Over $57 Million in NHL salary missing from training camp on Day 1

NHL training camps are officially underway across the league, with players reporting and lacing up skates for the first time since the offseason. But as rosters took shape on Day 1, a striking number of high-profile names were nowhere to be found.

The absences span multiple teams and carry a combined cap hit that runs well into the tens of millions, leaving front offices scrambling for answers before the regular season even comes into focus.

In Colorado, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar revealed that Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar is nursing a lower-body injury that surfaced in recent weeks. Bednar said the team is "playing it safe" and that Makar likely would not skate on the opening day of camp. The coach added that they are not overly concerned and anticipate Makar rejoining the group shortly. Makar carries a cap hit of $12 million per season, which is an expensive bundle on the sidelines.

In Chicago, new captain Connor Bedard is present at camp, though not on the ice. The 21-year-old center underwent surgery on his left shoulder after sustaining an injury during an offseason training session in Vancouver on July 2. He has been skating and taking shots at Chicago's practice facility during informal sessions, and by all accounts, his recovery is progressing.

Bedard is reportedly expected to miss the start of the regular season and could be sidelined until November. He carries a cap hit of $15,000,000 per season, making his absence one of the most expensive on the sidelines.

Over in Toronto, the news was more ominous. According to David Pagnotta, Leafs general manager John Chayka confirmed that forward Max Domi failed his physical and has been ruled out indefinitely. Domi is expected to miss all of camp and a significant portion of the regular season. His $3.75 million cap hit will sit idle for the foreseeable future.

The New York Islanders issued their own update on star center Mat Barzal, announcing ahead of camp that he would not be available. While specific details remain limited, the timing drew immediate concern from the fanbase, with some speculating he could miss opening night. Barzal's $9.15 million annual salary adds another hefty figure to the league-wide injury toll.

In Detroit, the situation surrounding Dylan Larkin is arguably the most complicated of them all. Red Wings executive Shawn Horcoff confirmed that Larkin sustained an upper-body injury during offseason training and will not participate when camp gets underway. No return timeline was given. The announcement drew widespread skepticism given Larkin's well-known trade request from last season. His $8.7 million cap hit remains on Detroit's books through 2031, and his full no-trade clause continues to limit potential destinations.

And let's not forget how Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who demanded a trade out of Winnipeg, will not report to camp. With this AAAV at $8,500,000 per season, he sits on the sidelines, waiting to be moved. Hellebuyck has a full no-movement clause and is reportedly looking to leave Canada entirely.

All told, the players confirmed absent from opening-day activities represent roughly $57,1 million in combined annual cap commitments sitting on the sideline before a single preseason game has been played. From earlier news, though camp has not started for the Panthers, Brad Marchand is also missing, though, GM Bill Zito revealed that the veteran will miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign after undergoing surgery in August. His salary cap hits at $5,250,000 this season will be added to the list on Thursday.

Teams will press forward with the bodies they have available, but the clock is ticking toward September 29, the official start to the campaign, and each of these situations carries very different timelines and implications for the season ahead.