Drake Batherson is staying in Ottawa, signing an eight-year, $86 million extension that keeps him with the Senators through the prime of his career. After choosing to remain with the organization, Batherson now has the opportunity to take on an even larger role as Ottawa looks to take its next step.

Poitras entered his fourth Bruins training camp with his NHL future still uncertain. After a strong preseason debut against Washington, he has given Boston another reason to consider him for a permanent roster spot.

Scott Arniel enters the 2026-27 season under pressure after Winnipeg’s dramatic fall from Presidents’ Trophy winners to missing the playoffs. With uncertainty surrounding Connor Hellebuyck, Arniel faces a crucial season to help the Jets find their identity again.

Jessica Campbell’s next chapter comes with the New Jersey Devils, where she will focus on developing the organization’s next generation of players. After making NHL history, Campbell brings a human-centered approach to a role built around helping young athletes find their path.

Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request has now reached training camp, with the Jets suspending their star goaltender after he failed to report. As his desire for a new opportunity becomes harder to ignore, Winnipeg faces an increasingly complicated situation with one of the most important players in franchise history.

Several big names have recently secured new contracts, including Cutter Gauthier, Jordan Staal, and Alex Newhook. From young stars taking on bigger roles to veterans chasing another opportunity, each deal could shape what comes next.

With the NHL season approaching, several major questions remain unanswered. From Quinn Hughes’ future in Minnesota to Dylan Larkin’s uncertain place in Detroit and Jason Robertson’s long-term outlook in Dallas, these decisions could shape more than just one season.

Viggo Björck has his eyes on an NHL roster spot, but earning it will test more than his skill. As the opportunity gets closer, Björck is relying on his confidence to prove he belongs in Winnipeg.

Kreider’s 50-point season ended with an unexpected exit from Anaheim, as the Ducks chose cap flexibility and their young core over their veteran winger. Now, he will get a fresh start in Montreal.

John Klingberg’s 12-year NHL career is over, closing the chapter on a defenseman who made offense part of his identity. From his rise in Dallas to a Stanley Cup Final run, Klingberg truly left his mark from the blue line.

Fraser Minten just received one of the biggest signs of confidence a young player can get: a seven-year contract with the Boston Bruins. Now comes the challenge of carrying that confidence while handling the expectations that come with it.

After a breakout sophomore season, Cutter Gauthier faces heightened expectations heading into 2026-27. His ability to maintain his goal-scoring success, expand his game and emerge as a leader will be tested as the pressure around Anaheim’s young star grows.

Manny Malhotra’s promotion to Vancouver’s bench could shape the next chapter of the Canucks’ rebuild. After helping develop the team’s young talent in Abbotsford, he now has to turn that foundation into NHL success.

Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith’s friendship is moving beyond the rink as the Sharks’ young stars become roommates for the 2026-27 season. With their chemistry already developing on the ice, they could become central to San Jose’s future

After the best offensive season of his NHL career, Luke Evangelista suddenly finds himself in a new city with the New Jersey Devils. The unexpected move gives the 24-year-old forward a fresh opportunity to build on his breakout year and help New Jersey make a playoff push.

Daxon Rudolph has spent his career learning how to handle the pressure that comes with being one of hockey’s top prospects. After going No. 4 overall to the Buffalo Sabres, he faces a new challenge: turning those expectations into the foundation for his future in the NHL.

Pressure is part of life in the NHL, but not all of it can be seen from the outside. From the expectations placed on stars like Connor McDavid to the private struggles Colin Wilson carried throughout his career, the weight of the game can follow players long after they leave the ice.

Gauthier’s breakout 41-goal season has dramatically increased his value, and he has reportedly rejected a four-year, $52 million offer from the Ducks. Now, Anaheim must balance paying its emerging star with maintaining the depth needed to build around its young core.

Victor Hedman’s decision to step away from hockey last season showed that leadership sometimes means putting your mental health first. Now, the Lightning captain is returning with a renewed perspective and a message that it’s OK not to be OK.

Peter Laviolette brings decades of playoff experience to a Los Angeles Kings team looking to finally break its first-round exit streak. Can his coaching philosophy and proven track record help the Kings take the next step in the Stanley Cup Playoffs?