The puck has officially dropped on the 2025–26 NHL season, and hockey fans across North America are already buzzing with excitement. Opening week brought dramatic comebacks, stunning debuts, record-breaking performances, and some early season surprises. For those repping their favorite teams and stars, Pro Merch has all the latest official NHL gear to show your pride this season — explore the full collection here: Pro Merch NHL Collection

Let’s break down the top headlines from around the league to kick off what promises to be a thrilling season on the ice.

🏒 Opening Week Recap: Fast Starts and Fierce Finishes

Maple Leafs 5, Canadiens 2
Toronto opened their season with a strong win over rival Montreal, thanks to Morgan Rielly’s third-period go-ahead goal. The Leafs’ top core looks determined to make noise this season.

Kings 6, Golden Knights 5 (SO)
In one of the wildest games of opening week, the Kings rallied from two goals down in the third to spoil Mitch Marner’s Vegas debut. Jack Eichel was electric with a goal and three assists, but L.A. stole the show in the shootout.

Flames 4, Oilers 3 (SO)
Despite Leon Draisaitl notching his 400th NHL goal, the Flames fought back in the Battle of Alberta and won in a shootout. It’s another frustrating start for Edmonton as expectations remain sky-high.

Bruins 3, Capitals 1
Boston earned a convincing win in the debut of new head coach Marco Sturm. David Pastrnak wasted no time making an impact with a three-point night.

Penguins 3, Rangers 0
Mike Sullivan’s first game behind the Rangers’ bench ended in disappointment, as Pittsburgh earned a dominant shutout behind strong team defense and goaltending.

Panthers 3, Blackhawks 2
Florida raised their back-to-back Stanley Cup banners and eked out a win over a scrappy Chicago team. Despite missing key players, the Panthers showed why they’re still dangerous.

Avalanche 4, Kings 1
Nathan MacKinnon powered Colorado past the Kings with a performance that earned him a franchise points record. The Avs look locked in early.

💰 Massive Contract Extensions Reshape NHL Landscape

Just ahead of the season, several of the league’s biggest stars signed blockbuster deals that will impact team payrolls — and fan expectations — for years to come.

• Jack Eichel (VGK): 8 years, $108M
• Kirill Kaprizov (MIN): 8 years, $136M — now the highest-paid player in the league by AAV at $17M
• Kyle Connor (WPG): 8 years, $96M
• Connor McDavid (EDM): 2 years, $25M extension keeps him in Oil Country… for now

Whether you’re team McDavid, Kaprizov, or Eichel, fans can gear up for the season with authentic player apparel available now at Pro Merch NHL Collection.

🩺 Injury Report: Panthers Hit Hard

The two-time defending champions are already facing a serious test. Captain Aleksander Barkov is likely out for the season with devastating ACL and MCL injuries, while fellow star Matthew Tkachuk is sidelined until at least December after undergoing surgery. Other notable injuries include:

• Pyotr Kochetkov (CAR): Missed opener with an undisclosed injury
• Zemgus Girgensons (TBL): Week-to-week following a preseason knock

Depth will be key early on for teams like Florida and Carolina as they navigate these setbacks.

📈 What to Watch: Early Season Storylines That Could Define the Year

The Panthers’ Three-Peat Bid
With Barkov and Tkachuk down, Florida’s dream of a three-peat becomes even more daunting. If they succeed, they’ll be the first team since the 1980s Islanders dynasty to do it.

Crosby’s Curtain Call?
There’s growing buzz that Sidney Crosby could be playing his final season in Pittsburgh if the Penguins fall out of playoff contention. He remains a franchise icon, but trade rumors swirl.

Vegas Gets Even Stronger
Adding Mitch Marner gives the Golden Knights another elite weapon in their push for another Cup. His chemistry with Eichel will be one to watch.

McDavid’s Last Stand?
The Oilers have fallen just short two years in a row. McDavid’s short extension keeps the pressure on the front office to deliver a championship — or risk losing the league’s best player.

Ovechkin Chasing 900 Goals
At 40 years old, Alex Ovechkin is just three goals away from 900 — an unbelievable milestone that no other player has reached.

Kopitar’s Farewell Tour
Kings captain Anze Kopitar has announced that this will be his final NHL season, capping off a storied career in L.A.

Olympics Are Back
NHL players are officially returning to the Winter Olympics in 2026. Fans got a taste during the “4 Nations Face-Off,” but all eyes will soon shift to Milan for international glory.

🧢 Show Your Team Pride This Season

Whether you’re repping the champs in Florida, riding with the Rangers, or backing a breakout star like Kaprizov, Pro Merch has you covered with official NHL gear for every team and player. Jerseys, hoodies, caps, and collectibles — it’s all right here:
👉 Explore the NHL Collection at Pro Merch

With the 2025–26 season already delivering thrills and drama, there’s never been a better time to show your team loyalty. Stay tuned to Explore New Jersey for more hockey coverage, player spotlights, and merch drops all season long.