This was the final season for theArizona Coyotes before they suspended operations. It followed the sale of the team's hockey assets to Utah businessmanRyan Smith, who was awarded anexpansion team inSalt Lake City to begin play in the2024–25 season. The Coyotes had until 2029 to construct a new arena, upon which they would have been reactivated as an expansion team with all previous team history, records, and uniforms being maintained. However, in June, the auction was cancelled, andAlex Meruelo left the ownership, leading the team to cease operations.[2] The Coyotes became the first team to suspend operations since theBrooklyn Americans in1942.
The NHL held games in Australia for the first time in league history. TheArizona Coyotes andLos Angeles Kings played on September 23 and 24 atRod Laver Arena inMelbourne, best known as the main venue for theAustralian Open. Since the arena was not designed for ice hockey, the league built a temporary rink akin to otherNHL outdoor games, though the arena's retractable roof was closed for the games.[5]
In November 2023,Penn Entertainment announced an agreement to become an official sports betting partner of the NHL in Canada and the United States; the agreement is represented in Canada viatheScore Bet, and in the United States via the then-recently launchedESPN Bet.[6][7]
On April 14, 2023, one day after the conclusion of the Ducks' season, the team announced that Eakins' contract would not be renewed. In four seasons with Anaheim, Eakins totaled a 100–147–44 record, with no playoff appearances.[8] Cronin, most recently the head coach of theColorado Avalanche'sAmerican Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, theColorado Eagles, was named head coach on June 5, 2023.[9]
Sutter was fired on May 1, 2023, two and a half weeks after the conclusion of the Flames' season. In just under three seasons during his second stint as the Flames' head coach, Sutter posted a 103–63–28 record, winning theJack Adams Award in2021–22 and reaching the playoffs as Pacific Division champions the same year; the team ultimately lost in the second round.[10] Huska, an assistant coach for Calgary since 2018, was promoted to head coach on June 12, 2023.[11]
Larsen was fired on April 15, 2023, one day after the conclusion of the Blue Jackets' season. In two seasons with Columbus, Larsen posted a 62–86–16 record, with no playoff appearances.[12] Babcock, most recently head coach of theToronto Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2019, was named head coach on July 1, 2023.[13] However, after allegations of improper behavior via theSpittin' Chiclets podcast led to anNHLPA investigation into Babcock, he announced his resignation as head coach on September 17, before the start of the preseason.[14][15] Associate coachPascal Vincent was subsequently promoted to head coach, signing a two-year contract.[14]
Hynes was fired on May 30, 2023, a month and a half after the conclusion of the Predators' season. In three and a half seasons with Nashville, Hynes registered a 134–96–18 record, reaching the playoffs three times, but failing to advance past the first round.[16] Brunette, most recently an assistant coach with theNew Jersey Devils, and previously interim head coach of theFlorida Panthers during the2021–22 season, was named head coach the following day.[17]
Gallant and the Rangers mutually agreed to part ways on May 6, 2023, five days after the Rangers' elimination from the2023 playoffs. In two seasons with New York, Gallant led the team to a 99–46–19 record with two playoff appearances, reaching the Eastern Conference finals in2022.[18] Laviolette, most recently head coach of the Washington Capitals from 2020 to 2023, and who had left Washington two months prior, was named head coach on June 13, 2023.[19]
On April 14, 2023, one day after the conclusion of the Capitals' season, in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and with his contract expiring, the team and Laviolette mutually agreed to part ways. Laviolette posted a 115–78–27 record in three seasons with Washington, reaching the playoffs twice but failing to advance past the first round.[20] Carbery, most recently an assistant coach with theToronto Maple Leafs, and formerly head coach of Washington's minor league affiliates, theECHL'sSouth Carolina Stingrays and AHL'sHershey Bears, was named head coach on May 30, 2023.[21]
Woodcroft was fired on November 12, 2023, after the Oilers started the season 3–9–1. In parts of three seasons with the Oilers, Woodcroft totaled a 79–41–13 record and made the playoffs twice, including reaching the Western Conference finals in2022. Knoblauch, formerly the head coach of theNew York Rangers' AHL affiliate, theHartford Wolf Pack, was named head coach the same day.[22]
