Articles / Minnesota’s $136-million man, captainless Cats, and the biggest NHL storylines to watch in October

Minnesota’s $136-million man, captainless Cats, and the biggest NHL storylines to watch in October

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Daily Faceoff
Oct 8, 2025 2:30 PM

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As October rolls in, the NHL is buzzing with anticipation surrounding key storylines that could shape the season. Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild continues to be a focal point as he looks to elevate his team's performance after last year’s playoff heartbreak. The expectations are high, and fans are eager to see if he can lead his team to greater heights this season.

Meanwhile, Florida Panthers’ captain Aleksander Barkov has his sights set on repeating last year’s success. His leadership and on-ice skills will be crucial as the Panthers aim for a deep playoff run. Excitingly, many eyes are also on Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who has been a consistent performer and is expected to shine even brighter this season.

On the horizon, the Buffalo Sabres are generating buzz with their young talents. As they look to build on last season’s momentum, it will be interesting to see how their roster shakes out and if they can push for a playoff spot. The combination of skilled veterans and emerging players could be exactly what they need to make a statement in the league this year.