Luke Hughes' long-term deal with the New Jersey Devils looms, likely altering the club's defensive structure and potentially pressuring Dougie Hamilton, who has three years left at $9 million per season with a 10-team modified no-trade clause. If Hughes signs, Devils’ future roster decisions could pivot around March 6 trade deadline chatter. Other rumblings touch Chicago and Edmonton, Mason MacTavish, Luke Evangelista, and Toronto's hunt for a top-six forward, plus goaltending moves around Carter Hart and Philadelphia.

Colorado enters 2025-26 with its deepest roster since 2022 and no shortages of what ifs. Landeskog returns and a stabilized core raises the ceiling, while Necas and Olofsson bring high end scoring options. Injury notes cloud camp though with O Connor out until November and Girard plus Blackwood limited. Wedgewood carries the starter load early as Malinski and the left side adapt to a four right shot defense corps. 3C 4C battles and waiver possibilities shape a busy camp.

Team USA unveiled its 2026 Olympic coaching staff, led by Mike Sullivan with assistants John Hynes, David Quinn and John Tortorella, plus goaltending coach Mike Buckley and video coaches Mike King and Madison Nikkel. Milan hosts the Feb. 11 games as NHL players return to Olympics after a long absence, with GM Bill Guerin stressing depth and gold-medal ambitions.

Chicago’s camp chatter centers on Lukas Reichel as trade winds swirl, with the Blackhawks signaling openness to moving him for the right return. Reichel showed upside when paired with Bedard but also spent time on a lower line, creating uncertainty around his role. Across the league, McDavid’s contract saga with Edmonton, Kaprizov’s big‑questions tour, and Eichel/Heart chatter shape fantasy value and keeper decisions. A destination that unlocks top‑6 minutes and PP time could unlock Reichel’s ceiling, while cap dynamics could tilt rosters and opportunities league‑wide.