Today in hockey history includes significant player signings, leadership changes, and rules adjustments that have shaped the game.

One of the most impactful events on this day occurred in 1923 when the Montreal Canadiens signed Howie Morenz. Morenz, known as the "Stratford Streak," became one of the NHL's earliest stars, amassing 257 goals and 421 points in 460 games with Montreal. He won three Hart Trophies and three Stanley Cups with the Canadiens. On September 30, 1933, Morenz also became the all-time career goal leader with 251 goals.

Several teams have appointed new captains on September 30. In 1997, the Toronto Maple Leafs named Mats Sundin as their 16th captain, making him the first European-born captain in NHL history. Sundin held the captaincy for 11 seasons and remains the Maple Leafs' all-time leader in goals (420) and points (987). In 1999, the New York Islanders named Kenny Jonsson as their eighth captain, succeeding Trevor Linden. Tony Amonte was named the 31st captain in Chicago Blackhawks history on September 30, 2000.

Rule changes have also been implemented on this day. In 1933, at an NHL Board of Governors meeting, it was mandated that two referees would work each game, a change from the previous system of one referee and one linesman. However, this system only lasted for five seasons before the league reverted to a single referee per game.

In more recent news, on September 30, 2025, Kirill Kaprizov signed an eight-year, $136 million contract extension with the Minnesota Wild. This contract, which begins in the 2026-27 season, makes him the highest-paid player in the NHL since the cap era began in 2005, surpassing Auston Matthews' $13.25 million average annual value with Toronto.

Other notable events on September 30 include:

• 1979: Murray Costello was hired as the first full-time president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. He helped develop junior and women's hockey programs at the national level and internationally.
• 1982: The New York Rangers signed free agent Vaclav Nedomansky.
• 1983: The Pittsburgh Penguins traded Greg Malone to the Hartford Whalers.
• 1993: The New Jersey Devils signed Bobby Carpenter as a free agent.
• 2014: The NHL Board of Governors ratified the purchase of an interest in the New York Islanders by Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky.

Around the league today, several players are dealing with injuries as the pre-season continues. Rangers captain J.T. Miller suffered a non-contact injury during practice but it's believed to be minor. Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck left practice early, and defenseman Dylan Samberg is out for six to eight weeks with a broken wrist. Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to return to practice after being sidelined since September 19.

In pre-season action, the Calgary Flames edged the Seattle Kraken 2-1 in a shootout, with Dustin Wolf making 32 saves in regulation and stopping three of four shootout attempts.

These events, both past and present, illustrate the ongoing evolution and excitement within the world of hockey.