Top 10 storylines to watch at start of NHL training camps

NHL training camps open on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, ahead of a regular season set to begin September 29. Among the top storylines is goalie Connor Hellebuyck, 33, who publicly requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets on August 27, revealing he had privately sought a move 'several months ago'; he remains untraded and is expected to report to camp despite the ongoing situation. Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, is in the third year of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract signed in October 2023, with the Hurricanes, Sabres, Utah Mammoth, and Devils all linked to him.