Nathan MacKinnon
FILE - Eeli Tolvanen (20), of Finland, scores a goal against goalie Lars Haugen (30), of Norway, during the second period of the preliminary round of the men's hockey game at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. The 2018 Olympics without NHL talent offered a glimpse of things to come for players who hadn't yet reached the best hockey league in the world. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
Olympics in 2018 showed glimpses of future NHL stars

By Stephen Whyno Feb. 16, 2023 06:00 AM EST

FILE - In this May 19, 2021, file photo, Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon is congratulated at the bench after scoring his second goal of night in the third period of Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues, in Denver. The National Hockey League is ready to drop the puck on a full 82-game season with fans back in every arena and a wide-open race for the Stanley Cup. The best shot belongs to Colorado, the preseason Cup favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook and anyone who has watched Nathan MacKinnon try to will his team to a championship as one of the best players in the world. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche 5/19/2021

Oct. 11, 2021 02:25 AM EDT

Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) celebrates a goal against the Vancouver Canucks during first-period preseason NHL hockey game action in Edmonton, Alberta, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP)
NHL Preview: What to know about the 2021-22 season

By Larry Lage, John Wawrow And Stepen Whyno Oct. 11, 2021 02:23 AM EDT