What happened: Trade uncertainty around Kirill Marchenko, Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck is still hanging over the preseason calendar. Marchenko stopped short of a Columbus commitment on Sept. 18, while Montreal speculation has also touched Larkin and Marchenko and Hellebuyck has remained in trade chatter since July.

Why it matters: Unresolved star-level trade questions can take over camp because they shift attention from roster decisions to front-office pressure. If those situations are still open when the season begins, crowd reaction becomes part of the story every time those players hit home ice.

What to watch: The next marker is whether any of the three is moved before teams report in full or addresses the uncertainty more directly at camp. Opening-night introductions will offer the clearest read on how home fans handle each situation.