The 2021-22 NHL season is underway, a little later than usual because of the COVID-19 pandemic's ongoing effects upon life in general. Its impact upon unvaccinated players and the league's schedule will remain a noteworthy storyline to follow in the coming weeks.
That's not the only topic worth following that could shape this season. There's the inaugural campaign of the NHL's latest franchise in Seattle, the anticipation of the league's return to the Winter Olympics and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin's ongoing rise up the all-time goal-scoring leaderboard.
Here are 10 storylines to keep an eye on at the start of the 2021-22 NHL season.