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The NHL’s 2025–26 season is already delivering incredible storylines both on and off the ice.
From five-point nights and goaltending masterclasses to trade whispers and new expansion ambitions, there’s no shortage of action. And for fans who live and breathe hockey, Pro Merch has you covered with authentic, team-approved NHL gear to rep your favorite franchise in style.
On-Ice Fireworks: MacKinnon’s Masterclass and Rising Stars Shine
November 9 brought an avalanche—literally and figuratively—of offensive highlights. Nathan MacKinnon exploded for five points in a thrilling overtime victory for the Colorado Avalanche against the Vancouver Canucks. His performance was a reminder that few players in the league can take over a game the way MacKinnon can.
In Anaheim, Leo Carlsson continues to look every bit like a future superstar. With a 10-game point streak, Carlsson led the Ducks to their seventh straight win, taking down the Winnipeg Jets and establishing the Ducks as a serious early-season storyline.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, Connor Bedard continues to live up to every ounce of hype. The rookie phenom scored again as the Blackhawks picked up their third straight win. In Minnesota, Jesper Wallstedt was a brick wall, stopping all 36 shots to earn a shutout in the Wild’s dominant performance over Calgary.
Whether you bleed Avs burgundy, Ducks orange, or Hawks red, the best way to show your loyalty is by sporting your team’s latest gear from Pro Merch’s NHL Collection—the ultimate destination for fans who want officially licensed styles that stand out as much as the players themselves.
Injury Roundup: Capitals, Hurricanes, and Penguins Hit Hard
Injuries continue to shake up team lineups as the grind of the season intensifies. The Washington Capitals will be without Pierre-Luc Dubois for 3–4 months following surgery, while Carolina’s Jalen Chatfield is out indefinitely with an upper-body injury.
In Pittsburgh, the hits keep coming: forwards Noel Acciari and Justin Brazeau are sidelined, and starting goaltender Tristan Jarry is also out with a lower-body issue. The Penguins are relying on depth and AHL call-ups to stay competitive in a tough Eastern Conference.
Trade Winds Blowing: Big Names, Bigger Rumors
The rumor mill is heating up early this season. Multiple reports link Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust of the Penguins to potential trade talks, as the team looks to recalibrate amid injuries. In Calgary, defenseman Rasmus Andersson’s name continues to circulate in speculation as the Flames weigh long-term roster changes.
The St. Louis Blues have publicly stated they’re “open for business,” and that could include captain Brayden Schenn if the right offer comes along. Meanwhile, whispers are growing that the Nashville Predators might consider moving Steven Stamkos if their playoff hopes fade.
These trade discussions could redefine the second half of the NHL season—so don’t be surprised if some familiar faces are wearing new sweaters by the holidays.
Off the Ice: Legends Honored and the Future Unfolding
This weekend, the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was officially inducted, headlined by Joe Thornton, Shea Weber, and Patrick Marleau—a trio whose combined careers spanned over 3,500 NHL games and countless unforgettable moments.
Elsewhere, the league announced that the Dallas Stars will host the 2027 Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium, promising another unforgettable outdoor spectacle deep in the heart of Texas.
And perhaps most exciting for fans worldwide: NHL players are officially preparing for their return to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Preliminary national rosters have already begun to circulate, with elite talent like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and Leon Draisaitl expected to headline their respective nations.
Expansion Watch: Atlanta and Houston Battle for NHL Future
The next frontier for the NHL might be in the southern U.S. — with Atlanta and Houston emerging as the frontrunners for future expansion.
Atlanta’s Dual Bids
Two rival ownership groups are competing to bring NHL hockey back to Atlanta.
- Vernon Krause’s group, backed by Forsyth County, is developing “The Gathering at South Forsyth,” which would feature an 18,000-seat arena and mixed-use entertainment complex.
- Anson Carter’s Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group is pitching a development centered around the North Point Mall site.
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated in September that the league wants a “fully baked plan” before moving forward—but momentum is clearly building.
Houston’s Hockey Ambition
As the largest U.S. market without an NHL franchise, Houston has long been viewed as an ideal expansion city. Billionaire Tilman Fertitta, owner of the NBA’s Rockets, has expressed interest in bringing a team to the Toyota Center, which already has permanent ice-making infrastructure. Fertitta’s attention is currently divided with efforts to secure a WNBA franchise, but the groundwork for NHL hockey in Houston is unmistakably being laid.
Meanwhile, billionaire Dan Friedkin has also met with league officials about the possibility of launching a Houston-based franchise—potentially adding even more intrigue to the city’s bid.
Other Markets and What’s Next
According to Commissioner Gary Bettman, cities like Austin, Indianapolis, and New Orleans have also expressed interest in potential expansion. But with the expansion fee reportedly set at $2 billion, only the most serious contenders will remain in the conversation.
Bettman has emphasized that expansion is not the NHL’s top priority at the moment. The league’s current focus lies on finalizing a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) before any new teams are greenlit.
The NHL’s most recent addition, the Utah Mammoth, was formed in 2024 following the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes. With the Mammoth’s successful debut, the league has proven that well-executed expansion can thrive in non-traditional markets—something both Atlanta and Houston hope to replicate.
The Bottom Line
As the NHL season charges ahead, the storylines are as dynamic as the on-ice play—superstars dominating, rookies rising, and franchises positioning themselves for the future. And through it all, Pro Merch remains the go-to source for fans who want to live the game 24/7.
Explore your favorite team’s jerseys, hoodies, caps, and collectibles today at Pro Merch’s Official NHL Shop—where passion meets performance.