Nikolaj Ehlers signs with the Hurricanes on a six-year, 8.5M AAV deal, boosting a club that has reached the playoffs seven straight seasons and seeks its first Cup final since 2006. He’ll skate on a top line with Aho and Jarvis as Carolina looks to maximize scoring depth and chemistry this season.

The move adds Miller on defense and signals a broad, multi-year retooling to balance elite talent with cap flexibility. Coach Brind’Amour emphasizes gradual chemistry-building ahead of the Oct. 9 opener vs New Jersey, as Carolina chases another deep playoff run.

Training camps open with a flurry of injury notes and precaution rests across the NHL. Slavin will miss the start for Carolina as a precaution; Brossoit out long-term after hip surgery for Chicago; Hyman and Zuccarello sideline early, with Hyman eyeing a return in early November and Zuccarello possibly out to start the season. Predators’ Molendyk and Reid nursing lower-body issues; Josi cleared on the health front but dealing with POTS concerns. Kovacevic could miss January for New Jersey. Engvall and Varlamov limited for New York Islanders; Bonk day-to-day for Philadelphia. McGroarty, Acciari, Letang, and Sourdif noted with various injuries or medical considerations. Several players face extended timelines or are progressing back, shaping early-season depth and fantasy projections.