What happened: The conversation at the player media tour ranged from possible expansion markets to trade demands, state-tax questions and the chase for the sport's first $20 million player. It lands just before training camps open, when leaguewide business issues often spill into roster and contract talk.

Why it matters: Expansion, compensation and tax policy all touch competitive balance and player leverage, so they tend to sit near the center of the NHL's offseason agenda. Public comments from top players can sharpen those debates even before the league or union moves on any of them.

What to watch: Watch for those issues to resurface once camps open and front offices begin addressing roster, contract and league-business questions for the upcoming season.