McLellan was fired on February 2, 2024, with the Kings holding a record of 23–15–10; despite a 20–7–4 start to the season, the team went 3–8–6 in the 17 games preceding his dismissal. In four and a half seasons with Los Angeles, McLellan posted a 164–130–44 record, reaching the playoffs twice but failing to advance past the first round. Hiller, an assistant coach, was promoted to interim head coach.[23][24]
Evason was fired on November 27, 2023, after the Wild started the season 5–10–4. In parts of five seasons with Minnesota, Evason posted a 147–77–27 record, reaching the playoffs four times but failing to advance past the first round.[25] Hynes, most recently head coach of theNashville Predators from 2020 to 2023, was named head coach the same day.[26]
Ruff was fired on March 4, 2024, after the Devils started 30–27–4. In just over three-and-a-half seasons with New Jersey, Ruff totaled a 128–125–28 record, with one playoff appearance. Green, the associate coach, and previously head coach of theVancouver Canucks from 2017 to 2021, was promoted to interim head coach the same day.[27]
Lambert was fired on January 20, 2024, after the Islanders started the season 19–15–11. In a season and a half with New York, Lambert recorded a 61–46–20 record, making the playoffs in his only full year. Roy, most recently head coach of theQuebec Remparts of theQuebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) from 2018 to 2023, and previously head coach of theColorado Avalanche from 2013 to 2016, was named head coach the same day.[28]
Smith was fired on December 18, 2023, after the Senators started the season 11–15–0. In just over four seasons with Ottawa, Smith compiled a 131–154–32 record, with no playoff appearances. Martin, a senior advisor to the coaching staff who previously served as the team's head coach from 1996 to 2004, and most recently served as head coach of theMontreal Canadiens from 2009 to 2011, was promoted to interim head coach.[29]
Berube was fired on December 12, 2023, after the Blues started the season 13–14–1. In parts of six seasons with St. Louis, Berube compiled a 206–132–44 record with four playoff appearances, leading the franchise to its firstStanley Cup championship in2019. Bannister, previously the head coach of the Blues' AHL affiliate, theSpringfield Thunderbirds, was promoted to interim head coach.[30]
On October 23, 2023, Bowness announced that he was taking a temporary leave of absence after his wife suffered a seizure and was admitted to the hospital. Arniel, the associate coach, took over as interim head coach,[31] and totaled a 9–2–2 record before Bowness returned from his leave on November 24.[32]
On April 17, 2023, five days after the conclusion of the Flames' season, and with his contract expiring, the team and Treliving mutually agreed to part ways. Treliving had served as general manager since 2014, overseeing five playoff appearances and two Pacific Division titles. Maloney, formerly general manager of theNew York Islanders andArizona Coyotes, and most recently a pro scout, was subsequently promoted to president of hockey operations, and assumed the role of interim general manager.[33] Conroy, formerly the assistant general manager, was promoted to general manager on May 23.[34]
Poile announced on February 26, 2023, that he would retire as GM on June 30, but remain as a consultant. The sole general manager in Predators history until his retirement, Poile had served in the role since 1997, overseeing fifteen playoff appearances, two Central Division titles, one President's Trophy, and one Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Poile also won theJim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award in 2017. Trotz, who served as the team's first coach from 1997 to 2014, and most recently was head coach of theNew York Islanders from 2018 to 2022, was announced as Poile's successor on the same day, formally assuming the general manager role on July 1.[35]
Fletcher was fired on March 10, 2023, with the Flyers holding a record of 24–30–11. Fletcher had served as general manager since 2018, with the team making the playoffs once during his tenure. Assistant general manager Briere was named interim general manager,[36] before being made the official general manager on May 11.[37]
Hextall was fired on April 14, 2023, one day after the conclusion of the Penguins' season, after the team missed the playoffs for the first time in 16 seasons. Hextall had served as general manager of the Penguins since 2021, overseeing two playoff appearances and one division championship.[38] Dubas, most recently general manager of theToronto Maple Leafs, was hired as president of hockey operations on June 1,[39] assuming the role of interim general manager;[40] he was later named permanent general manager on August 3, 2023.[41]
