NHL Training Camp Preview: Battles and Storylines to Watch in 2026

NHL training camps will open in September with considerably more at stake than conditioning tests and preseason line combinations. The 2026–27 regular season begins September 29, leaving teams a short window to evaluate prospects, integrate major acquisitions and decide which veterans still fit. From Toronto’s arrival of Gavin McKenna to Edmonton’s crowded crease, several of this year’s most important battles could reshape the league.

All Eyes on Gavin McKenna in Toronto

No player will attract more training-camp attention than Gavin McKenna. The Maple Leafs selected the Penn State forward first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, and he will enter camp attempting to earn an immediate role on a team facing enormous expectations. The question is not simply whether McKenna makes the roster, but where Toronto can place him, how much power-play responsibility he receives and whether the organization can protect his development while still allowing his creativity to emerge.

Toronto will also introduce Sergei Bobrovsky as its new No. 1 goaltender. The 37-year-old signed a three-year contract after seven seasons and two Stanley Cup championships with Florida. He is coming off a difficult statistical season in which he posted a 3.07 goals-against average and an .877 save percentage, making his partnership with former Panthers teammate Anthony Stolarz an important camp storyline. Bobrovsky’s experience makes him the favorite to start, but Toronto will want evidence that its major investment can rebound. NHL.com’s Maple Leafs roster analysis

A New Era of Tkachuk Hockey in Florida

Florida’s acquisition of Brady Tkachuk creates one of the most fascinating line-combination questions in the NHL. Will coach Paul Maurice place Brady alongside Matthew Tkachuk, or use the brothers on separate lines to give the Panthers two relentless forechecking units? Both players ranked among NHL Network’s top 20 wings, and their combination of physicality, net-front presence and emotional intensity could make Florida even more difficult to play against.

The Panthers must also replace Bobrovsky while welcoming captain Aleksander Barkov back after a training-camp knee injury cost him the entire 2025–26 season. Florida reached three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals before missing the playoffs last season, so camp will be about more than introducing new players. The Panthers must prove that an older core can recover physically and restore the defensive identity that produced championships in 2024 and 2025. NHL.com’s Panthers preview

Edmonton’s Three-Goalie Experiment

The most unusual camp battle may take place in Edmonton. The Oilers are expected to begin with Tristan Jarry, Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi in a three-goaltender rotation. Andersen arrives after helping Carolina win the Stanley Cup, while Levi represents a younger option with longer-term potential. Carrying three goalies can protect a team against injuries and declining performance, but it also reduces practice repetitions and complicates roster management.

New coach Mike Babcock will have to determine whether one goaltender can separate from the group or whether Edmonton can make the rotation work. His larger task will be improving the team defensively without reducing the attacking freedom of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Training camp will offer the first indication of how aggressively Edmonton intends to change its structure. NHL.com’s Oilers camp questions

Chicago Must Begin Without Connor Bedard

Connor Bedard will be one of training camp’s biggest absences. The Blackhawks star underwent shoulder surgery in July and is not expected to return until November. Bedard produced career highs of 30 goals, 45 assists and 75 points in 69 games last season, leaving Chicago with an enormous offensive void during the opening weeks.

His absence creates opportunities. Roman Kantserov was originally projected as a possible linemate for Bedard, but he must now show that he can produce without Chicago’s top center. Patrick Kane’s return gives the Blackhawks a veteran playmaker and likely power-play leader, but camp must establish who drives the offense at even strength. For Chicago’s younger centers and wings, this will not be a ceremonial preseason. Valuable top-six minutes will be available immediately. NHL.com on Kantserov and Bedard’s absence

Washington Goes From Retooling to “Cup or Bust”

Few teams changed their forward group as aggressively as Washington. The Capitals acquired Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner while Alex Ovechkin committed to a 22nd NHL season. Tuch is coming off a 33-goal season, while Kyrou provides another high-speed scoring threat. The challenge is assembling the pieces into dependable lines rather than merely collecting talented names.

Washington must decide who plays with Ovechkin, which center can maximize Kyrou’s speed and where Tuch’s forechecking and net-front ability fit best. Special-teams roles will be equally important. Dylan Strome has already characterized the season as Stanley Cup or bust, making Washington’s camp less about experimentation and more about creating immediate chemistry. NHL.com’s Capitals roster analysis

Detroit’s Young Players Are Running Out of Waiting Time

Detroit’s camp will be defined by opportunity and organizational uncertainty. Steve Yzerman has moved into a senior advisory role while the Red Wings search for their next hockey-operations leader. On the ice, the club needs tangible progress from a prospect group that has spent several seasons being described as promising.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard recorded 44 points in 60 AHL games last season after a brief NHL opportunity. Nate Danielson has also gained NHL experience but must show he can remain healthy and contribute consistently. Their competition will not be judged solely on points. Coaches will examine pace, defensive reliability, puck management and whether either player can handle a defined NHL role without being hidden in the lineup. NHL.com’s Red Wings prospect report

Carolina Begins Its Championship Defense

The Carolina Hurricanes enter camp as the defending Stanley Cup champions, which creates a different kind of competition. Successful teams rarely have many completely open roster positions, but their prospects must demonstrate that they can replace injured players, preserve organizational depth and survive the demands of another long postseason pursuit.

Bradly Nadeau and Felix Unger Sorum are among the young forwards expected to compete for increased responsibility. Their challenge will be proving that their offensive ability can function inside Carolina’s demanding forecheck and defensive structure. Championship teams generally do not award roster spots based only on potential; young players must show that coaches can trust them during difficult matchups. NHL.com’s Hurricanes questions

What Actually Wins a Training-Camp Battle?

Fans naturally focus on goals and highlight-reel plays, but NHL coaches are often evaluating less visible details. Can a player execute a line change under pressure? Can he win a defensive-zone faceoff, protect a late lead, retrieve a dumped puck or contribute on the penalty kill? Can he play effectively with several different linemates? Does his skill fill a role the team actually needs?

Contract status also matters. A young player who is exempt from waivers may be sent to the AHL even after a strong camp, while an older player requiring waivers may remain because the organization does not want to lose him for nothing. Salary-cap space, injuries and positional balance can all influence the final decision. The “best” player in camp does not always receive the final roster position; the player who best completes the NHL lineup often does.

The 2026 training-camp season will begin with star arrivals, injured cornerstones, new coaches and several contenders attempting major makeovers. The preseason results will quickly be forgotten, but the roles established in September may determine which teams are still playing deep into next spring.

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