The NHL offseason was too long for most players, but many filled the void with travel, weddings and a few rounds of golf. We learned that and more catching up with league stars at the NHL Player Media Tour near Las Vegas last week. It's one event a year where every topic is on the table, from summer plans to equipment quirks to road cities they circle on the calendar each year.
(Hint: dinner reservations play a massive role.) Let's dive into some of the fun before the real games begin in October. How to watch the 2024-25 NHL season on ESPN networks -- including 100 exclusive games and the out-of-market package (over 1,050 games) .
What was your summer highlight? Macklin Celebrini , San Jose Sharks : I went to my first football game. I had never been to one and I went to the University of Michigan at the Big House to see them play ..
.. That was pretty cool.
Vincent Trocheck , New York Rangers : I didn't do s--- this summer. It was nice to just be home. John Carlson , Washington Capitals : I went and played golf in Ireland.
It was a boys' trip; my brother came. We played a bunch of great courses. Bo Horvat , New York Islanders : We did a couple weddings over in Italy, which was where my wife and I went on our honeymoon.
But I hadn't been back in like five years, so it's good to be there again. We went to Puglia and Venice and Rome. Brandon Carlo , Boston Bruins : We went to [ David Pastrnak 's] wedding in Croatia.
That was really cool. I've never been to Croatia, so I loved it .