As the NHL enters its 107th season, the addition of Utah HC and the dissolution of the Arizona Coyotes have significantly altered travel plans for teams across the league. New data reveals which team will log the most travel miles in the upcoming season, and the results highlight a staggering difference between the teams with the most and least travel.
According to a recent social media post by @TJStats, the Dallas Stars will travel the furthest in the 2024-25 season, with a total of 56,700 miles. This distance is 5,600 miles more than the second-place Florida Panthers. The top-five teams with the most travel also include the Anaheim Ducks (51,000 miles), Edmonton Oilers (50,000 miles), and Utah HC (48,700 miles).
In contrast, the Pittsburgh Penguins will travel the least, with only 31,700 miles. They are followed closely by the Ottawa Senators at 31,800 miles, the Columbus Blue Jackets at 33,400 miles, the New York Rangers at 35,300 miles, and the Philadelphia Flyers at 35,500 miles.
It's important to note that this data may not include the travel miles for teams participating in the season-opening games in Europe. If it doesn't, the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils would need to add 8,334 miles and 8,178 miles respectively to their totals.
The extensive travel schedule for the Dallas Stars could impact their performance as the season progresses, potentially contributing to player fatigue and injuries. The Stars have their sights set on reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2020, after two consecutive Western Conference Final losses. They are hoping to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1999, but the added travel could present a significant challenge.
For the teams with the least travel, like the Pittsburgh Penguins, the reduced miles could provide a slight advantage in maintaining player health and energy levels throughout the grueling NHL season.
Source: Blade of Steel
New data shows which NHL team will travel the furthest distance in 2024-25
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