Luke Hughes' extension with the Devils is near the top of camp-talk, with teams weighing long-term security against a bridge deal to keep him in RFAs as cap space tightens. At 21, his ceiling argues for flexibility, and camp is a few weeks away, making a deal likely before the session begins.

Confidence from Nico Hischier and Devils brass frames the process; Hughes’ development and projected power-play impact keep him central to the team’s plans, elevating his fantasy upside this season.

Beaver Stadium will host Penn State hockey for the program’s first outdoor doubleheader on January 31, 2026, with the Nittany Lions men facing Michigan State and the women taking on Robert Morris. It’s a historic milestone for PSU hockey and its campus community as the sport expands into a football cathedral.

The announcement comes amid Beaver Stadium’s $700 million renovation and fuels speculation about an NHL cross-sell—Penguins vs Flyers—after the revamp, while Gavin McKenna’s high-profile NIL money adds intrigue to PSU’s recruiting and visibility on the national stage.

Montreal's transit authority will not display Go! Canadiens Go on buses this winter due to cost, with updates limited to a yearly cycle and manual USB edits on more than 1,000 signs. The language watchdog had flagged go as an anglicism, replacing it with Allez! Canadiens Allez! until a minister intervened and Go Habs Go was supported as part of Quebec culture.

Meanwhile, the Canadiens’ season opener is October 8 against the Maple Leafs, adding a branding angle to opening-night chatter. The saga highlights policy, budget constraints, and cultural branding in Quebec, framed by aging transit and funding cuts rather than on-ice action.

Chicago's defense is packed, and Wyatt Kaiser remains unsigned as camp nears. Kaiser and a fit with Connor Allen could form a sturdy third pair if Chicago sorts out nine to ten viable NHL defensemen on the roster. A wave of young blueliners—Del Mastro among them—has the organization eyeing movement to balance role and ice time, making this a true numbers game for the Blackhawks.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are shaping their camp approach with a crowded one-way contract situation, and the chatter around Jack Roslovic adds another layer to their roster shuffle. On the West, Luke Hughes looms as a key pressure point for New Jersey, while Auston Matthews primes to regain form after health trips. Mitch Marner’s 70-goal ceiling lingers as a fantasy anchor in Toronto, even as moves ripple through the lineup.