As the 2025-26 NHL preseason kicks off, the league is buzzing with blockbuster rumors, roster shakeups, and high-stakes storylines that could reshape the season before the first puck even drops.
Veteran Stars in the Trade Crosshairs
One of the most talked-about names this week is
Evgeni Malkin, the legendary Pittsburgh Penguins center. Multiple teams—including the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers—have reportedly inquired about his availability since the 2024 offseason. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has held firm, giving a “hard no” to any trade talk, but the situation remains fluid. Malkin, now 39 and entering his 20th season, is in the final year of his contract and holds a full no-movement clause. While he and captain Sidney Crosby haven’t asked to leave, neither has ruled out the possibility, keeping the hockey world on edge.
Goalie Drama: Injuries and Comebacks
Goaltending is already a hot topic.
Tampa Bay Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy skipped practice for treatments, but coach Jon Cooper downplayed concerns, calling it “player management.” Still, with Vasilevskiy’s injury history, Lightning fans are holding their breath.
Meanwhile,
Vancouver Canucks’ Thatcher Demko is back in the spotlight after a tough season marred by a rare knee injury. Now healthy and embracing fatherhood, Demko is optimistic about a bounce-back year, which could be a game-changer for the Canucks’ playoff hopes.
Preseason Action: Young Guns and Neutral-Site Showdowns
The preseason is already delivering drama on the ice. The
Dallas Stars edged out the St. Louis Blues 2-1 in a shootout to open their preseason, with Sam Steel netting the decisive goal. Goaltenders on both sides impressed, hinting at fierce competition for roster spots.
Across the league,
15 preseason games are scheduled for Sunday, giving fans a first look at new prospects and line combinations. Notably,
Matthew Schaefer will make his debut for the New York Islanders in their preseason opener against the Philadelphia Flyers, a highly anticipated moment for Islanders fans.
This year’s preseason also features
neutral-site matchups, bringing NHL action to non-traditional markets and expanding the league’s reach.
Roster Moves and Training Camp Battles
Teams are making final cuts and shuffling rosters as training camps intensify. The
Anaheim Ducks have been especially active, recalling and reassigning players like goaltender Ville Husso and left wing Nikita Nesterenko between the NHL club and their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. These moves highlight the fierce competition for NHL spots and the importance of depth as the season approaches.
What to Watch Next
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Will Malkin or Crosby shake up the league with a surprise trade request?-
Can Vasilevskiy and Demko stay healthy and anchor their teams’ playoff runs?-
Which prospects will seize the spotlight in preseason play?With so many storylines unfolding, the 2025-26 NHL season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Buckle up, hockey fans—this ride is just getting started.
Sources
1. Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 21, 2025
2. News | San Diego Gulls
3. NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 21, 2025
4. NHL News, Scores, Stats, Standings and Rumors - CBS Sports
5. NHL Status Report: Schaefer to make debut in Islanders preseason opener
6. NHL on ESPN - Scores, Stats and Highlights
7. Morning Skate Report: Sept. 21, 2025
8. The Hockey News • News and Community
9. Neutral-Site Matchups And Locations For The 2025-26 NHL Pre-Season
10. Official Dallas Stars Website - NHL.com
