NHL Stars Reveal: Cheat Meals, Anthems, and Game Changes

NHL: Stars Reveal Off-Ice Secrets and Predictions for the 2025-26 Season

Henderson, Nevada – With training camps opening this week, the NHL is about to return to action for the 2025-26 season. The summer was marked by a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players, which has generated expectations and changes. During the NHL Player Media Tour near Las Vegas, Alofoke Deportes had access to dozens of stars to learn their opinions and perspectives on the upcoming season.

Favorite Dishes and Curious Habits: Players Reveal Their Secrets

One of the central themes was “cheat meals” or players’ favorite indulgent meals. The answers were varied and revealing:

• Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins) opts for chicken wings.
• Mathew Barzal (New York Islanders) prefers a 7th Street burger in New York.
• Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks) chooses burgers and fries.
• Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes) can’t resist Domino’s pizza.
• Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) enjoys a burger from Cherry Cricket in Denver.
• Travis Sanheim (Philadelphia Flyers) goes for a Shake Shack burger and shake.
• Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning) prefers pizza with prosciutto.
• Lukas Dostal (Anaheim Ducks) opts for Italian pizza with prosciutto and burrata.
• Brady Skjei (Nashville Predators) chooses nachos or tacos.
• Jake Oettinger (Dallas Stars) decides on Chick-fil-a or a burger from Culver’s.
• Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks) is simple: a burger from anywhere.

CBA and Dress Code: What Changes Are Players Celebrating?

The focus was also on the positive aspects of the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The players highlighted:

• Reducing the length of the training camp.
• Relaxed dress code, allowing players to express their personal style.
• Including medical care for retired players.
• Eliminating physical tests.

Flexibility in the dress code promises a more diverse and expressive environment in the league.

Relaxation of the dress code in the NHL could result in captivating looks from the players on their way to the stadium.

Who Will Benefit from the New Dress Code?

The question of which players will take advantage of the new relaxed dress code generated some predictions:

• Charlie McAvoy predicts that David Pastrnak will be the boldest, while Morgan Geekie will opt for a more relaxed style.
• Jack Hughes expects that he, Timo Meier, Luke Hughes, and Jesper Bratt will embrace the change.
• Jordan Eberle believes that Vince Dunn will be the most stylish.

Music to Motivate: Songs That Drive the Stars

Music is fundamental for preparation. Players’ musical preferences vary:

• Seth Jarvis does not have a specific song.
• Brady Skjei prefers 90s music.
• Jake Oettinger leans towards Drake.
• Jack Hughes chooses “Best of You” by Foo Fighters.
• Travis Sanheim enjoys country music by Morgan Wallen.
• Victor Hedman listens to country music and motivational songs.
• Pierre-Luc Dubois prefers French rap.
• Cale Makar listens to everything, including “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits.

Playoffs Format: Debate on Changes

The playoff format was another topic of discussion. Opinions varied:

• Alex DeBrincat (Detroit Red Wings) is satisfied with the current format.
• Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning) would prefer a 1-to-8 format.
• Lukas Dostal (Anaheim Ducks) considers the current format may be unfair.
• Brady Skjei (Nashville Predators) sees advantages and disadvantages in the current format and in the 1-to-8 format.
• Jordan Eberle (Seattle Kraken) also prefers the 1-to-8 format.
• Travis Sanheim (Philadelphia Flyers) supports the current format, but would prefer the 1-to-8 format.
• Pierre-Luc Dubois (Washington Capitals) prefers the current format and not expanding it.
• Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes) is happy with the current format.

The current playoff format has resulted in the Oilers and Kings facing each other in the first round for the last four years.

Habits and Curiosities: The Details That Make Players Unique

Finally, some of the players’ quirks were revealed:

• Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers) constantly adjusts his helmet.
• Brady Skjei (Nashville Predators) uses foam donuts in his skates to prevent chafing.
• Jordan Eberle (Seattle Kraken) is very specific with his gloves.
• Travis Sanheim (Philadelphia Flyers) uses a new stick in every game.
• Jake Oettinger (Dallas Stars) taps his stick on his glove constantly.
• Pierre-Luc Dubois (Washington Capitals) cuts the laces of his skates.

Highlighted Statements

Quinn Hughes on the new Canucks coach, Adam Foote: “He’s been very good. He has brought structure, competitiveness, he’s a good guy. So we’ll see how he does as a coach, but I think he’s very excited and looking forward to the opportunity.” Zach Werenski on confidence in Columbus: “We were very close. We were in the playoff race until game 82. So we know we’re a good team. Now we have to do it consistently, do it again year after year, right? We had a good year last year. It still wasn’t good enough. So we have to do it again and do it even better. So I think the confidence that [General Manager Don Waddell] has in us will also give us some confidence.” Patrick Kane on the invitation to the Olympic development camp: “I think I was just talking to my agent about how there’s a possibility I could be on the team and that I was under consideration. So when you hear that, it’s really not a huge surprise that you’re there. I was probably a little more surprised that Alex [DeBrincat] wasn’t, but I think we both have some motivation to get off to good starts this year.” Robert Thomas on his goals for this season: “I would like to get 100 [points]. I think I was pretty close to that pace last year, minus an injury. So, staying healthy and continuing to improve, I think 100 points is my next goal.” Connor Hellebuyck on learning from the 4 Nations Face-Off ahead of an Olympic year: “The emotional toll of the 4 Nations was definitely a learning experience. Not only that, but I learned about the [things] off the ice and what to expect from that, and how to manage bringing your family, managing how many extra media there are and the stress that’s in that. I definitely learned some good things from that.” Sam Reinhart on the Florida free agent re-signings: “I think it’s a testament to what we have there. Guys could make more elsewhere, you know? But we have something they want to be a part of and don’t want to leave. Obviously it’s pretty exciting to see it all get done the way it has and see everyone back on board.” Patrick Kane, after Sidney Crosby interrupted an interview to say hello: “That would be a good center to play with.”