There are some large storylines value watching this coming season. Connor McDavid‘s state of affairs is getting essentially the most consideration, however the Olympics, a comeback story, and Mitch Marner‘s transfer to Vegas will probably be carefully watched narratives as 2025-26 unfolds.
The Greatest Story: Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid nonetheless doesn’t have a contract heading into his UFA yr. That is vital for the NHL—and extra particularly, the Edmonton Oilers—as a result of, at this level, based mostly on all insider info, it’s not a query of cash, however a query of how good this workforce is and what the long run holds for the Oilers.
They’ve made back-to-back Finals appearances however fell brief each occasions. In the event that they fall brief once more, will Connor keep? Or will he grow to be the highest-paid free agent signing ever, most definitely in NHL historical past?
Most consider McDavid will re-sign earlier than the season, or at the very least early into it. The delays, nevertheless, have created pause across the NHL and Elliotte Friedman just lately hinted groups would possibly attempt to clear the decks within the occasion McDavid finishes out the season and not using a new deal.
The Gavin McKenna Sweepstakes
One other storyline going into subsequent season will probably be which groups are most definitely to tank for the possibility on the potential first general decide. That decide is Gavin McKenna, who just lately dedicated to Penn State—and likewise the cousin of current first general decide Connor Bedard.
Many groups like Chicago, San Jose, Anaheim, Nashville, and Pittsburgh ought to all be within the combine for the celebrity heart, who registered 41 targets, 88 assists, and 129 factors with the Medication Hat Tigers within the WHL.
Vegas Golden Knights and Mitch Marner
Mitch Marner shocked nobody when he jumped to the Vegas Golden Knights from the Toronto Maple Leafs. What will probably be intriguing to observe now could be how he transitions and performs after all of the drama surrounding his departure.
The dynamic 100-point scorer must have an enormous season after a sign-and-trade deal that’s nonetheless being talked about by Toronto followers and media. It’s a distinct highlight and he’ll must adapt to a brand new system underneath head coach Bruce Cassidy. Are his new linemates in Jack Eichel and Pavel Dorofeyev higher than the place he’s coming from?
Olympic Yr Means Selecting Olympic Rosters
How the 2026 Olympics play into this coming season will probably be intriguing to observe. Which means numerous roster building talks—discussions about which gamers will make it and who is not going to.
Even proper now, the dialog has already began with Habs star rookie defenseman Lane Hutson, who wasn’t invited to Crew USA’s summer season camp this offseason. One other consideration is the query of who will probably be wholesome when the Olympics arrive in February 2026. Who will probably be wholesome and accessible when the rosters are finalized?
The Return of a 2010s Icon
In the event you watched hockey within the 2010s, one participant who was highly regarded and dynamic was the elite two-way ahead and captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, Jonathan Toews. After the 2020 season, he suffered from a extreme case of lengthy COVID, which compelled him to step away from the Blackhawks—and hockey as an entire. Now, having signed a one-year cope with his hometown workforce, the Winnipeg Jets, it’s simply an general feel-good story.
This isn’t only a story of how properly he performs after a lot time without work and a scary well being analysis. That is the return of an icon from the 2010s period of the NHL—coming again for another dance together with his hometown workforce.
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