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Friday Four: How notable players have fared after missing training camps

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.

Published: Friday, 2 October 2026 at 12:08 PM
Friday Four: How notable players have fared after missing training camps
Key Things to Know
  • Michael Amato evaluates how NHL players perform after missing training camp amid current absences across the league.
  • Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin have requested trades, while Alexander Nikishin and Simon Edvinsson remain unsigned.
  • Matthew Tkachuk and Jason Robertson both thrived immediately despite missing majority parts of previous training camps.
The Story in 60 Seconds

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.

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