Sidney Crosby interacts with fans during the Pittsburgh Penguins’ recent season ticket delivery day. Photo by Pittsburgh Penguins /ContributedArticle contentThe puck drops on the NHL’s 2025-26 regular season on Oct. 7.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentHere’s a look at the storylines to follow, involving Atlantic Canada’s top NHL talent:Article contentArticle contentIt’s hard to believe that Sidney Crosby is starting his 21st NHL campaign, all of them with the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, the 38-year-old superstar’s future was the subject of off-season speculation.Article contentThe Penguins missed the playoffs over the last three seasons. With management rebuilding the roster, some pundits wonder if Crosby will tire of another losing campaign and request a trade, either to the Colorado Avalanche to team up with fellow Cole Harbour, N.S., native Nathan MacKinnon, or to his boyhood team, the Montreal Canadiens.Article contentArticle contentCrosby recently shot down the conjecture, insisting that he loves playing in Pittsburgh. He also has a full no-movement clause in his contract through 2026-27, giving him full control over his situation. Nevertheless, the Crosby trade rumours could resurface if the Penguins are out of post-season contention by the March 6 trade deadline.Article contentSpeaking of MacKinnon, he enters this season determined to lead the Avalanche to another Stanley Cup. The 29-year-old centre exceeded 100 points last season for the third straight year, finishing second in the scoring race for the second consecutive season.Article contentThe Avalanche are bolstered by the return of captain Gabriel Landeskog following a three-year absence recovering from knee surgeries. They’ll also have a full season with forwards Brock Nelson and Martin Necas in the lineup and a healthy Valeri Nichushkin. They also have superstar defenseman Cale Makar patrolling their blue-line.Article contentArticle contentNevertheless, MacKinnon remains the engine that drives the Avalanche offence. They need another dominant performance from him to bring the Stanley Cup back to Denver for the first time since 2022.Article content Defenceman Noah Dobson follows the play during Montreal Canadiens training camp scrimmage at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard on Sept. 18, 2025. Dobson, of Summerside, P.E.I., starts his first season with the Canadiens after being acquired from the New York Islanders in June and signing an eight-year contract. Photo by John Mahoney /Montreal GazetteArticle contentMeanwhile, this will be winger Brad Marchand’s first full season with the Florida Panthers. The 37-year-old, from Hammonds Plains, N.S., was acquired from the Boston Bruins at the March 2025 trade deadline, playing a key role in the Panthers’ march to their second straight Stanley Cup.Article contentThe Panthers rewarded Marchand with a five-year contract extension, which is unusual for a player of his age. There’s a good chance that this deal won’t age well, given he’s at the stage in his career where decline is inevitable, but the Panthers are betting the pesky winger has enough left in the tank to help them pursue a third-straight Cup.Article contentTurning to the Montreal Canadiens, they’re looking forward to Noah Dobson’s first season on their defence corps. They acquired Dobson, from Summerside, P.E.I., from the New York Islanders in June and signed him to an eight-year contract.
NHL PUCK DROPS: 2025-26 NHL season preview Will Sidney Crosbys future in Pittsburgh resurface if Penguins struggle?
