Hockey: What we expect from the Swiss in the NHL

Salary 2024-2025: $7.875 million

Under the leadership of a new coach (Jim Hiller), the Saint-Gallois should not obtain less responsibilities. Nothing seems to oppose the fact that he will experience a third consecutive season of more than 70 personal points within the Californian franchise where he should play a major role on the first numerical advantage unit.

Salary 2024-2025: 7.25 millions the dollars

The Valaisan will (already!) begin his eighth campaign in the uniform of the Devils who are now led by Sheldon Keefe (ex-Toronto). Its mission remains the same: it will be, with Jack Hughes, one of the two most used centers. He can easily hope to obtain a point per game while being a candidate for the Selke Trophy awarded to the most responsible attacker in the defensive sector.

Salary 2024-2025: 9,059 millions the dollars

The Bernese is launching his 14th season in the Predators uniform of which he is the No. 1 ambassador. On the ice, he will be helped by two other stars recruited on July 1 (the former Tampa Bay Steven Stamkos and the former Las Vegas Jonathan Marchessault). Two offensive contributions which could allow our Swiss icon to expand its very rich collection of assists. We won’t be surprised if he returns a point per game card and eyes the Norris Trophy awarded to the best defenseman in the league.

Salary 2024-2025: 2.25 millions the dollars

The Bernese, whose contract will expire at the end of the campaign, is reaching a turning point. After scoring 54 points (often alongside star Connor Bedard) last season, will he convince his board to offer him a new deal? Or will it become a bargaining chip come February 2025 trading deadline?

Salary 2024-2025: 8.8 millions the dollars

The highest paid attacker of the Devils, the Appenzellois, not necessarily always well used by former coach Lindy Ruff, did not meet expectations last season (52 points in 69 matches with a differential of -28). He embarks on a buyout operation when, according to the instructions of trainer Sheldon Keefe, he should obtain more freedom of action in enemy territory. We put a coin on an adventure punctuated by 40 goals and 70 points.

Salary 2024-2025: 4 millions the dollars

Grison, who will be enjoying their 14th season in the most competitive league on the planet, is still worth 0.5 points per outing. But its importance is no longer measured solely by this figure. “El Nino”, with his colossus stature, is a valuable asset on the third line, with limited playing time (around 15 minutes). He excels in both defensive and valuable tasks.

Salary 2024-2025: 3.4 millions the dollars

The value of the Zurich resident is not measured by his statistics sheet, but by his ability to thwart the opponent’s attacks. Best ally of his goalkeepers, No. 71 will continue to block shots, keep the danger away while providing good restarts. A discreet top 4, but so useful.

Salary 2024-2025: 1.6 millions the dollars

The Zurich resident’s contract with the Western Canadian franchise will expire at the end of the 2024-2025 season. The former ZSC and GCK Lions will therefore play big in the coming months. Will he continue his good work from last year (an eloquent +17) and will he force the Canucks’ hand? Or will he be forced to find a new address?

Dallas first-round pick in 2022, Solothurn defender Lian Bichsel (20 years old) will he start the season with the Stars, a team built to make a long run in the play-offs? If this were not the case, he would join the Austin-based school club, the Texas Stars.

As for Bernese goaltender Akira Schmid (24), who is competing with Canadian Adin Hill and Russian Ilya Samsonov for one of the two goalie positions in Las Vegas, he will begin the exercise with Henderson in the American Hockey League in waiting for a possible call.