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.

Nashville’s rookie camp centers on Brady Martin, the 2025 No.5 pick, with scouts keen on whether he can stand out and force a quick NHL look or whether his path still runs through the OHL. The Predators are also re-evaluating the Molendyk-Gibson pairing amid hints they could be split, a move that would reshape early-season defense depth. Cole O’Hara, a 2022 fourth-rounder with a Pro debut behind him, will push to prove he’s pro-ready. Florida hosts the rookie tournament against Florida, Carolina, and Tampa Bay before the veterans report.

Martin’s Florida showing could tilt Nashville’s nine-game NHL window decision and influence whether he stays or returns to Sault Ste. Marie. The camp will illuminate how Milwaukee’s AHL path could unfold for Molendyk and Gibson, and whether O’Hara’s playmaking can translate to a full-time role. Florida’s tournament acts as the first real barometer before September’s main camp.

The recent acquittal of five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team has stirred significant debate and response in the sports community. Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote faced serious allegations dating back to June 19, 2018, involving a sexual assault incident. Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia ruled that the complainant's testimony lacked sufficient credibility, citing inconsistencies and a lack of corroborative evidence.

This case, which has garnered attention through various investigations and public discourse, has raised questions about the accountability of athletes and sports organizations. Despite the acquittal, the fallout from the allegations continues to affect the players' careers, with none currently on NHL rosters.

The Nashville Predators have officially signed Matthew Wood, their first-round draft pick from 2023, to a three-year entry-level contract. This comes after Wood's NCAA season concluded with a heartbreaking overtime loss in the playoffs. At 6'4" and 205 pounds, the 20-year-old forward is expected to bring a valuable combination of size and skill to the team. With 44 goals and 57 assists over 109 NCAA games, Wood has demonstrated his scoring ability, although scouts have noted a need for improvement in his skating and speed. He is anticipated to join the Predators shortly, marking the next step in his professional career.