Predictions on Vegas' Cup chances, must-see rookies, more - ESPN

We are just days away from opening night of the 2023-24 NHL season on Oct. 10, featuring a tripleheader on ESPN and ESPN+: Nashville Predators-Tampa Bay Lightning (5:30 p.m. ET), Chicago Blackhawks-Pittsburgh Penguins (8 p.m. ET) and Seattle Kraken-Vegas Golden Knights (10:30 p.m. ET), the latter of which will include the Knights' Stanley Cup banner-raising ceremony.

But before the puck drops on live game action, we have some significant questions — and a panel of writers to answer them. Let's dive in!

Jump ahead:
Most hyped non-Bedard rookies
Keys to the Knights' Cup defense
Who will be the first coach fired?
How many goals for Alex Ovechkin?
Under-the-radar awards picks

How to watch the 2023-24 NHL season on ESPN networks — including 100 exclusive games and the out-of-market package (over 1,050 games).

Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporter: It's Logan Cooley for a number of reasons. Everything the Coyotes have done this offseason has made them one of the more interesting teams in the NHL. They have what appears to be their best chance to win more than 30 games for the first time in three seasons at a time in which they also have a number of young players who could play a big part. Cooley is at the top of that list.

Victoria Matiash, NHL analyst: I want to watch Devon Levi start games in Buffalo. Whether he plays 10 or 40-plus, I'm committed to catching them all. He's fiercely driven, agile, quick, and his sense of anticipation is through the roof. Fun stuff. Plus, I've always had a soft spot for smaller netminders. This kid fits in beautifully with a young Sabres squad on the rise, and I can't wait for him to get going.

Arda Öcal, NHL broadcaster: Adam Fantilli. I loved the juxtaposition of Connor Bedard getting a hat trick in his