What happened: The June 21 trade of Brady Tkachuk returned three first-round picks and a second-rounder. Thomas Chabot said the club was beginning to make the playoffs and build something together.
Why it matters: The move left the club without its captain ahead of 2026-27 and shifted its reset toward draft capital. Chabot's comments put the leadership transition under a sharper spotlight entering camp.
By the numbers: The return included the No. 9 and No.
What to watch: Training camp will reveal how the club redistributes leadership before the 2026-27 season.