Jason Robertson and Jake Oettinger were named to USA Hockey’s Olympic Orientation Camp in Plymouth, Michigan (Aug. 26-27), joining 42 other invitees from 24 NHL teams as Team USA gears up for 2026 Milano Cortina. The two-day camp is administrative and team-building, with no on-ice sessions. The selection marks an early step toward finalizing the Olympic roster, which already included six players announced in June: Eichel, Matthews, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, Hughes and McAvoy.

The U.S. sits atop the IIHF rankings and is chasing its first Olympic gold since 1980, after a 4 Nations final loss to Canada earlier in 2025 and a World Championship gold in May. A full invitee list was released by USA Hockey, underscoring the depth and ambition of this roster-building phase.

The Florida Panthers have successfully clinched their second consecutive Stanley Cup, a remarkable feat that has sparked discussions about the future of Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid. With the Oilers falling short in the Stanley Cup Final for the second time against the Panthers, speculation is rife about McDavid's potential movement, particularly concerning a hypothetical trade proposal involving top Panthers players.

Analysts Bryan Hayes, Jeff O'Neill, and Jamie McLennan engaged in a lively debate, exploring what it would take for the Panthers to acquire McDavid. O'Neill suggested a package including star center Aleksander Barkov, defenseman Seth Jones, and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Hayes countered, asserting that such a move isn't as far-fetched considering McDavid's contract situation, as he is eligible for an extension soon. McLennan warned that any significant deal would need to disrupt the team's core, highlighting how crucial it is for the Panthers to maintain their championship roster.

The Florida Panthers have redefined what it means to have a winning culture in professional sports, leading to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. Center Sam Bennett, the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, emphasizes this culture, stating it requires commitment, selflessness, and a gritty style of hockey. Coach Paul Maurice's return to coaching vigor is attributed to the infectious spirit within the team's locker room.

Notable performances from players like Nate Schmidt and Seth Jones highlight how the Panthers' culture revitalized their careers, with Schmidt contributing significantly on defense and Jones emerging as a Norris Trophy candidate. The team's unity was evident during their Cup celebration, where no individual sought the spotlight, reinforcing the selfless nature of their success. This culture, once a cliché in sports, has been proven invaluable for the Panthers, positioning them for potential dynasty status.

As the Florida Panthers gear up for a potential Stanley Cup victory, much of their success hinges on the pivotal trades made ahead of the deadline. Acquiring Brad Marchand and Seth Jones has proven to be a game-changer, with both players making significant contributions during the playoffs. Marchand, now 37, has notably returned to form, leading the team in scoring with six goals in the finals and a total of 20 points this postseason. His high-energy style and charismatic personality have invigorated the Panthers, fostering camaraderie and a fun atmosphere within the locker room.

Marchand’s ability to shine under pressure is evident with his two overtime winners and his knack for making the big plays when it matters most. However, the team faces a dilemma regarding his future with a potential salary increase looming over them. The Panthers must weigh the benefits of retaining a veteran star against the financial implications, especially as they aim to build a winning culture reminiscent of past championship teams.