However, in the Stanley Cup finals, they came up against a Florida Panthers outfit that was in the midst of its own Cinderella story. The Floridians made it all the way to the finals last year as a wildcard, only to fall at the final hurdle. This time around, they would make no such mistake, defeating the Oilers in a seven-game thriller to claim the giant trophy for the first time in franchise history.

Throughout last season, the NHL didn't just showcase North American talent, but an impressive roster of European players who left an indelible mark on the ice. Here are four of the continent's best players from the 2023/24 season.

Nikita Kucherov

Nikita Kucherov continued to solidify his status as one of the most dynamic players in the league with another stellar campaign. The Tampa Bay Lightning man's offensive prowess was on full display as he amassed an impressive 92 points, good enough to secure the Art Ross trophy and rip it away from the mercurial McDavid for the first time in four years. His playmaking ability and vision made him a constant threat to opponents, and he played a crucial role in the juggernaut of an offence down in Tampa.

While the Russian's impact wasn't limited to just regular-season statistics, he certainly would have hoped for more once the playoffs got underway. The Lightning became back-to-back champions in 2020 and 2021, and they very nearly made it a threepeat the following year as they reached the Stanley Cup finals once more, but on that occasion, they were dispatched by the Colorado Avalanche in six.

This time around, they never threatened and were ultimately eliminated in the opening round by the eventual champion Panthers. That has seemingly deterred the punters, with the latest NHL odds pricing the Lightning as a +2500 outsider for the Stanley Cup next term, a stark contrast to recent years.

Kirill Kaprizov

Kucherov's Russan compatriot Kirill Kaprizov continued to wow fans with his electrifying performances for the Minnesota Wild last term. The talented winger has become known for his speed and scoring touch in recent years, and that was on full display throughout the 2023/24 campaign, as he racked up 85 points, 38 of which were goals and the other 47 assists. That total was the second most of his relatively short four-year career in the NHL, with him racking up a mighty 108 points two years ago.

His ability to create scoring opportunities seemingly out of nowhere kept defenders on their toes and made him a critical asset in Minneapolis. The former CSKA Moscow man's flair and creativity on the ice are complemented by his tenacity and work ethic, dragging his team kicking and screaming to victories all by himself. But while Kaprizov had an impressive campaign personally, his team couldn't follow in his footsteps, winning just 39 games all season, six shy of the Vegas Golden Knights in the final wildcard spot out West.

Filip Forsberg

Swedish sensation Filip Forsberg has been a mainstay of the Nashville Predators for the last decade, but the recently concluded campaign was his best ever. He racked up a whopping 94 points last term, his best by some distance, surpassing the 84 he posted in 2022, which was 20 points clear of his previous best. Fil's scoring ability was a cornerstone for the offence in Tennessee, but his brilliance didn't translate into postseason success.

The Preds scraped into the playoffs as the lowest-ranked Wdcard in the Western Conference, which left them at the mercy of the top-seeded Vancouver Canucks. The Canadian outfit duly obliged, running out as 4-2 victors in the opening round and leaving Nashville dreaming of what might have been. Whether it was breaking through tough defences or delivering in high-pressure moments, Forsberg's contributions were key to the Predators' competitive edge throughout the season, and they will be aiming to build on their return to the playoffs.

Roman Josi

Forsberg's captain in Nashville, Swiss star Roman Josi, once again proved why he is considered one of the best defensemen in the NHL. The 34-year-old veteran accumulated 72 points from the blue line, showcasing his exceptional ability to contribute from deep. His vision and passing skills were instrumental in setting up scoring plays, while his defensive acumen ensured stability in the Predators' back end.

Josi's leadership extends beyond his on-ice performance. As a captain, his presence in the locker room and on the bench provided a steadying influence. With him leading by example, the likes of the aforementioned Forsberg have been able to shine, and the Bridgestone Arena faithful will be hoping a bright future is on the horizon. 

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