NHL Training Camps Open With Trade Questions, New Captains and Stanley Cup Expectations

NHL training camps arrive this week with teams facing a shorter preparation period and several major roster questions before the 2026-27 season. Camp practices begin Thursday, Sept. 17, with the new collective bargaining agreement taking effect a day earlier. The CBA shortens the preseason to four games while expanding the regular season from 82 to 84 games, leaving only 12 days between the first practices and the Sept. 29 opening night for 10 teams. That compressed schedule puts additional importance on early practices as coaches evaluate line combinations, prospects and new additions.

Trade Requests Headline Training Camp Questions

Connor Hellebuyck’s Future in Winnipeg

One of the largest stories involves Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner publicly confirmed in August that he requested a trade several months earlier and believes moving on is the best option for his family. Hellebuyck remains with Winnipeg and is expected to report to camp, but his future could overshadow the Jets’ preparations. Detroit also faces uncertainty involving captain Dylan Larkin, another U.S. Olympic gold medalist who has requested a trade. Those situations could potentially reshape two rosters before or during the season.

Contracts and Captains Come Into Focus

Teams Race to Complete Deals

The new CBA has encouraged clubs to finalize contracts before Wednesday’s deadline. Once the agreement takes effect, teams will no longer be able to give their own players eight-year extensions; the maximum drops to seven years, while players signing with another organization will be limited to six. New restrictions also apply to signing bonuses and front-loaded contracts. Several deals have arrived immediately before camp. Anaheim signed Cutter Gauthier to a six-year contract, Montreal gave Alex Newhook a four-year deal and Ottawa signed Drake Batherson for eight years. Chicago also enters camp with a major leadership change. Connor Bedard has been named Blackhawks captain, giving the franchise’s young centerpiece another responsibility entering the new season.

Defending Champion Hurricanes Face Repeat Bid

Carolina Starts With a Target on Its Back

Carolina enters camp as the defending Stanley Cup champion after defeating Vegas in six games in June. The Hurricanes begin their title defense against Florida on Sept. 29. Carolina retained much of its championship core, led by Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, and remains near the top of the futures betting market. The Hurricanes also signed veteran Jordan Staal to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million just before camp.

Stanley Cup Futures Betting

Training camp offers bettors their first extended look at offseason roster changes, injuries and lineup competitions before the regular season. FanDuel and BetMGM currently have Florida at the top of their Stanley Cup markets, with Colorado and defending champion Carolina close behind. Using current prices from FanDuel and BetMGM, the leading contenders include:

• Florida Panthers: +650 — FanDuel +650; BetMGM +650
• Colorado Avalanche: +750 — FanDuel +750; BetMGM +750
• Carolina Hurricanes: +750/+800 — FanDuel +750; BetMGM +800
• Edmonton Oilers: +1000/+900 — FanDuel +1000; BetMGM +900
• Vegas Golden Knights: +1100/+850 — FanDuel +1100; BetMGM +850
• Tampa Bay Lightning: +1200 — FanDuel +1200; BetMGM +1200
• Washington Capitals: +1200/+1700 — FanDuel +1200; BetMGM +1700
• Minnesota Wild: +1300/+1400 — FanDuel +1300; BetMGM +1400
• Dallas Stars: +1700 — FanDuel +1700; BetMGM +1700
• Montreal Canadiens: +2700/+2000 — FanDuel +2700; BetMGM +2000

Inside the Odds

The differences between FanDuel and BetMGM demonstrate how much futures prices can vary by sportsbook. Vegas is a particularly notable example, sitting at +850 at BetMGM compared with +1100 at FanDuel in the available markets. Odds remain subject to change as training camps produce injury updates, roster moves and clearer depth charts. With trade requests unresolved, a new CBA taking effect and several contenders entering camp with significant roster changes, the NHL’s shortened preseason should provide plenty of movement before opening night.