The back-to-back champion Florida Panthers start their Stanley Cup three-peat bid without Matthew Tkachuk, Connor McDavid doesn't have a contract beyond this season and nearly one-third of NHL teams have a new head coach.

Training camps open around the league this week with questions from Edmonton to South Florida, many of which will not be resolved by the time another banner is raised and the puck is dropped on opening night Oct. 7. It's the final season at 82 games before expanding to 84, shortening camps and reducing exhibition play.

Also gone next year is mandatory fitness testing.

"Next year," Carolina's Seth Jarvis said. "I still got one more year."

NHL, NHLPA extend CBA, expand season to 84 games

"Long overdue, Seattle captain Jordan Eberle quipped: "I wish that we did [away wi

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