The opening day of training camp across the NHL led to plenty of excitement and significant updates. Head coaches, general managers, and star players from every club spoke with the media for the first time in months, providing key storylines for the upcoming regular season.
With a complete overhaul behind the bench and more speed throughout the roster, the Chicago Blackhawks’ 2025-26 training camp is the start of the next step in their rebuild. More on that in the links below.
Around the league, a two-time Stanley Cup champion is hanging up the skates, the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer suffered an injury, and a few RFAs were no-shows at training camp.
All that and more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Trade Rumors, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: New head coach Jeff Blashill had the 53-player roster working hard on the opening day of training camp. Blashill wasted no time in setting the tone and raising the standard for the Blackhawks this season. It’s only one day, but the Jeff Blashill Era is off to an impressive start.
More CHN: Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson spoke on Connor Bedard’s contract situation during his media availability on Thursday. Bedard also answered questions in the locker room after practice, and they both sang the same tune regarding his next deal. It’s only a matter of time.
More CHN: ICYMI, defenseman Wyatt Kaiser and the Blackhawks agreed to a new contract on Thursday night to avoid a holdout. Here’s a breakdown of Kaiser’s new deal.
After a sluggish start out of the gate, Blackhawks 2023 second-round pick Roman Kantserov has picked up his play in the last few games. Kantserov scored his second goal of the KHL season on Thursday with a rocket of a shot from the left faceoff circle.
Another Blackhawks top prospect who was in action on Thursday was 2025 3rd overall pick Anton Frondell. In his second SHL game, Frondell recorded his first point of the season with a primary assist.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
NHL.com: One of the best players in the league over the last two decades, Los Angeles Kings’ forward Anze Kopitar announced that he will be retiring at the end of the 2025-26 season. An incredibly underrated two-way force, Kopitar was a key factor in the Kings winning two Stanley Cups and had several spectacular matchups with the Chicago Blackhawks during those runs. Kopitar’s 20th NHL season will officially be his last.
Washington Hockey Now: A chaotic opening day of training camp in the Nation’s Capital. Alex Ovechkin briefly spoke with the media about his future. Ovechkin’s time on the ice was also brief, as the Capitals’ star skated off with a lower-body injury.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Luke Hughes is one of the RFA holdouts who wasn’t in attendance for the opening day of training camp. The two sides are reportedly grinding away at a new contract, but the Devils’ GM isn’t pleased with Hughes’ absence.
Vegas Hockey Now: Tomas Hertl was spectacular last season… when he was healthy. The Vegas Golden Knights‘ forward is now fully ready to go for 2025-26, and he’s looking for a dominant year.
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