The Florida Panthers head into another season as defending Stanley Cup champions after back-to-back wins over the Edmonton Oilers. The rest of the league is chasing them, and pressure is mounting on several contenders and hopefuls to make key decisions before the puck drops on October 7 for the 2025-26 campaign. Front offices across the NHL face contract deadlines, trade speculation, and roster questions that could shape the standings for years.
For Edmonton, the urgency is clear. Two straight losses to the same opponent in the Final have raised the stakes around every move the organization makes. Expectations remain high, both internally and in the betting markets. BetMGM Sportsbook still lists the Oilers among the primary Stanley Cup favorites this season, reflecting continued belief in their core despite the heartbreak of consecutive defeats to Florida.
Connor McDavid Extension Looming Over Oilers
The Oilers’ offseason centers on Connor McDavid and his expected contract extension. The captain remains the focal point of everything Edmonton does on and off the ice. He finished last season with 100 points, driven by elite playmaking and his usual heavy workload in all offensive situations. He then added another strong postseason, pushing Edmonton back to the Final for the second straight year.
McDavid’s next deal is expected to be one of the largest contracts in NHL history. The Oilers know locking him up long-term is non-negotiable for their championship window. An extension before training camp would calm any lingering concerns and send a clear message about stability. It would also help the front office map out future cap commitments around their stars.
Even after falling short again, Edmonton’s roster remains built to contend. The presence of McDavid and other elite forwards keeps their championship odds short and the team squarely in the spotlight. Still, back-to-back Final losses create pressure that numbers alone cannot erase. This season now feels less like a climb and more like a test of how they respond to repeated disappointment.
Rumors Still Swirling Before Opening Night
Around the league, several franchises find themselves at the center of trade chatter and contract uncertainty as opening night approaches. The Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Winnipeg Jets have all emerged as frequent subjects in league-wide rumors. Each faces a different set of questions, but all share the same goal: closing the gap on teams like Florida.
Montreal Canadiens Eye Next Step
The Canadiens enter the new season with momentum after a late surge carried them into the playoffs last year. Under head coach Martin St. Louis, Montreal has shifted into a more up-tempo, skilled style that suits its young core. Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, and Juraj Slafkovsky headline a group the organization views as the foundation of its next contention cycle.
For Montreal, the biggest issue remains in goal. Inconsistency in net hurt them throughout last season and nearly cost them their postseason berth. The front office has explored ways to stabilize the position, including internal options, trade discussions, and a late free-agent addition. If the Canadiens find reliable goaltending, their blend of emerging talent and renewed confidence could make them a more dangerous playoff opponent in the Eastern Conference.
Anaheim Ducks and Mason McTavish Trade Talk
In Anaheim, the focus is on Mason McTavish and his place in the Ducks’ long-term plans. The 22-year-old center is coming off a career year with 52 points, including 22 goals. His blend of scoring ability, size, and competitiveness has made him one of the most talked-about names on the trade market as teams look to add impact players down the middle.
Several clubs have been linked to McTavish, including the Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and Montreal Canadiens. Interest in him reflects how valuable a young, productive center is in the current NHL landscape. Anaheim believes it is positioned to take a step forward this season with its young core. However, if the Ducks decide to move McTavish, the return would likely be significant and aimed at accelerating the rebuild with more established talent or multiple high-end assets.
From the player’s perspective, joining a team with proven coaching and a more advanced roster could be appealing. For Anaheim, the decision is whether to stay patient and continue building around him or capitalize now while his value is high.
Carolina Hurricanes Weigh Options With Jack Roslovic
The Carolina Hurricanes face a different type of decision with Jack Roslovic. The 28-year-old center remains unsigned, and speculation around his next destination has intensified. Roslovic matched his career high with 22 goals last season and finished with 39 points, providing useful secondary scoring and depth.
While no agreement is in place yet, his skill set makes him a candidate to bolster a contender’s middle six. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks have both been mentioned as potential landing spots. A move to either club would mark Roslovic’s fifth team since he entered the league in 2016, underscoring his status as a player teams see value in but have not committed to long-term.
Carolina, meanwhile, continues to balance its need for offensive depth against cap flexibility and future planning. Whether Roslovic stays or leaves could influence how the Hurricanes structure their forward group for the rest of the season.
Winnipeg Jets Under Pressure With Kyle Connor
In Winnipeg, the spotlight is on Kyle Connor and his contract status. The 28-year-old star has yet to sign an extension with the Jets, despite being the team’s leading offensive force. Last season, he paced Winnipeg with 97 points, including 51 goals and 56 assists, and remains central to everything the Jets do in the offensive zone.
The urgency around Connor’s situation increased when Winnipeg lost Nikolaj Ehlers to the Hurricanes in free agency. Ehlers ranked third on the Jets in points and fourth in goals, leaving a notable gap in their top six. Without Ehlers, Connor becomes even more vital to the Jets’ attack, both at even strength and on the power play.
For Winnipeg’s front office, locking up Connor is more than just retaining a star; it is a statement about the franchise’s direction. An extension would stabilize the core and reassure fans that the club intends to compete rather than drift toward a reset. Delay, on the other hand, invites speculation about trade possibilities and the long-term viability of their current roster.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, these storylines around Edmonton, Montreal, Anaheim, Carolina, and Winnipeg will help shape the early months of the campaign. Each decision, whether a contract extension, trade, or signing, carries implications that reach far beyond opening night and into the league’s bigger picture of who can realistically challenge the Panthers for the next Stanley Cup.
