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The NHL’s Labour Day demarcation has been crossed — off-season is officially over, hockey is back. The NHL media tour begins this Tuesday in Las Vegas. Rookie camps open across the weekend. Full training camps open in less than a week. Regular season kickoff is 29 September — just three weeks away. Cutter Gauthier and the Anaheim Ducks remain the most public unsigned RFA standoff. And several key signings have been finalised in the past week. Here’s the state of the NHL for the week ending 6 September 2026.
Zeev Buium signs 8-year, $9.38M AAV extension
Minnesota Wild defenceman Zeev Buium signed an 8-year extension carrying an average annual value of $9.38 million this week. The young defenceman continues to establish himself as one of Minnesota’s cornerstones. This is the kind of long-term commitment that reshapes a franchise’s cap structure — and given the 15 September deadline for eight-year contracts, Buium got in just before the window closed.
Cutter Gauthier standoff continues
The Anaheim Ducks and their star restricted free agent forward remain at an impasse. Cutter Gauthier reportedly turned down a four-year, $13 million AAV offer from the Ducks. Gauthier led Anaheim with 41 goals and 69 points last season. With training camps opening in days, this needs to resolve — but Anaheim’s tight cap situation (approximately $9 million in space) means the Ducks may need to trade someone to sign him at his desired money.
Trade candidates the Ducks could move to clear cap space include veteran forward Chris Kreider (22 goals, 50 points last season, but a 15-team no-trade list) and goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Options are limited but the deadline is here.
NHL media tour and rookie camps begin
The 2026-27 season is officially kicking into gear:
- Tue-Thu this week: North American player media tour in Las Vegas — key players from all 32 teams sit for media day
- This weekend: Rookie camps open
- Next week: Full training camps open
- Late September: Preseason games
- 29 September: 2026-27 regular season begins
Ovechkin returns for 22nd NHL season
Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin arrives at training camp having committed to his 22nd NHL season. He sits at 897 career goals — three away from the historic 900 mark and continuing to add to his all-time NHL record. He’s playing on a final-year contract with the Capitals, who have made major offseason additions in Alex Tuch (33 goals last season), Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner to try to give Ovechkin one last title run.
Around the league — trade rumours and lingering signings
Dylan Larkin trade situation stalled. The Detroit Red Wings captain’s trade request remains in limbo three months after it was first reported. Detroit is still searching for a new general manager, and assistant GM Shawn Horcoff’s authority doesn’t extend to trades.
Quinn Hughes contract talks. The Vancouver Canucks captain’s next contract remains unsigned — reports suggest $18-19 million AAV range following the Makar comparable.
Connor Hellebuyck trade window closing. The Winnipeg Jets goaltender appears likely to stay in Winnipeg for 2026-27.
Alexander Nikishin standoff. The Carolina Hurricanes prospect defenceman remains unsigned. Five teams (Calgary, Philadelphia, Seattle, Vancouver, Winnipeg) reportedly interested but no trade completed.
Training camp countdown — 1 week to go
Key stories to follow through the next fortnight:
- Carolina’s Cup defence. Ehlers signed, Carlson acquired, core intact — the Hurricanes enter as clear title favourites
- Vegas’s Marner-Eichel top line. Preseason will reveal their chemistry
- Toronto with McKenna. The 2026 #1 overall pick starts the season with the Maple Leafs
- Colorado’s Makar-anchored contention. The $20.4M extension locks in the championship window
- Washington’s Ovechkin farewell run
One email per day at 7:00pm AEST. NHL schedule confirmations and pick of the day when the season starts. Free.
What’s next?
- Live US Sports TV Guide
- Previous NHL Wrap — 30 August 2026
- Marner-to-Vegas update
- 2025-26 Season Retrospective — Hurricanes Champions
- How to Watch NHL in Australia 2026
All information accurate as of Sunday 6 September 2026 US time. All times AEST. Mac Johannson covers US sports for Australian fans.
