Previewing the Brandon Wheat Kings' 2024-25 WHL season.

Welcome to The Hockey News 2024-25 season preview series. From August 29 to September 20, THN's WHL duo will examine some of the biggest storylines facing each team this season. Today's edition is focused on the Brandon Wheat Kings, who will be looking to return to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

2023-24 Statistics:
Regular Season Record: 33-28-6-1, 73 Points (3rd East Division)
Playoffs: Defeated By Moose Jaw Warriors 4-0 First Round
Key Departures: Brett Hyland (F), Nate Danielson (F)
Key Additions: Adam Belusko (D), Jaxon Jacobson (F)

Starting things off in the East with the team miles away from anyone else, Brandon is in an interesting spot and not just geographically. Boasting top draft-eligible talent such as Roger McQueen, NHL prospects like Charlie Elick, and getting the first full WHL season out of top 2008-born prospect Jaxon Jacobson, there's no reason for the Wheat Kings to take a stride or two this upcoming season.

With that said, over the course of the 2024 calendar year, Brandon has lost a large majority of their leadership group; Captain Nate Danielson was traded to the Portland Winterhawks in January, and career Wheat King Brett Hyland as well as other assistant captain Jayden Wiens have aged out of the WHL. On the bright side, assistant captain Rylan Roersma returns for another campaign, alongside Quinn Mantei.

Brandon has had a relatively quiet offseason, with the lone notable signing being Adam Belusko out of the Slovakia U20 league.

What remains from the summer is a seemingly middle of the pack roster with the potential to score and win by committee, should the opportunity arise. Brandon has retained Philadelphia Flyers prospect Carson Bjarnason between the pipes which should provide some much needed stability, and forward Dominik Petr and McQueen should take elevated roles on the front end in 2024-25. With a portion of their higher end scoring moving on, the Wheat Kings could be treading water for another season but the team does have upside.

Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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