McDavid leads a high-octane Canada as Olympic chatter heats up and contract questions hover over Edmonton. Team Canada, defending Four Nations and World Cup gold, seeks a balance of elite talent and depth on both wings and the back end to thrive in an NHL-ice Olympic crowd.

On offense, McDavid is centerpiece, flanked by Point and Marner in a lens-sharp trio, with Makar anchoring the blue line alongside Toews. Goaltending clarity is guarded, with Bennington the obvious starter and others circling as Armstrong tacks a durable, adaptable roster for the Games.

FanDuel pegs Canada at plus-money favorite odds (+150) over the USA (+200), underscoring the talent pipeline and a possible youth infusion on defense and forwards as the camp tightens into shape.

Mitch Marner's addition to the Vegas Golden Knights has ignited excitement within the franchise as the team slotted him to play alongside Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev on the top line, creating a dynamic scoring threat. This move is seen as necessary for the team to enhance its playoff performance after falling short in previous seasons. The Knights are also exploring further roster improvements, particularly in defense, with Rasmus Andersson rumored to be on their radar.

Meanwhile, the LA Kings, under new GM Ken Holland, made strategic signings to strengthen their roster, particularly focusing on depth and physicality in response to their playoff struggles against the Edmonton Oilers. Players like Cory Perry and Joel Armia have been brought in to bolster the fourth line, while the team aims for a more balance in defense with veterans like Brian Dumoulin joining the squad.

In Montreal, the Canadiens' acquisition of Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders marks a significant shift in their defensive lineup, adding a top-four defenseman who brings offensive capabilities. His pairing with Kaden Gouly is anticipated to bolster the team's blue line, allowing for better transitions and puck movement.