NHL Insider Frank Seravalli Answers the Summer’s Biggest Unresolved Storylines

September is here, and NHL training camps are just weeks away. Yet, several major storylines remain unresolved as the league prepares for its first 84-game regular season—kicking off when the Carolina Hurricanes raise their Stanley Cup banner.

Interview Updates for the Red Wings GM Job

The Detroit Red Wings have been without a permanent general manager since franchise icon Steve Yzerman was dismissed in mid-July.

Sources say Detroit hoped to have Yzerman’s successor in place by Labor Day. While that target has passed, a final decision could still come soon.

Several candidates have emerged in the search, including Florida Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson and San Jose Sharks assistant GM Jeff Kealty. Another intriguing name in internal discussions is current Detroit Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg, who previously served as an associate GM with the Chicago Blackhawks.

However, despite initial reports, sources now indicate that Kealty has not actually interviewed for the position, even though Detroit received permission from San Jose to speak with him.

In the meantime, hockey operations continue to manage day-to-day duties as Detroit prepares for training camp. Whoever ultimately takes the helm will immediately inherit a major roster decision: the future of Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.

Frederik Andersen 2-Month Injury Setback

Frederik Andersen’s health is shaping up to be a critical early-season storyline for the Edmonton Oilers. After the team confirmed the veteran netminder would miss training camp due to an offseason training injury, sources now indicate he could miss up to two months of the regular season.

Sources also reveal that the setback is connected to the injury Andersen suffered during Carolina’s Stanley Cup run last spring—where the veteran helped the Hurricanes secure 13 playoff wins before being forced out of the lineup—prior to joining Edmonton this summer.

Andersen’s absence leaves the Oilers relying heavily on Tristan Jarry to rediscover his form and newcomer Devon Levi to make an immediate impact.

Hellebuyck Widens List of Potential Trade Destinations

Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request has not wavered since Steve Yzerman’s dismissal, leaving his future in Detroit in the hands of the club’s next general manager. Resolving the captain’s status will almost certainly be Priority No. 1 for whoever takes the reins.

However, Larkin isn’t the only star name dominating the market. Unlike Larkin, sources indicate Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has shown greater flexibility regarding potential trade destinations.

While that openness theoretically expands Winnipeg’s options, it has yet to produce a suitable deal—even after Hellebuyck went public with his request last week to apply pressure on the front office.

No Progress on Quinn Hughes’ Signature

Quinn Hughes’ future remains equally unresolved ahead of the new season, with sources indicating little to no progress on contract extension talks.

Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin added further intrigue recently, suggesting Hughes “might be into different things” than Cale Makar.

Guerin’s comments came shortly after Makar set a new market benchmark, signing an NHL-record eight-year, $163.2 million extension with Colorado worth over $20 million annually.

While Makar’s massive payday established a new ceiling for elite defensemen, Hughes continues to deliberate his options as training camp approaches.

NHL Expansion: Houston Remains Frontrunner

On the expansion front, sources indicate Houston has firmly established itself as the frontrunner over Austin to host the NHL’s 33rd franchise.

The update comes as the league evaluates potential Texas markets following Commissioner Gary Bettman’s June announcement that the NHL and the Friedkin family would spend six months reviewing prospective sites.

While the league aims for a formal decision in December, Houston currently holds a distinct lead in the driver’s seat.