On May 19, 2023, one week after the Maple Leafs' elimination from the2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, and with his contract expiring, the team announced that Dubas would not return. Dubas had served as general manager of the Maple Leafs since 2018, with the team reaching the playoffs all five years of his tenure, and winning one North Division title.[42] Treliving, most recently general manager of theCalgary Flames, was named general manager on May 31.[43]
Kekalainen was fired on February 15, 2024, after the Blue Jackets began the season 16–26–10. Kekalainen had served as general manager of the Blue Jackets since 2013, overseeing five playoff appearances, includingthe franchise's first playoff series win in 2019. Davidson, the president of hockey operations, was named interim general manager.[44]
Dorion was fired on November 1, 2023, after the Senators forfeited a first-round draft pick due to their role in issues surrounding the trade ofEvgenii Dadonov to theVegas Golden Knights, and Dadonov's subsequentvoided trade to theAnaheim Ducks. Dorion had served as general manager of the Senators since 2016, overseeing one playoff appearance. Staios, the president of hockey operations, was subsequently named interim general manager,[45] before being named official general manager on December 31.[46]
The league held four regular season games on four consecutive days atAvicii Arena inStockholm, Sweden. TheDetroit Red Wings and theOttawa Senators faced each other on November 16. The Red Wings then played theToronto Maple Leafs on November 17. TheMinnesota Wild took on the Senators on November 18. Finally, the Wild played the Maple Leafs on November 19.[48]
Source: National Hockey League[56] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) p – Clinched Presidents' Trophy;x – Clinched playoff spot
Source: National Hockey League[56] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) x – Clinched playoff spot;y – Clinched division
Source: National Hockey League[57] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) x – Clinched playoff spot
Source: National Hockey League[56] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) x – Clinched playoff spot;z – Clinched conference
Source: National Hockey League[56] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) x – Clinched playoff spot;y – Clinched division
Source: National Hockey League[57] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) x – Clinched playoff spot
In each round, teams compete in a best-of-seven series following a 2–2–1–1–1 format (scores in the bracket indicate the number of games won in each best-of-seven series). The team withhome ice advantage plays at home for games one and two (and games five and seven, if necessary), and the other team is at home for games three and four (and game six, if necessary). The top three teams in each division make the playoffs, along with twowild cards in each conference, for a total of eight teams from each conference.
In the first round, the lowerseeded wild card in each conference was played against the division winner with the best record while the other wild card was played against the other division winner, and both wild cards werede facto #4 seeds. The other series matched the second and third-place teams from the divisions. In the first two rounds, home ice advantage was awarded to the team with the better seed. In the conference finals and Stanley Cup Finals, home ice advantage was awarded to the team with the better regular season record.
The following goaltenders led the league in regular seasongoals against average at the completion of games played on April 18, 2024, while playing at least 1,920 minutes.[59]
This was the final season forAdidas as the official apparel provider of the NHL. Starting with the 2024–25 season,Fanatics became the official apparel provider on a 10-year contract.[85]
The NHL officially gave teams the option to wear their colored helmets on the road, provided they are not the same color as the home team's helmets. The new rule was revealed after theCarolina Hurricanes started wearing red helmets regularly with the road white uniforms the previous season, followed by both theToronto Maple Leafs wearing the blue helmets with the road white uniforms during a Global Series tour in Sweden and theSan Jose Sharks wearing the teal helmets with the road white uniforms.[86]
TheAnaheim Ducks unveiled their 30th anniversary alternate uniform, featuring the original 1993 to 2006 colors of eggplant base and jade, white, and silver stripes. The updated "Wild Wing" roundel crest with the current team name is emblazoned in front.[87]
TheBoston Bruins unveiled the new logo and centennial patch for this upcoming season, keeping with the spoke "B", and instead of black lettering with yellow spokes going with yellow lettering with black spokes.[88] The Bruins also unveiled special uniforms for the season, with the primary black and white uniforms sporting a metallic gold shade called "Centennial gold" and the alternate beige uniform using the 1970s uniform template albeit in the original brown and gold colors.[89]
