Jason Robertson and Jake Oettinger were named to USA Hockey’s Olympic Orientation Camp in Plymouth, Michigan (Aug. 26-27), joining 42 other invitees from 24 NHL teams as Team USA gears up for 2026 Milano Cortina. The two-day camp is administrative and team-building, with no on-ice sessions. The selection marks an early step toward finalizing the Olympic roster, which already included six players announced in June: Eichel, Matthews, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, Hughes and McAvoy.

The U.S. sits atop the IIHF rankings and is chasing its first Olympic gold since 1980, after a 4 Nations final loss to Canada earlier in 2025 and a World Championship gold in May. A full invitee list was released by USA Hockey, underscoring the depth and ambition of this roster-building phase.

Connor McDavid anchors the 2025–26 season as the benchmark for NHL excellence, with FanDuel listing him at +200 for Hart Trophy supremacy, a reflection of his sustained, all‑around dominance. The MVP race centers on whether any challenger can truly threaten his standard, given his speed, vision, and clutch play. A slate of contenders—Auston Matthews, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jack Eichel—enter the season with elite scoring chops and the potential to push McDavid in a high-stakes battle for the award, while Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov loom as credible late‑season accelerants. This mix shapes team planning, fantasy projections, and bettor expectations as the season unfurls.

Auston Matthews projects to keep Toronto on offensive tilt, with a 50‑goal pace within reach if the supporting cast clicks and health cooperates. Kaprizov brings relentless energy and playmaking to Minnesota, a healthy 80‑plus game run could push him into triple‑digit point territory and MVP contention. Eichel offers steady two‑way leadership with Vegas, where structure and playoff pedigree bolster his numbers. The ongoing narrative hinges on health, depth, and how defenses adapt to McDavid’s multifaceted impact, making the MVP race one of the season’s defining stories for fantasy managers and bettors alike.

The Vegas Golden Knights made a significant splash in the NHL offseason with the acquisition of Mitch Marner, enhancing their already formidable lineup. With expectations high following a second-round playoff exit last season, the team is determined to secure the Stanley Cup. NHL writer Adam Gretz predicts the Golden Knights will reclaim the championship in 2025-26, attributing their success to Marner's fresh environment away from intense scrutiny, allowing him to thrive alongside Jack Eichel.

This dynamic duo brings a potent offensive threat, but the Golden Knights' success will hinge on the entire roster maintaining strong performance throughout the season. With the right contributions, Vegas is poised for a championship run.

The Vegas Golden Knights made headlines this offseason by acquiring star Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs, signaling their aggressive approach in free agency. However, the fate of Jack Eichel looms over the team's future as he heads toward unrestricted free agency. While the Knights would prefer to retain Eichel, there's speculation they might pivot to pursue Connor McDavid when he becomes available, potentially reshaping the franchise.

McDavid's impending free agency in the 2024 offseason could create fierce competition among teams, with the Knights identified as a potential suitor. Their history of cutthroat decisions raises questions about loyalty, especially when McDavid, regarded as the best player in the NHL, could elevate Vegas to championship favorites. While salary cap considerations pose a challenge, letting Eichel go could open up the necessary funds for a serious McDavid pursuit.

The Vegas Golden Knights continue to attract top-tier talent, exemplified by the recent arrivals of Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner. Marner, having just signed a long-term deal after a sign-and-trade from Toronto, is positioned as a cornerstone for the franchise. Eichel, however, enters the last year of his contract, leading to speculation about the team's potential future moves, particularly concerning Connor McDavid, who also has no extension in place with Edmonton.

The narrative suggests that the Golden Knights are always in play for elite players, effortlessly navigating salary cap constraints. With substantial contracts coming off the books soon, including Eichel's, the organization seems poised to make aggressive moves to secure another franchise-caliber player. If McDavid indeed becomes available, it could reshape the landscape of the NHL, especially if it results in Eichel becoming a coveted free agent.