Kaprizov’s extension talks hinge on term as much as money, with Minnesota balancing a return to playoff contention against cap realities. The Wild can’t afford a repeat of past exits, so they’re weighing a long-term pledge or trading rights if Decembers pass without a deal.

The saga nods to Gaborik’s Wild era as a cautionary tale: timing, health, and fit decide a franchise horizon. Kaprizov wants to win, and Minnesota’s cap space recovery underpins the leverage as McDavid’s market moves loom large in the league.

Five Team Canada players cleared of charges become eligible to sign in October, with Dec. 1 readiness on the line. Alex Formenton has already headed overseas; Cal Foote, Dillon Dube, Michael McLeod and Carter Hart are eyeing their next steps, Hart attracting the most attention as a possible Edmonton Oilers addition. Edmonton must balance a potential goaltending boost from Hart against fan backlash, plus a two-year layoff that complicates immediate contribution behind Skinner and Pickard.

Dallas Stars axe Pete DeBoer after three strong seasons that nevertheless fell short of a Stanley Cup Final, highlighted by a controversial Game 5 benching of Jake Oettinger and a postgame admission of shared accountability. DeBoer framed the moment as a necessary shock to lift a team that repeatedly saw Edmonton as a hurdle, while taking responsibility for the lapses that kept Dallas from the ultimate goal.

Glen Gulutzan steps in to provide a new voice, with a largely intact core and a renewed focus on accountability, structure, and late-season poise. GM Jim Nill stressed a collective reset rather than blame, setting the stage for a fresh alignment of leadership, goaltending duties, and postseason expectations as Dallas chases its first Cup Final in years.