TheCarolina Hurricanes unveiled a white version of their previousHartford Whalers throwback alternates, featuring Hartford's "Pucky the Whale" mascot as the shoulder patch.[90]
TheMinnesota Wild introduced a new "78's" alternate uniform based on their greenMinnesota North Stars-influenced 2022–23 Reverse Retro jersey, but with the addition of Minnesota-shaped captain patches and a "State of Hockey" shoulder patch.[91]
TheNew York Rangers introduced a new navy blue alternate uniform, inspired byNew York City, and featuring their shield logo as the crest for the first time since 1978.[92]
ThePhiladelphia Flyers unveiled new uniforms, returning to the burnt orange shade they wore from 1982 to 2007 and featured visual cues from previous uniforms. The black alternate was retained.[93]
TheSan Jose Sharks introduced a new black alternate uniform, featuring their alternate shark fin logo as the crest and containing elements inspired byNorthern California.[94]
TheToronto Maple Leafs revealed an updated version of their annualToronto St. Pats throwback jerseys, replacing the previous "ST. PATS" wordmark with a shamrock crest, and modifying the name and number fonts.[95]
TheWinnipeg Jets unveiled a new powder-blue specialty alternate uniform commemorating the centennial of theRoyal Canadian Air Force, with a design based on those worn by theRCAF Flyers at the1948 Winter Olympics. The previous heritage alternates were retained as the full-time third jerseys.[96]
TheNew Jersey Devils,New York Islanders,New York Rangers andPhiladelphia Flyers introduced uniforms for theNHL Stadium Series. New Jersey's uniform had a red and black jersey featuring a simplified "NJ" crest, without the surrounding circle. The Islanders unveiled a navy blue uniform with a large orange stripe, inspired byPlimsoll lines painted on ships, and an "ISLES" wordmark. The Rangers' uniform was white with red, white, and blue stripes resembling their road uniform, and a diagonal "NYR" wordmark. Philadelphia unveiled a white uniform with orange and black sleeve stripes, the latter of which stretched through the nameplate.[99]
On October 14, 2023, Toronto Maple Leafs forwardAuston Matthews recorded a second consecutive hat trick in Toronto's second game of the season, becoming the fifth player in NHL history to open a season with consecutive hat tricks, and the second since1917–18.[119]
On October 24, 2023, Washington Capitals forwardAlexander Ovechkin scored his 300th power-play goal, becoming the first player in NHL history to reach the mark.[122]
On October 24, 2023, theColorado Avalanche defeated theNew York Islanders for their 15th consecutive road victory in the regular season (dating back to the2022–23 season), setting a new record for the longest winning streak on the road, and surpassing the record previously held by theBuffalo Sabres (14 consecutive road wins between the2005–06 and2006–07 seasons).[123]
On October 31, 2023, Nashville Predators forwardRyan O'Reilly played his1,000th NHL game, becoming the 383rd player to reach the mark.[124]
On November 4, 2023, theWashington Capitals won their 1,000th home game in franchise history.[125]
On November 14, 2023, Buffalo Sabres forwardKyle Okposo played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 384th player to reach the mark.[127]
On November 19, 2023, Colorado Avalanche defensemanCale Makar recorded his 200th assist in his 254th NHL game, becoming the fastest defenseman to reach 200 assists in NHL history, and surpassing the record previously held byQuinn Hughes.[128]
On November 22, 2023, New York Islanders forwardCal Clutterbuck played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 385th player to reach the mark.[129]
On December 3, 2023, theNew York Rangers won their 3,000th regular season game in franchise history.[131]
On December 4, 2023, Tampa Bay Lightning defensemanVictor Hedman played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 386th player to reach the mark.[132]
On December 7, 2023, Dallas Stars forwardMatt Duchene played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 387th player to reach the mark.[133]
On December 7, 2023, theLos Angeles Kings recorded their 11th consecutive road victory to start the regular season, setting a new record for the longest winning streak on the road to begin the season, and surpassing the record previously held by the2006–07 Buffalo Sabres.[134]
On December 7, 2023, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin recorded his 1,500th point, becoming the 16th player to reach the mark.[135]
On December 11, 2023, Toronto Maple Leafs forwardJohn Tavares recorded his1,000th point, becoming the 98th player to reach the mark.[136]
On December 27, 2023, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang became the first defenseman in NHL history to record five points in a single period.[138]
