Sep 19, 2023, 08:00 AM ET

HENDERSON, Nev. — With training camps opening up this week, and a preseason game in [checks notes] Australia on Friday, the NHL is close to being back in action. This summer was an eventful one, with a new franchise icon in Chicago in Connor Bedard, a handful of key players signed to new teams or traded — including the reigning Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson — and the usual flurry of off-ice activity for players (and the Stanley Cup).

ESPN’s Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski caught up with dozens of star players at the NHL Player Media Tour near Las Vegas last week, and asked all the pertinent questions: What team or player are they most excited to watch? Which current or former teammate will one day make a great coach or GM? What’s their go-to restaurant on the road? And what rule change would they enact if they could pick only one?

How to watch the 2023-24 NHL season on ESPN networks — including 100 exclusive games and the out-of-market package (over 1,050 games).

What team or player are you most excited to watch this season?

Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers: I’m excited to see what Boston does after their season last year, how they follow that one up.

Mario Ferraro, San Jose Sharks: I have to go with Toronto Maple Leafs. Noah Gregor, who’s my good buddy, just signed a PTO there but I’m confident that he’s going to sign [a contract] there. And Dylan Gambrell, who I used to play with, is on that team too. I grew up in Toronto so I’m always kind of keeping in the loop with what Toronto’s doing. I’m kind of surrounded by it. I talked to my cousins today, and they won’t stop talking about Toronto. I’m like, I’m right here. I play for the Sharks. I don’t give an eff’ about Toronto, whatever. But I’m kind of sucked into it. I grew up a Leaf fan, but it was easy moving on. I was just so happy to be in the NHL and so honored to be with the Sharks. As soon as I got drafted, I just forgot about the blue and white. It’s all about the…