With less than a month remaining until the puck officially drops on the 2025-26 NHL campaign, the initial phases of the new season are already in motion.
Across the league, aspiring young players are converging, eager to make a lasting impression, exceed expectations, and secure a life-changing opportunity in the National Hockey League. This week marks the arrival of veteran players at their respective camps, as all 32 teams gather with fresh perspectives and high hopes for the upcoming year.
However, before the regular season commences on October 7th, numerous critical determinations still need to be made.
Players will fiercely compete for available roster spots, coaches will meticulously craft line combinations, and individuals will strive to carve out significant roles for themselves. Bearing these crucial factors in mind, let’s delve into some of the most compelling storylines poised to unfold as NHL training camps get underway.
Who will secure the coveted top-six forward positions alongside Connor McDavid (#97) and Leon Draisaitl (#29) in Edmonton?
The Edmonton Oilers are currently grappling with a multitude of pivotal questions, none more pressing than whether superstar Connor McDavid will commit to the organization long-term, or if he is contemplating a future beyond Edmonton. Irrespective of his eventual decision, the immediate concern revolves around identifying the players who will skate alongside him this season.
Fresh off two consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final—both culminating in losses to the formidable Florida Panthers—the Oilers enter the 2025-26 season with a notably altered forward contingent. Four seasoned forwards have departed, with Andrew Mangiapane being the sole addition. Consequently, a cadre of young talents is expected to seize roster spots and evolve into regular NHL contributors. Michigan State product Ike Howard is leading this promising group, and considerable anticipation surrounds Matthew Savoie, the ninth overall pick from 2022, acquired from the Buffalo Sabres last year. Additionally, Zach Hyman is progressing in his recovery and is anticipated to reintegrate into the lineup at some point.
During last June’s critical playoff contests, head coach Kris Knoblauch deployed Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Corey Perry on McDavid`s line, while Evander Kane and Kasperi Kapanen were paired with Leon Draisaitl. Notably, two of these four players are no longer part of the roster. With immense pressure mounting and uncertainty surrounding McDavid’s long-term prospects, the question of who will step up to fill these vital roles this season looms large.