On December 29, 2023, Philadelphia Flyers head coachJohn Tortorella became the eighth head coach in NHL history, as well as the first American head coach, to coach 1,500 games.[139]
On December 31, 2023, Minnesota Wild goaltenderMarc-Andre Fleury played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 388th player, as well as the fourth goaltender, to reach the mark.[140]
On January 15, 2024, Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury recorded his 552nd win, surpassingPatrick Roy for second inall-time wins.[141]
On January 24, 2024, Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice coached his 1,813th game, surpassingBarry Trotz for the second-most games coached.[143]
On January 27, 2024, Pittsburgh Penguins forwardLars Eller played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the first Danish-born and 389th overall player to reach the mark.[144]
On January 27, 2024, theMontreal Canadiens played their 7,000th regular season game in franchise history.[145]
On February 10, 2024, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 57th empty-net goal, setting a new record for empty-net goals, and surpassing the record previously held byWayne Gretzky.[146]
On February 12, 2024, Vegas Golden Knights defensemanAlex Pietrangelo played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 390th player to reach the mark.[147]
On February 13, 2024, Boston Bruins forwardBrad Marchand played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 391st player to reach the mark.[148]
On February 18, 2024, New York Rangers forwardMatt Rempe became the first player in NHL history to make his NHL debut in an outdoor game, doing so in the2024 NHL Stadium Series.[149]
On February 21, 2024, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews scored his 50th goal of the season in his 54th game, becoming the fastest American-born player to 50 goals in a season, and surpassing the record previously shared by himself andKevin Stevens.[150] Matthews also became the first player to reach 50 goals in 55 games or fewer sinceMario Lemieux did so in1995–96.[151]
On February 28, 2024, the Vegas Golden Knights won their 300th regular season game, becoming the fastest team to 300 wins in NHL history, and surpassing the record previously held by theEdmonton Oilers.[152]
On March 5, 2024, Boston Bruins forwardJames van Riemsdyk played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 392nd player to reach the mark.[153]
On March 12, 2024, Seattle Kraken forwardJordan Eberle played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 393rd player to reach the mark.[154]
On March 16, 2024, Washington Capitals forwardT. J. Oshie played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 394th player to reach the mark.[155]
On March 18, 2024, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 20th goal of the season, becoming the third player in NHL history to record at least 20 goals in 19 consecutive seasons.[156]
On March 20, 2024, Los Angeles Kings forwardAnze Kopitar recorded his 1,200th point, becoming the 52nd player to reach the mark.[157]
On March 23, 2024, St. Louis Blues defensemanNick Leddy played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 395th player to reach the mark.[158]
On March 26, 2024, New York Rangers head coachPeter Laviolette became the seventh head coach in NHL history to win 800 games.[159] Additionally, the Rangers clinched a playoff berth,[159] making Laviolette the first head coach in NHL history to reach the playoffs with six different teams.[160]
On March 30, 2024, Washington Capitals defensemanJohn Carlson played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 396th player to reach the mark.[161]
On March 30, 2024, Winnipeg Jets goaltenderConnor Hellebuyck played his 500th NHL game, becoming the 79th goaltender to reach the mark.[162]
On March 30, 2024, New York Rangers goaltenderJonathan Quick recorded his 392nd win, setting a new record for wins among American-born goaltenders, and surpassing the record previously held byRyan Miller.[163]
On March 30, 2024, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews scored his60th goal of the season for the second time in his career, recording the 43rd 60-goal season in NHL history.[164]
On April 1, 2024, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby recorded his 82nd point of the season, securing his 19th season averaging at least one point per game, and tying the record held by Wayne Gretzky for most point-per-game seasons.[165]
On April 2, 2024, Buffalo Sabres forwardJeff Skinner played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 397th player to reach the mark, as well as the first to do so without having appeared in a playoff game.[166]
On April 7, 2024, Carolina Hurricanes goaltenderFrederik Andersen recorded his 294th win in his 494th game, surpassingBraden Holtby for the most goaltender wins through their first 500 games.[167]
