PWHL's debut season among the hockey storylines to watch in 2024

The debut of a united North American women's league, Connor McDavid's quest for team success, the culmination of Connor Bedard's first season, a return to best-on-best in the men's international game, and a scandal that continues to overshadow the sport.

The Canadian Press takes a look at some of the hockey storylines to watch for in 2024.

PWHL HITS THE ICE

The Professional Women's Hockey League will drop the puck on its inaugural 72-game season on New Year's Day with an Original Six that includes teams in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Boston, New York and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

The PWHL, which was born in July and had a short runway to get up and running, marks the first time North America will see the best players in the women's game all on one circuit.

The new league announced a landmark national broadcast deal this week with CBC/Radio-Canada, TSN/RDS and Sportsnet, along with a regional agreement south of the border with MSG Networks and NESN.

The PWHL curtain raises Monday when Toronto hosts New York.

MCDAVID'S QUEST FOR TEAM SUCCESS

The Edmonton Oilers captain has enjoyed incredible personal success in the NHL, but that hasn't translated to his team.

Edmonton made the Western Conference final in 2022 before getting eliminated in the first round last spring. The Oilers fired head coach Jay Woodcroft in November following a disastrous start to the season and replaced him with McDavid's old junior coach, Kris Knoblauch.

The Oilers have rebounded, but remain out of the playoff picture.

McDavid's contract with the Oilers runs through 2025-26, while fellow star forward Leon Draisaitl, who can sign an extension July 1, has a deal that expires after next season.

BEDARD'S BURST

The top pick at the 2023 NHL draft