The NHL is gearing up for the upcoming season with training camps starting today and the first exhibition games scheduled for this Saturday. Opening night on Sept. 29 marks the earliest start to a regular season in NHL history, with the season expanding to 84 games under the new collective bargaining agreement that recently took effect.
Several significant moves have shaken up the league, including Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk’s trade to Florida to join his brother, Matthew. Edmonton brought in Mike Babcock as head coach to support Connor McDavid’s quest for a Stanley Cup. Toronto made strategic moves by drafting Gavin McKenna first overall, signing Darren Raddysh in a trade, and acquiring Sergei Bobrovsky. Washington secured high-scoring forward Alex Tuch in a notable deal with Buffalo.
There are pending moves to watch, such as the trade request of goalie Connor Hellebuyck from Winnipeg, Zach Werenski’s contract situation in Columbus, and Jason Robertson’s decision to reject a lucrative deal from Seattle. Notable pending free agents include Nikita Kucherov and Quinn Hughes.
The league is witnessing staggering contracts being handed out with the rise in the salary cap. Teams are making significant financial commitments, with players like Leo Carlsson, Macklin Celebrini, and Cale Makar signing lucrative extensions. The new collective bargaining agreement also introduces limitations on contract extensions and deals with free agents.
Other updates include the extension of the salary cap into the playoffs, changes to emergency backup goalie protocols, and the return of the All-Star Game after a two-year hiatus. The upcoming season promises exciting events like the World Cup of Hockey in 2028 and NHL players’ participation in the Olympics in 2030.
