The NHL preseason is often brushed aside as “just exhibition games,” yet for players and coaches, these weeks carry enormous weight.
Rookies fight for roster spots. Veterans look to prove they still belong. Coaches tinker with lineups and chemistry. For fans, it’s the first real glimpse of who’s ready to shine when the puck drops on October 7.
Already, the 2025–26 preseason has delivered more than a few surprises. From headline-grabbing rookies to veterans clawing for one more shot, the action has been far more than warm-up hockey. These storylines aren’t just preseason chatter; they’re early clues about who might define the year ahead.
Rising Rookies Making Early Noise
This preseason is once again proving to be a showcase for young players eager to prove they belong. Several rookies are not just surviving camp, they’re thriving and forcing coaches to take notice.
Ivan Demidov (Montreal Canadiens)
The Canadiens’ flashy winger has been nothing short of dazzling. A Calder Trophy favorite before he even skated a shift, Demidov is backing up the hype with slick skating, quick hands, and the kind of offensive creativity that could land him in Montreal’s top six immediately. Fans hungry for a star scorer may finally have their wish.
Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders)
The Islanders’ first-overall pick in 2025 is already justifying the investment. Calm under pressure and quick to jump into the play, Schaefer tallied an assist in his debut and has looked mature beyond his years. His steady presence on the blue line is exactly what a defensive-minded Islanders need.
Zayne Parekh (Calgary Flames)
Known for his offensive instincts, Parekh has sharpened his defensive skills this preseason, adding reliability to his already exciting game. His ability to control play from the back end makes him a legitimate Calder contender and a player who could redefine Calgary’s defensive identity.
Fraser Minten (Boston Bruins)
Minten, once an overlooked prospect, is emerging as a real option to anchor Boston’s third line. His two-way play and ability to elevate teammates make him valuable in a role the Bruins have struggled to fill in recent years.
Matthew Savoie (Edmonton Oilers)
Savoie’s vision and shot give him the tools to fit alongside Edmonton’s elite forwards. If he earns a spot with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, the results could be highlight-reel worthy.
Fans eager to follow how these rookies transition from preseason promise to regular-season impact can track schedules, stats, and key fixtures through NHL on FanDuel.
Veterans Fighting Back Into the Spotlight
For others, preseason represents something very different: a last chance to extend a career or remind teams what they bring to the ice. Several veterans are doing exactly that.
Milan Lucic (St. Louis Blues)
One of the most compelling stories of the preseason, Lucic is back on a PTO after stepping away from the game. In his very first appearance, he recorded an assist in a 4–1 win. It was more than just a point; it was a moment of redemption and a glimpse of the grit that made him a fan favorite.
Robby Fabbri (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Injuries have limited Fabbri throughout his career, but on a PTO with Pittsburgh, he’s showing flashes of the creativity that once made him so promising. He’s skating with urgency, knowing every shift could mean the difference between a contract and free agency limbo.
Conor Sheary (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Sheary, in a contract year, isn’t quietly easing into preseason. Instead, he’s playing with energy and efficiency, reminding coaches and fans alike that he’s more than just a depth option.
Unexpected Standouts Stealing Headlines
Sometimes the biggest stories come from players no one had on their radar. This preseason has already seen a few underdogs seize the spotlight.
Mikey Eyssimont (Boston Bruins)
Eyssimont turned heads with a three-point performance in a comeback overtime win against the Rangers. Scoring a shorthanded goal, a net-front goal, and assisting on the game-tying tally, he brought energy and grit that could earn him a regular role.
Atro Leppanen (Edmonton Oilers)
Signed out of Finland’s Liiga, Leppanen has impressed with his poise on the blue line. He led his league in defenseman scoring last year, and now he’s showing Edmonton fans he can bring creativity and control from the back end.
Maxim Shabanov (New York Islanders)
The rookie winger has been a revelation, skating on the Islanders’ top line with Bo Horvat and Jonathan Drouin. His speed and work ethic have made him one of camp’s most surprising stories.
Stories like these highlight why keeping up with the latest NHL news and trends is so valuable. The players who start as preseason surprises often carry that momentum into meaningful games.
Dark Horses and Team-Level Surprises
Preseason isn’t just about individuals; it can also reveal unexpected team stories. This fall, a few dark horses are already reshaping early perceptions.
Noah Laba and Dylan Roobroeck (New York Rangers)
Both young forwards were expected to spend more time developing, yet their aggressive play and willingness to drive the net are making them legitimate roster candidates. The Rangers may have more youthful depth than anticipated.
Alexandar Georgiev (Buffalo Sabres)
Georgiev combined with Devon Levi for a shutout in his Sabres preseason debut. If his strong play continues, Buffalo could suddenly have a deeper, more reliable goaltending tandem than projected.
Teams Exceeding Early Expectations
While still early, the Columbus Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals, and Montreal Canadiens are showing signs of life beyond what preseason projections suggested. If these flashes carry forward, they could shake up the playoff picture.
Preseason Takeaways Fans Should Watch Closely
Even with two weeks left before the regular season, a few lessons are clear:
- Demidov, Schaefer, Parekh, and Savoie are more than hype; they look NHL-ready.
- Veterans like Lucic and Fabbri are proving that resilience matters as much as skill.
- Eyssimont, Leppanen, and Shabanov show how quickly new names can rise.
- Teams like Columbus and Montreal may not be pushovers this season.
The preseason may be short, but its surprises often echo deep into the season.
From Preseason Buzz to Real-Season Impact
What happens in September rarely stays there. The stars of the preseason don’t always become the stars of the regular season, yet the players and teams making waves now are already shaping expectations for October.
For fans, that’s the real joy of preseason: catching glimpses of the unknown, discovering new storylines, and watching possibilities unfold on the ice. These weeks are less about results and more about potential, and this year, the potential feels bigger than ever.