Ovechkin Farewell and NHL Injury Uncertainty Shape Early Season

Alexander Ovechkin says 2026-27 will be his final NHL season, launching a high-profile farewell campaign around his 929 goals. Florida captain Aleksander Barkov is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a non-surgical knee injury, while Macklin Celebrini's lower-body issue and Connor Hellebuyck's Winnipeg uncertainty add competitive concerns.