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.

The Winnipeg Jets are actively weighing their options with their first-round pick, amidst a critical phase where they aim to remain competitive in the NHL. General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff faces tough decisions ahead: whether to utilize the pick, currently 28th, to draft a promising player or to trade it for immediate roster improvements.

Recent history shows the Jets have had a mixed record with first-round picks, including Rutger McGroarty's recent trade to Pittsburgh after he refused to sign with Winnipeg and the unfortunate retirement of highly touted Chaz Lucius due to health issues. The situation is compounded by Nikolaj Ehlers’ potential departure to free agency, further pressuring the Jets to bolster their lineup.