As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, teams like the Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Islanders face pivotal moments in their preparations. The Jets, coming off a disappointing playoff exit, have undergone significant changes, including the retirement of head coach Rick Bowness, and are gearing up for a new season with hopes of overcoming past struggles. Meanwhile, the Penguins are considered underdogs for the playoffs, with an aging core and uncertainty in goaltending, but there are reasons for cautious optimism, including the potential impact of young players. The Islanders find themselves in a precarious position as a bubble team, with competition intensifying from teams like the Montreal Canadiens, who bolstered their roster with offseason additions. Expectations vary widely across the Eastern Conference, suggesting that each team's performance could swing dramatically based on early-season outcomes. The NHL preseason kicks off soon, with training camps set to finalize rosters and strategies ahead of the regular season's start on October 8.