On April 9, 2024, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews scored his 66th goal of the season, surpassing Alexander Ovechkin's modern record of 65 goals set in2007–08. In addition, Matthews became the first player to score more than 65 goals in a single season since Mario Lemieux accomplished the feat in1995–96.[168]
On April 9, 2024, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 30th goal of the season, becoming the first player in NHL history to record 18 seasons of at least 30 goals.[169]
On April 11, 2024, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews scored his 50theven-strength goal of the season, becoming the seventh player to reach the mark, and the first sinceTeemu Selanne did so in1992–93.[170]
On April 11, 2024, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby recorded his1,000th assist, becoming the 14th player to reach the mark.[171] Crosby also surpassedPhil Esposito for tenth in all-time points, becoming the first player to enter the top ten sinceJaromir Jagr did so in2007–08.[172]
On April 13, 2024, Pittsburgh Penguins defensemanErik Karlsson played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 398th player to reach the mark.[173]
On April 13, 2024, Detroit Red Wings goaltenderJames Reimer played his 500th game, becoming the 80th goaltender to reach the mark.[174]
On April 14, 2024, Calgary Flames forwardYegor Sharangovich recorded his 59th point of the season, setting a new single-season record for points among Belarusian players, and surpassing the record previously held byMikhail Grabovski.[175][176]
On April 15, 2024, Edmonton Oilers forwardConnor McDavid recorded his 100th assist of the season, becoming the fourth individual to reach the mark, and accomplishing the 14th 100-assist season in NHL history.[177]
On April 15, 2024, Nashville Predators defensemanJeremy Lauzon recorded his 383rd hit of the season, setting a new single-season record for hits, and surpassing the record previously held byMatt Martin.[178]
On April 17, 2024, Tampa Bay Lightning forwardNikita Kucherov recorded his 100th assist of the season, becoming the fifth individual to reach the mark, and accomplishing the 15th 100-assist season in NHL history. In addition, Kucherov and Connor McDavid became the second pair of players to reach 100 assists in the same season, and the first since Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux both recorded 114 assists in1988–89.[179]
On May 20, 2024, Edmonton Oilers defensemanEvan Bouchard recorded his 20th point of the playoffs, becoming the first defenseman in NHL history to total 20 points through the first two rounds of the playoffs.[180]
On June 2, 2024, the Edmonton Oilers won the Western Conference, making Oilers forwardCorey Perry the first player in NHL history to reach theStanley Cup Finals with five different franchises.[181]
On June 16, 2024, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid recorded his 32nd assist of the playoffs, setting a new single-playoff record for assists, and surpassing the record previously held by Wayne Gretzky.[182]
On June 15, 2024, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid recorded his 40th point of the playoffs, becoming the third individual to reach the mark, and accomplishing the fifth 40-point playoff in NHL history.[183]
On June 18, 2024, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid recorded four points in game five of the2024 Stanley Cup Finals, marking his second consecutive game with four points, and setting a new record for total points in consecutive Finals games.[184]
On June 21, 2024, Edmonton Oilers forwardZach Hyman scored his 16th goal of the playoffs, setting a new record for single-postseason goals in the salary-cap era, and surpassing the record previously held bySidney Crosby andAlexander Ovechkin.[185] In the process, Hyman became the third player to reach the mark in the past 30 years, afterPavel Bure andJoe Sakic.[186]
On June 24, 2024, the Florida Panthers won theStanley Cup, making PantherscaptainAleksander Barkov the firstFinnish-born captain to lead a team to the Cup.[187] Panthers head coach Paul Maurice, in his 26th season as head coach, and having coached 1,848 regular-season games, also set a new record for most seasons and games as head coach before winning the Cup.[188][189]
This was the tenth season of the league's 12-year Canadian national broadcast rights deal withSportsnet. This included Sportsnet's sub-licensing agreements to air SaturdayHockey Night in Canada (HNIC) games onCBC Television and French-language broadcasts onTVA Sports.[190] Sportsnet's national schedule also includedMonday Night Hockey,Wednesday Night Hockey, this season's four outdoor games, theHockey Day in Canada games on January 20, and All-Star Weekend.[191]HNIC games aired across CBC, one or more of thefour Sportsnet feeds,Sportsnet One,Sportsnet 360, orCitytv; decisions on network assignments were made on a week-by-week basis, and selectHNIC games were simulcast on multiple networks.[191][192] Games were streamed onSportsnet+, with national games available on the Standard level, out-of-market games on the Premium tier, and via authenticated streaming on participating teams.[193] Regular season games on CBC were also simulcast onCBC Gem, which replaced CBCSports.ca.[194]
