth. Can’t wait for the season to start! Detroit Sucks! 😉

[@TylerMorganShow]

Sharks

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

Grier is already looking bad in how he used Labanc. Getting a hat trick for NJ. Some players are just used badly and / or their linemates are worse than them and make them look worse. Labanc had to play on the same line as Nico Sturm who other than being good at face offs is an AHL level player. Even for Timo Meier there was NJ games he had no shots on goal they would lose and the head coach who got fired. That is just not how you use Timo. Timo is doing much better with the new coach. Mason Beaupit should have been picked in the 7th round or not at all and Grier took him 108 overall. There was multiple better prospects to take there. Good luck to Grier doing it his way.

[@tiffanynaidoo2003]

Grier is below average for sure. He actually traded a pick and a prospect for Calen Addison. Yes, it was a 5th rounder and a 7th round prospect but you'd have to give me that to even take a D who can't defend. Before that he got next to nothing for Brent Burns. Sharks had no use for Meier or Hertl so good for them to get 1st rounders on each. The Hertl extension was crazy (I think that was Wilson's deal though).

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

@@tiffanynaidoo2003 Wilson approved the Hertl contract when the sharks were already bad. Giving even a 7th for addison is too much. No GM is perfect or every move will work but some act like he is doing a great job and I do not see that. I stull prefer Grier over Wilson. When you trade a high cap player sometimes you get less back. Grier has already drafted a ton of defenseman so hopefully some are good.

[@TheHockeyGuy]

You understand that the Devils wanted to sign Lebanc and waive him to send him to the AHL? That's why he signed in Columbus. If he was so important, the Devils would have him on the roster. He was awful in San Jose last season, just awful.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

@@TheHockeyGuy He was awful because of how he was used. He is an offensive specialist on a sharks team with horrible defense and offense. If he only played on a PP he would easily be worth a min contract. You just would not want him to play defense. The devils might not feel they need an offensive specialist. One person said they just needed an extra body for preseason. Addison as a comparison is also an offensive specialist. Passing is the only thing he has some talent at. I wouldnt waste a roster spot on him though even as a specialist that only played on the PP. Some enforcer players are viewed as a specialist. Some would say they a waste of a roster spot and others think they help a lot.

[@stevesmart170]

If the Hawks are only 10 points better, heads will roll, and probably Richardson's. Let's take a look. 52 points last year, with devastating injuries. Add Hall and AA and give them 65 games. That's 10 points right there. Add Bertuzzi, Tuevo, Martinez, Mikheiev, and others, another 10 points. And Brossiot over Soderblom who was downright awful last year, another 10 points, factoring that Mrazak is better with more days off. Funny 30 points more for 82 still has them 7th or 8th in the division, that's how bad they were. Still not good, but most pundits have them at 75 on the conservative end, to the low 80s. I look for a slow start due to the adds and taking time to gel, then they are going to surprise some people, and some teams.

[@jlo2o199]

Will trade hockey jerseys for Disneyland tickets Joke. I won’t sell my jerseys…

[@heldermoreira8554]

328 !!!

[@TylrVncnt]

Sharkkkkkks

[@nickharer]

I think 1. Blackhawks 2. Ducks then 3. Sharks this season

[@benderbendingrodriguez420]

Zegras & Terry have to be the most overhyped "stars" that haven't actually done anything pretty much there entire career besides a couple nice goals here & there

[@matthewkabel6246]

Congrats on contributing the most braindead comment I’ve ever seen on any app

[@SLM977]

Your awful

[@SLM977]

As someone who is poor to I have to share my microwave and toaster.

[@SLM977]

Yes it’s funny… haha