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.

The Chicago Blackhawks are currently spending over $30 million on players not contributing to the roster this season, a reflection of their rebuilding phase and financial strategy. Key figures include injury-absent players like Jason Dickinson and Laurent Brossoit, each commanding significant AAVs. The team's aggressive cap management includes retaining portions of contracts from players like Mikko Rantanen and Seth Jones, providing flexibility for future acquisitions. The Blackhawks are expected to see a considerable reduction in this spending next season, provided players return from injury and contract expirations unwind.

The Minnesota Wild are set to face the Chicago Blackhawks, entering the match with a troubling four-game losing streak. The Wild recently sent Jesper Wallstedt and Travis Boyd back to the minors, as they continue to deal with injuries, including that of goaltender Filip Gustavsson.

The Blackhawks, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after a loss that halted their three-game winning streak. Star center Connor Bedard leads the team with 29 points, and they are adjusting to a recent coaching change.

The Chicago Blackhawks have made roster changes, assigning defenseman Wyatt Kaiser to the AHL and placing forward Craig Smith on injured reserve. Kaiser, who has struggled with performance, will benefit from more playing time with the Rockford IceHogs.

Smith, a veteran player, has contributed positively to the team but has missed recent games due to injury. With these adjustments, the Blackhawks are currently operating with a reduced roster as they approach the holiday break.