Longtime commentatorJohn Garrett retired fromVancouver Canucks broadcasts before the season.[195] He continued to provide analysis on select national broadcasts throughout the season. Sportsnet later announced thatDave Tomlinson, formerly a radio analyst for theSeattle Kraken, would take over as the primary TV analyst for Canucks regional broadcasts, withESPN lead analystRay Ferraro working as a substitute for select games.[196]
This was the third season of the league's seven-year U.S. national broadcast rights deals with theESPN family of networks andTNT Sports (formerly Warner Bros Discovery Sports during the previous 2022–23 season, and Turner Sports two seasons prior).[199]
Regular season games were aired exclusively onESPN on selected Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends; andABC on selected Saturdays between mid-January and mid-April.ESPN+ andHulu exclusively streamed games primarily on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends throughout the season.[a] During All-Star Weekend, ESPN had the All-Star skills competition while ABC aired the All-Star Game. Both Stadium Series games were broadcast by ABC. A Presidents' Day doubleheader on February 19 was also scheduled on ESPN this season. Under the "NHL Power Play on ESPN+" branding, the streaming service also streamed ABC games, selected ESPN games, as well out-of-market games.[201] For the second consecutive season, ESPN collaborated withDisney Channel on a youth-oriented alternate broadcast, using the NHL's player and puck tracking system to render a live animated version of the March 9, 2024, Pittsburgh Penguins–Boston Bruins game, portrayed by characters from the animated seriesBig City Greens.[202]
WBD's regular season coverage was primarily onTNT, with games on Wednesday nights throughout the season, the Thanksgiving Showdown on November 24, Winter Classic, and selected Sunday games between late February and April. Not all of TNT's regular season games were exclusive broadcasts and were thus subject toblackout in local markets.[203] WBD invoked its over-the-top streaming rights forMax, adding live sports telecasts from WBD channels; these broadcasts were available at no additional charge until a later date, after which viewers must subscribe to the Bleacher Report Sports add-on.[204] This season's Heritage Classic instead aired onTBS due toTNT's soccer coverage ofU.S. women's national soccer team.[205]TruTV also began airing simulcasted/alternative broadcasts of selected TNT games,[206] TruTV also televised a youth-oriented alternate broadcast, using the NHL's player and puck tracking system to render a live animated version of the Colorado Avalanche–Vegas Golden Knights game on April 14, 2024, portrayed by WBD characters featured in theMultiVersus video game.[207]
NHL Network continued to also nationally televise selected regular season games, including Saturday and Sunday afternoon games as part of theNHL Network Showcase series.
The 12 NHL teams who had dealt with theBally Sports regional sports networks may be affected by its operatorDiamond Sports Group's March 14, 2023, decision to file for bankruptcy. Diamond had initially sought to continue broadcasting regional games while it plans to separate from majority parentSinclair Broadcast Group as part of the reorganization.[210]
TheLos Angeles Kings renewed their contract withBally Sports West despite Diamond's bankruptcy. The Kings also reached an agreement withKCAL-TV for the rights to six games and select half-hour specials.[211][212]
On October 4, 2023, Diamond announced that it intended to reject itsBally Sports Arizona contract with theArizona Coyotes.[213] The next day, the Coyotes announced a new television agreement with theE. W. Scripps Company's sports divisionScripps Sports, under which it carried games on a subchannel of its Phoenix broadcast station and ABC affiliateKNXV-TV, and syndicate them to sister stations in the team's broadcast territory, includingKGUN-TV inTucson, Arizona, andKUPX-TV andKSTU-DT2 inSalt Lake City. The Coyotes aired non-game programs on KNXV and sisterThe CW affiliateKASW.[214][215] With Bally Sports Arizona already previously losing airing rights to thePhoenix Suns toGray Television and theArizona Diamondbacks to theMLB itself earlier in the year, they decided to wind down services for the rest of the month before concluding on October 21, 2023.
