With a handful of key players still sitting out for various reasons, it’s a good time to look at how others have performed after missing training camp or the start of a season. Michael Amato examines some recent cases.

Michael Amato examines how NHL players historically perform after missing training camp due to contract disputes or trade requests. Amato notes that several current players, including Connor Hellebuyck, Alexander Nikishin, Simon Edvinsson, and Dylan Larkin, face uncertain starts to the 2026-27 season due to holdouts, trade desires, or injuries.
Looking at historical precedents, Amato highlights positive outcomes from Matthew Tkachuk and Jason Robertson, who both produced immediately despite missing camp. Conversely, Amato points to Jeremy Swayman and William Nylander as cautionary tales, noting that extended absences led to significant statistical drop-offs.
Pens Points: Murashov slips up as Blackhawks win in Bedard’s season debutYahoo Sports
4 takeaways from Maple Leafs-Mammoth: Anthony Stolarz’s poor start proves to be insurmountableThe Leafs Nation
NHL Highlights: Oilers 4, Kings 1Sportsnet
Depleted Hurricanes lose Hall to upper-body injury in win over CapitalsESPN
McAvoy scores in his 1st game back from a suspension to lead the Bruins past the Sharks 6-3Yahoo Sports
To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.