September 6, 2026 • 9:02 AM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
If you’re keeping tabs on the NHL’s movers and shakers, there’s a lot to unpack this week. The biggest news: Semyon Varlamov is finally healthy and ready to lace up for Islanders camp. That’s huge for New York, who haven’t seen their veteran netminder in action since November 2024. The Islanders have been waiting on Varlamov’s recovery, hoping it adds stability and opens up real competition in the crease once training camp kicks off.
At the same time, the Colorado Avalanche have made serious waves themselves. Not only is Cale Makar officially locked up with a record eight-year deal, but the team also faces what can only be described as a brutal travel schedule for the 2026-27 NHL season. If you’re considering futures or team performance bets, this schedule could weigh heavy on their win totals and overall stamina come playoff time. The team’s loaded travel calendar means more time on the road, less rest — and, historically, that chips away at depth and health. According to Yahoo Sports, you can expect the Avs to be racking up plenty of frequent flyer miles as they try to stay in contention.
The Avs’ recent moves also highlight how much the front office values elite talent. General manager Sakic’s comment on Makar’s deal says it all: without superstars, you’re not winning championships. Locking in Makar for eight years signals their intention to keep that championship window wide open. There’s news elsewhere in the Avs’ system, too. Defensive prospect Linus Funck is on the move, with his rights traded by the London Knights. That hints the organization could be reshuffling its depth on the blue line heading into the season.
Meanwhile, plenty of Avalanche players are already back in Denver, jumping into informal skates as they look to shake off the summer and get their timing right. Early skates hint at a locker room that’s ready to embrace the grind ahead, regardless of how packed their bags are going to be.
Varlamov’s Return, Makar’s Deal and Major League Updates
- Semyon Varlamov, missing from NHL action since November 2024, is healthy and ready for the Islanders’ camp.
- Cale Makar inks a record-setting 8-year contract with the Avalanche, solidifying his future in Colorado.
- Avalanche’s travel itinerary for 2026-27 looks like one of the roughest in the league, potentially impacting team performance.
- London Knights trade Avalanche defensive prospect Linus Funck, signalling possible roster adjustments.
- Informal skates in Denver show the Avs aren’t wasting any preseason time.
- TVA Sports renews NHL broadcast rights for 12 years, promising more Canadiens games for Quebec fans.
- CTV spotlights a controversy in youth hockey, raising questions over safeguarding in minor leagues.
- Hockey Hall of Famer weighs in on Makar’s contract, saying there’s little reason for concern when superstars get paid.
Actionable Takeaways for Bettors
- Don’t ignore Varlamov’s return if you’re eyeing Islanders futures. Veteran stability in net can swing the odds on totals and playoff positioning.
- Cale Makar locked in long-term means the Avalanche can anchor their blue line for years. Consider Makar in Norris Trophy and points markets.
- If you’re betting Avalanche win totals or playoff advancement, adjust for the travel schedule — fatigue and injuries stack up fast with mileage like this.
- Linus Funck’s move may shake up Colorado’s prospect depth, possibly affecting their bottom pairings or future call-ups.
- Montreal Canadiens fans (and bettors) get more televised games, which could mean sharper line moves on high-profile clashes.
- Controversy in youth and minor leagues doesn’t impact NHL odds directly, but it might affect feeder systems or prospect focus down the line.
- When the front office pays a superstar like Makar, it’s a clear go-signal for all-in performance; expect Colorado to stay aggressive in pursuit of the Cup.
- Watch how quickly Avs’ players get up to speed in informal sessions — signs of a motivated core can underpin bets on hot starts to the season.
What’s Next
As camps open and storylines keep rolling, Varlamov’s healthy return gives Islanders backers something to be bullish about, and Makar’s megadeal tells you the Avs are all-in on their championship core. Colorado’s travel grind is one to monitor for sharp bettors — you don’t want to be caught on the wrong side of tired legs once the season heats up.
More coverage: latest NHL news, NHL analysis and odds and today’s NHL picks.
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