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Controversial issues hover over each of the 7 Canadian NHL teams as they initiate training camps

Edmonton Oilers commence training camp faced with a significant, pressing inquiry: at what point will Connor McDavid ink a contract extension, or will he choose to do so at all?

Uncertainties surface among all 7 Canadian NHL teams as training camps commence
Uncertainties surface among all 7 Canadian NHL teams as training camps commence

Controversial issues hover over each of the 7 Canadian NHL teams as they initiate training camps

Canadian NHL Teams Gearing Up for New Season

The National Hockey League (NHL) season is upon us, and Canadian teams are preparing for a fresh start after a series of ups and downs last season. Here's a rundown of what to expect from each Canadian team as they set their sights on the Stanley Cup.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets, who won the President's Trophy last year, are facing a familiar challenge: consistency in the playoffs. To address this, they have added three-time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Toews to their camp roster. Toews, who has been sidelined for two years due to chronic inflammation and immune system issues likely related to long COVID, is attempting a comeback.

Montreal Canadiens

Last season, the Canadiens surprised many by reaching the playoffs in their rebuild. This year, they are looking to meet expectations of getting back there. However, a question mark lingers at second-line centre for the Canadiens, with Kirby Dach starting camp in that role despite only totaling 22 points in 57 games before his injury last season.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are dealing with a couple of changes. Captain Auston Matthews is looking for a healthy campaign after being bothered by an upper-body injury most of last season. Additionally, the team is without a team president following Brendan Shanahan's contract non-renewal after last season. Mitch Marner, a star winger, is no longer with the team after a sign-and-trade deal with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Calgary Flames

The Flames missed the playoffs in a tiebreaker last season and are looking to take a step forward. Despite being an entertaining team to watch, they were on the outside looking in at the post-season a third straight year.

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks are looking to rebound after a tumultuous season. Their front office has expressed confidence in their goalie tandem of Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen. However, the workload for the goalies is a question mark. Offensively, Elias Pettersson needs to rediscover his offensive prowess, while Brock Boeser is challenged to surpass his previous goal and assist totals. The Canucks have a new head coach in Adam Foote.

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers are facing uncertainty over Connor McDavid's contract extension, as he enters the final season of his current deal. The team's roster has been bolstered by the addition of Noah Dobson, Zack Bolduc, and Ivan Demidov, making the Canadiens' roster their most talented since the 2021 Stanley Cup Final run.

The Jets, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Flames, and Canucks will be looking to make their mark in the NHL this season, while the Oilers will be keeping a close eye on contract negotiations with their star player. The hockey season promises to be an exciting one for Canadian fans.

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