Overview

• New GM and executive vice president Mathieu Darche begins his tenure with an organizational reset as camp opens at Northwell Health Ice Center.
• Top pick Matthew Schaefer, 18, is being given every chance to make the roster, with potential power-play usage and a chance to unseat Tony DeAngelo on the point.
• Patrick Roy plans to start Maxim Shabanov on Bo Horvat’s wing with Jonathan Drouin, and the KHL import is slated for power-play looks.
• Semyon Varlamov’s availability remains uncertain following knee surgery, with David Rittich signed to provide veteran coverage behind starter Ilya Sorokin.
• Competition is intense for bottom-six forward roles and the seventh defenseman spot, setting up decisions that will shape the opening-night lineup.