Connor Hellebuyck powered Winnipeg to the Presidents’ Trophy with a Hart- and Vezina-winning season, posting 47-12-3, .925 SV% and 2.00 GAA. He carried the Jets deep into the playoffs, including two shutouts against Dallas, before a seven-game tilt with St. Louis underscored the climb ahead. Postseason numbers highlighted blemishes, but his big-picture focus remains on consistency and the crease foundation he’s built.

With Jonathan Toews adding veteran heft, Winnipeg eyes another Cup run. The offseason context includes Linus Ullmark in Ottawa and Dustin Wolf in Calgary, framing a league-wide backdrop as Hellebuyck and the Jets pursue continued elite play and a deeper playoff push.

USA and Canada clash again as hockey’s dominant powers plot their 2026 Olympic path in Italy, with the 4 Nations Face-Off revealing sharper talent depth and border-piercing rivalries. Rosters for the 2026 team debates hinge on rest vs. race, with Matthews, MacKinnon, McDavid and Bedard among the marquee names debated for Canada, while the US leans on Hughes, Fox, Knies and a goaltending duo that could tilt medal outcomes. Goaltending and go-forward scoring balance will decide medals in Milan.

Expect rosters to hinge on goaltending form (Hellebuyck, Oettinger, Demko, Swayman), top-line firepower (Matthews, Tkachuk, McDavid, McKinnon, Makar), and the emergence of young stars (Bedard, Celebrini, Hutson) who could reshape national depth. The Olympic stage is a proving ground where IIHF rules, pace, and discipline will test a talent tide that’s finally catching Canada’s long-running dominance.

The Vancouver Canucks enter camp with a clear question at center after J.T. Miller’s offseason exit: who will anchor the second line? Filip Chytil is the top internal bet, projected to work with Pettersson and Kane, while Vancouver pursues internal options like Raty, Sasson, and Mueller. Management admires patience but won’t ignore outside options if results lag, with playoff odds at +115 to make the postseason and a high cost for a quick fix.