Seth Jones, 30, is the lone Olympic-hopeful defender who brings a rare two-threaded path: he attended the 2013 USA orientation camp and earned a spot on the 2022 Olympic team before the NHL withdrew. Now chasing Milan 2026, Jones sits in a shifting USA defense core alongside Fox, Slavin, Werenski, Hughes and McAvoy, eyeing a chance to cap a career arc that includes a Stanley Cup triumph and a father-driven skating and skill lineage.

As USA Hockey reshapes its blue line, Jones’s background and Cup pedigree underscore the blend of veteran poise and youthful opportunity the 2026 squad will demand. Watching the 4 Nations from home highlighted the depth at defense, with Jones positioned as a potentially pivotal piece in Milan.

The Florida Panthers celebrated an extraordinary achievement by clinching the Stanley Cup in last year's Finals. For many players, including Kyle Okposo, this was an emotional milestone, marking the end of a long journey filled with challenges. Okposo, nearing the end of his career, had contemplated retirement but found renewed motivation in his quest for the Cup.

As the tournament progresses, the article highlights the Cup Worthiness Ratings (CWR) of veteran players without a championship. These ratings consider various factors such as career playoff games, past performances, and even past near-misses for the Cup. Players like Ryan Suter and Matt Duchene are mentioned for their perseverance despite not yet winning the coveted trophy. The excitement grows as fans rally behind these players who are more than deserving of a championship, hoping they can finally lift the Cup.

The NHL playoffs are set to commence with a thrilling first round featuring matchups like Winnipeg versus St. Louis and Colorado against Dallas. The intensity is heightened by the influx of fresh talent, including standout rookies like Ivan Demidov from Montreal and Jimmy Snuggerud from St. Louis, who are keen to make their mark. Veterans like Ryan Suter of the Blues and Brent Burns of Carolina are also in pursuit of the elusive Stanley Cup, adding a layer of narrative depth to the playoffs.

Goaltending prowess will be on full display, particularly with Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck vying for a Vezina Trophy after an impressive season. However, his playoff history raises questions about his performance under pressure. Injury concerns are also significant, as teams like Dallas face challenges with Miro Heiskanen sidelined and other key players battling injuries.

The NHL has announced projected salary cap increases for the upcoming seasons, forecasting the cap to rise to $95.5 million in 2025-26, $104 million in 2026-27, and $113.5 million in 2027-28. This is particularly significant for the Minnesota Wild, who will see a decrease in their obligations to former players Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, allowing them an additional $13 million to spend in the 2025-26 season. Their available cap space will increase to $21.7 million in 2025-26, $49.1 million in 2026-27, and $71.1 million in 2027-28. With most of their current roster signed, the Wild will need to decide on several key players, including UFAs like Marcus Johansson and Marc-Andre Fleury, as they prepare for free agency.

Wild General Manager Bill Guerin has indicated plans to be active in free agency, particularly with an open top-six forward spot. Potential targets include notable names like Nik Ehlers and Brock Nelson, while the team is expected to prioritize extending star forward Kirill Kaprizov, likely setting the stage for a significant contract given the rising salary cap.

The NHL Winter Classic is set to take place at the iconic Wrigley Field, featuring a showdown between the St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks. This much-anticipated outdoor game marks a festive start to New Year’s Eve and offers a historic backdrop for the teams, who previously faced off in the Winter Classic at Busch Stadium, where the Blues triumphed 4-1.

Entering the matchup, the Blues hold a record of 17-17-4, while the Blackhawks struggle at 12-23-2, making the latter eager to secure a surprising victory despite their lower ranking. The projected line combinations reveal a focus on youth for the Blackhawks, with Connor Bedard centering a line with Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi, aimed at showcasing Bedard's potential on this grand stage. Petr Mrazek is slated to start for Chicago, marking his fifth outdoor game and third start, solidifying his role as a key player for the team.

On the Blues’ side, Brandon Saad, now playing against his former team, will lead the top line alongside Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich. The recent acquisition of Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks adds depth to the Blues’ defense, and this game also celebrates Fowler's milestone of 1000 career games. Jordan Binnington will be in goal for St. Louis, supported by veteran players like Justin Faulk and Ryan Suter, who bring experience to this crucial match.

The statistics highlight the contrasting strengths of both teams; while the Blues average 2.61 goals per game and allow 3.03, the Blackhawks score slightly less at 2.51 but boast a better penalty kill percentage. Special teams could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome, with the Blackhawks needing to leverage their power play opportunities while avoiding penalties. The Winter Classic continues to be a cherished event in the NHL calendar, promising an exciting experience for players and fans alike.