2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Prince Albert Raiders
Previewing the 2024-25 Prince Albert Raiders' season.
Photo by Steve Hiscock/Saskatoon Blades - 2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Prince Albert RaidersWelcome 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 Prince Albert Raiders, who are eager to keep climbing up the Eastern Conference standings.
2023-24 Statistics:
Regular Season Record: 31-32-2-3, 67 Points (4th East Division)
Playoffs: Defeated By Saskatoon Blades 4-1
Key Departures: Ryder Ritchie (F), Terrell Goldsmith (D), Easton Kovacs (D)
Key Additions: Tomas Mrsic (F), Lukas Dragicevic (D)
Prince Albert, while on the surface is a confusing team in terms of some of the moves they made over the summer, is the definition of a young and exciting team. General Manager Curtis Hunt has taken major steps to rebuild a roster that won the WHL Championship just six seasons ago and has had limited playoff success since.
In the way of trades, this summer the Raiders made two big splashes in the pond, acquiring Lukas Dragicevic from the Tri-City Americans. It may have cost them Terrell Goldsmith, an imposing figure on the back end, but allows Prince Albert to have a star defender that can provide leadership to the young core. Giving up Ryder Ritchie is no small loss either, but getting Tomas Mrsic in return as well as a draft pick is a solid addition to the forward group.
As for the aforementioned core, Prince Albert is currently the quintessential "rebuild through the draft" team. Selecting three times in the top ten in the 2023 WHL Draft, two of those picks being the top two selections, got them defenceman Daxon Rudolph as well as forwards Riley Boychuck and Ty Meunier; all of which are projected to play full WHL seasons this year.
While there will more than likely be some growing pains for the Raiders this season, expect them to take a large step forward and challenge for at least home ice advantage in one playoff series.
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