NHL season opens with Ovechkin readiness, title pressure and trade uncertainty

Alex Ovechkin is expected to be ready for Washington's regular-season opener despite missing the preseason, preserving the farewell-season and milestone storyline. The expanded 84-game season also brings Connor McDavid's Stanley Cup pursuit, Carolina's title-defense challenge and emerging stars including Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard. Connor Hellebuyck's unresolved trade situation remains a major business storyline, while preseason injuries and roster evaluations continue.