On December 20, 2023, Diamond Sports and the NHL reached an agreement that resulted in the contracts for teams airing on Diamond expiring after the 2023–24 NHL season.[216] However, on January 17, 2024, Diamond Sports announced a restructuring agreement after receiving a $115 million investment fromAmazon. The restructuring agreement would supersede the prior agreement with the NHL, so rights for the NHL would no longer expire following the 2023–24 season.[217][218]
On May 4, 2023, the Golden Knights signed a multi-year agreement with Scripps Sports to start airing games on Scripps' Las Vegas broadcast stationKMCC, and syndicate the telecasts to other stations across the team's broadcast territory; both KMCC andSalt Lake City'sKUPX-TV were converted fromIon Television stations to independents to accommodate the team's broadcasts, along with Scripps'sMontana Television Network, whose second digital subchannels previously carriedThe CW.[221]
On August 30, 2023, the Penguins announced that they would acquire AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, which rebranded on October 2 asSportsNet Pittsburgh. The channel is operated byNESN—the regional broadcaster of the Boston Bruins—which is majority-owned by the Penguins' parent companyFenway Sports Group.[222][223]
ESPN/ABC studio analystChris Chelios, who served in the role for two seasons, left the network as part of its June 2023 cost-cutting measures.[224][225] Chelios later made appearances on TNT during the season. In October, studio analystBarry Melrose resigned after being diagnosed withParkinson's disease.[226][227]
TNT ice-level analystKeith Jones left the network to become president of hockey operations with thePhiladelphia Flyers. Before joining the Flyers' front office, Jones also worked as the team's TV color analyst for 23 seasons, while also working as a studio and game analyst withNBC and later TNT.[37] To replace Jones, TNT hiredBrian Boucher away from ESPN/ABC, serving the same role as he previously had with the latter network. Boucher also replaced Jones as a primary analyst on the Flyers' television broadcasts.[228][229]
TheChicago Blackhawks hiredDarren Pang to be their lead TV color commentator. Pang, who spent 14 years in the same role with theSt. Louis Blues and is also a color commentator on TNT, replaces bothColby Cohen, whose contract with the team was not renewed[230][231] andPatrick Sharp, who left to also join the Flyers front office, along with Keith Jones. The Blues replaced Pang withJamie Rivers, who had been the backup color commentator whenever Pang worked for TNT before the announcement.[232]
Boston Bruins TV play-by-play announcerJack Edwards announced his retirement at the end of the season. Edwards joined the Bruins broadcast team before the2005–06 season after several stints as an anchor and reporter on various networks, most notably with ESPN'sSportsCenter.[240]
^Masisak, Corey (April 17, 2024)."As the Stanley Cup Playoffs beckon, Zach Parise is ready for his last dance".The Denver Post.Parise, who joined the Avalanche just before the All-Star break after taking the first half of the season off, confirmed Wednesday to The Denver Post that the contest against Edmonton at Ball Arena will be the last regular-season game of a long and distinguished career.
^"Rangers explode in second period, down Capitals in Game 1".CBS News. April 21, 2024. RetrievedApril 22, 2024.'It's obviously good to get that first one,' said New York's Peter Laviolette, who became the first coach in NHL history to lead six different teams to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
^Vickers, Aaron (April 15, 2024)."Kadri scores twice in 3rd, Flames rally past Coyotes".nhl.com. RetrievedApril 17, 2024.Sharangovich has 59 points (31 goals, 28 assists) this season, the highest-scoring single-season total by a Belarussian forward in NHL history. Mikhail Grabovski previously held the record with 58 points (29 goals, 29 assists), set with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2010-11.
