Training-camp battles to watch in NHL's Western Conference

Misa, granted exceptional status to play a year early in the OHL, has high-end talent and may be whom the Sharks want at center long-term. However, as a rookie player, it could be easier to transition him to professional hockey on the wing.

Regardless of whom San Jose decides to play as its second-line center, it's clear the Sharks have a bright future ahead.

Top-six wingers, Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers have two of the best players in the league in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, along with another solid forward in Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The question remains, however, as to who can play alongside them in the top six.

Winger Zach Hyman will certainly be in that group, although, coming off a major wrist injury, there's still uncertainty if he can be ready for the start of the season.

The Oilers did add Hobey Baker winner Isaac Howard (Michigan State) in a trade, but, given that he's yet to play an NHL game, there could be some adjustment time for last season's best NCAA player.

Free-agent signee Andrew Mangiapane, who scored 14 goals last season, is also an option, as is power forward Vasily Podkolzin, who finished seventh among Edmonton forwards last postseason with 10 points.

Regardless of who ends up in the top six, they'll need to step up offensively to provide some scoring depth behind McDavid, Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins.

Goaltending, Minnesota Wild

Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson bounced back from a poor 2023-24 season (3.06 GAA, .899 SV%) with a superb 2024-25 (2.56 GAA, .914 SV%), so it may seem odd to see a goaltending battle for him on the list.

With former first-round draft pick Jesper Wallstedt ready to make the jump, though, don't be surprised to see the Wild coaches create some heat for Gustavsson's starting spot.

While Wallstedt has posted some hot-and-cold numbers in both the NHL and AHL, it's clear there's plenty of talent in the young netminder.

Although Wallstedt may just be breaking into the NHL, there will be plenty of motivation for him to supplant Gustavsson as the Wild's go-to guy, especially with Gustavsson's inconsistency.

Luckily for Wild fans, it's never a bad thing to have two talented goaltenders.