As NHL training camps kick off today, players are gearing up for practice tomorrow and the first exhibition games on Saturday, marking a rapid sprint to the opening night on Sept. 29. This season commences earlier than ever before, with the regular season expanding to 84 games under a new collective bargaining agreement taking effect.
The league has seen significant changes since the Carolina Hurricanes secured the Stanley Cup in June. Notable headlines include Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk moving to Florida to team up with his brother Matthew, Edmonton hiring Mike Babcock to support Connor McDavid, and Toronto selecting Gavin McKenna as the first overall draft pick.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been active in reconfiguring their roster, acquiring Darren Raddysh and Sergei Bobrovsky. Washington made a big move by securing Alex Tuch in a lucrative sign-and-trade deal with Buffalo.
In ongoing player movements, Connor Hellebuyck seeks a trade from Winnipeg, while Zach Werenski contemplates his future with Columbus. Meanwhile, Jason Robertson opted for a shorter deal with Dallas over a more extended one with Seattle. Notable unsigned players include Nikita Kucherov and Quinn Hughes.
Several key players, including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Alex Ovechkin, are on expiring contracts, raising speculation about their future. Dylan Larkin faces uncertainty in Detroit after losing his captaincy amid trade talks.
With the salary cap increasing, teams have been offering record-breaking contracts. Exciting deals include Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet from Philadelphia, Macklin Celebrini’s extension with San Jose, and Cale Makar’s lucrative agreement with Colorado.
Additionally, the new collective bargaining agreement introduces changes to the salary cap during playoffs and eliminates the anonymous Emergency Backup Goalies (EBUGs). The All-Star Game returns after a hiatus, featuring a revamped tournament format. Plans for the World Cup of Hockey in 2028 and continued NHL player participation in the Olympics in 2030 are also in place.