Edmonton’s Conor McDavid contract chatter dominates the early season as a cap surge looms, with the panel signaling a short‑term deal likely well under max payrolls and clarity arriving in the next 48 hours. The discussion centers on how the Oilers balance a marquee extension with Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, Nurse and Hyman to stay competitive as the cap expands.

In Montreal, Lane Hudson’s contract talks and RCA tax considerations color Caufield and Suzuki’s horizon. Goalie depth across the league—Sorokin, Vasilevskiy, Gustafsson, Wolf, Ingram, Markström—frames decisions for the West, where Anaheim and Calgary figure as intriguing sleepers as preseason fades into opening night.

Rangers fans get a six-episode flavor of the opening-night roster puzzle, with Noah Laba likely centering the third line alongside Gabe Perreault and Braden Bard, while Brennan Offman eyes Hartford for a reset. Veterans like Shiri and Parson pace the competition, and strong showings could flip the depth chart quickly. A Stefan Matteau tribute and a new emergency backup goalie rule spice the fantasy angle and the way depth is valued.

Noah Laba’s overtime winner capped a bristling Rangers preseason, boosting his case for a third‑line center role as he tallies 1 goal and 4 assists in four games. Gabe Perau’s vision and chemistry with Laba shone, underscoring a potential top‑nine spine.

Roster decisions loom: JT Miller’s status is day‑to‑day but hopeful, ten cuts were made, and the third period remains a preseason bugbear. Adam Fox’s ALS donation adds a warm, real‑world touch as opening night nears.