Lane Hutson reaffirmed his pledge to USA Hockey, dismissing his father’s Canada chatter as he heads into another season with the Montreal Canadiens. The Calder Trophy winner, 21, remains a focal point for US defense prospects amid dual-citizenship chatter and a backdrop of national-team planning. The piece frames Hutson as a future US cornerstone while the Canadiens navigate a young blue line and growing international ambitions.

Dallas Stars begin training camp in Frisco under Glen Gulutzan, welcoming a veteran roster that aims to finally push past the Western Conference finals. Roster decisions loom for a seventh defenseman and a potential 23rd forward as the new staff tries to mesh with a group built to win a Stanley Cup.

Defense battles center on Alexander Petrovic, Kyle Capobianco and Vladislav Kolyachonok, while Wyatt Johnston, Oskar Bäck and Arttu Hyry push for NHL roles. Health is in focus after last season's injuries, with updates on Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen and Jake Oettinger guiding expectations for opening night.

Easton Cowan faces a brutal 14-forward logjam in Toronto, making opening-night fate uncertain for the Leafs’ top prospect. He grabbed attention at the Prospect Showcase with an assist and a defense-first mindset, signaling a potential path through two-way play and PK value. With veteran depth like Kampf, Robertson, and Jarnkrok in the mix, Cowan’s best route may be a late-season call rather than an immediate boost, as the organization prioritizes the present.

The Leafs’ Core Four debate persists as Mitch Marner’s future exits cast doubt, yet Matthews, Nylander and Tavares remain central scorers, with Matt Knies potentially joining to maintain balance and depth. The Blue Jays’ depth approach surfaces as a cross-sport benchmark for teams relying on multiple contributors rather than star power alone.

Ken Dryden’s passing sparks a look at goalie-size history, from the era’s tall, athletic netminders to today’s cap-driven mix. The piece threads in Marner’s market image, the nickname Chief for Craig Berube, and Leafs’ signing moves—Joshua, Roy, Maccelli—painting a long-haul blueprint that blends talent, depth and smart acquisitions for sustained success.