Three NHL Questions That Could Shape the Upcoming Season
Jason Robertson and Adam Larsson battle during a matchup between the Dallas Stars and Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on March 31, 2025. Photo by Jenn G.
Written by Derrik Maguire
The NHL’s opening night is only a couple of weeks away, and there are still questions across the league. As the preseason begins this weekend, here are some of the biggest questions still waiting to be answered before puck drop.
Quinn Hughes Saga, Part II
Last season, with a contract extension unlikely, the Vancouver Canucks traded their then-captain and superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. Now, with Hughes entering the final season of his current deal, both he and the Wild will have to figure out what they want their future to look like.
Hughes would love to join his brothers, Jack and Luke, in New Jersey. After a successful Olympic campaign alongside Jack, Jack recently acknowledged that he would like to play with Quinn.
Minnesota, meanwhile, would like to keep Hughes long term after trading significant pieces to acquire him last December. With the Wild having Stanley Cup aspirations, losing one of the league’s best defensemen could have a major impact on those goals.
Keeping Hughes might be the best move for both sides, but what he values most beyond this season will ultimately determine his future. His contract, Minnesota’s Stanley Cup chances, and the opportunity to play alongside his brothers could all play a role in where he ends up.
Is Dylan Larkin’s Time in Detroit Ending?
One of the bigger surprises of the offseason came when longtime Red Wings center and captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request was leaked in June. It was recently announced that Larkin would attend Red Wings training camp, but he would no longer serve as the team’s captain.
When Larkin was named captain, it was seen as a transition into a new era of Red Wings hockey. Even with the team’s ongoing playoff drought, his trade request was still a shock to many. Reports of Larkin clashing with GM and franchise legend Steve Yzerman only added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
However, the Red Wings relieved Yzerman of his GM duties in July. As Detroit continues its search for a replacement, the brakes have been put on a potential Larkin trade, with the team hoping to have internal discussions once a new GM is hired.
Until then, questions will remain about what comes next for Larkin in Detroit and whether the former captain still has a future with the organization he has spent his entire NHL career with.
Does Jason Robertson See His Future in Dallas?
One of the names that has circulated in trade conversations is Dallas Stars star winger Jason Robertson. Ever since the Stars acquired Mikko Rantanen and extended him, Robertson’s future has been in limbo. Much of that uncertainty has less to do with Robertson’s ability on the ice and more to do with Dallas’ salary-cap situation.
After last season, Robertson became a restricted free agent and eventually signed a one-year deal worth $12 million to return to Dallas. Prior to that, he had rejected multiple trades, including a sign-and-trade to the Kraken, who were willing to offer him an eight-year deal worth $120 million in total value.
Robertson’s situation will not be settled immediately, as he cannot sign an extension until January 1, 2027. Until then, the Stars will likely keep the lines of communication open. If the two sides cannot reach an agreement before the trade deadline, Dallas may be forced to consider trading Robertson rather than risk losing him for nothing as an unrestricted free agent.
As players arrive at training camps, preseason games get underway, and the regular season approaches, these questions cannot stay unanswered forever. Whether it is Quinn Hughes and Minnesota’s long-term future, Dylan Larkin waiting to find out what is next in Detroit, or Jason Robertson weighing his future in Dallas, each answer could shape much more than one season.
For the players, teams, and fan bases involved, those answers could shape what comes next.
