Luke Hughes’ contract stalemate with the New Jersey Devils heads toward training camp as GM Tom Fitzgerald seeks a deal that fits both today’s roster needs and future cap realities. The piece notes rising caps shaping a buyer’s market and internal limits, while Dawson Mercer and Jeremy Swayman’s training camp absence adds leverage dynamics. Calgary’s Zary, Backlund, and Andersson; plus Canucks' Quinn Hughes, Rangers, Canadiens and Leafs are cited as comp benchmarks in a broader NHL cap landscape.

Rumors are swirling around a potential trade involving the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman. This isn't the first time the Oilers have been linked to Swayman, as they expressed interest last offseason when he was unsigned. The Oilers, alongside teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken, have shown repeated interest in acquiring Swayman. With Oilers GM Stan Bowman hinting at changes to both forwards and goaltenders, Swayman could be a key target. Importantly, Swayman doesn't have any trade protection until July 1, 2026, opening the door for a potential deal.

The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year after defeating the Dallas Stars 6-3 in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. This victory capped a stellar playoff run, with the Oilers holding a 12-2 record. A pivotal factor in their success has been goaltender Stuart Skinner, who has stepped up significantly after initial struggles. With three shutouts and a .904 save percentage in the playoffs, he has solidified his place in net.

Earlier in the season, there were speculations about the Oilers possibly trading for Boston Bruins' Jeremy Swayman, who has had a less-than-stellar year compared to his previous seasons. Despite signing a long-term contract, interest from the Oilers highlighted the weight of Skinner's early criticism. Ultimately, sticking with Skinner has proven to be the right choice as they prepare to face the Florida Panthers in the finals.

The United States men's hockey team has clinched the IIHF World Championship for the first time since 1933, defeating Switzerland 1-0 in an exhilarating overtime match. The victory took place at Avicii Arena in Stockholm, where the Americans faced a tough Swiss defense and goalie Leonardo Genoni, who held them scoreless through regulation despite the U.S. outshooting them significantly.

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winning goal just two minutes into overtime, assisted by Logan Cooley and Brady Skjei. Meanwhile, USA goalie Jeremy Swayman delivered a stellar performance, stopping all 25 shots to secure a shutout. The win not only ends a nearly 90-year championship drought but also marks a significant momentum shift ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympics.