Training camps begin to open in four weeks. After an entertaining start to free agency in July, the marketplace has cooled. Teams settled in on rosters, and everyone adjourned to their summer homes. Only those execs left some unanswered questions behind. We're here to pick up the slack.

While this next month unfurls toward the start of the 2022-23 campaign, there's a few notable questions that remain unanswered and topics to keep an eye on. How those play out could still have a serious impact on teams entering the season.

1. Where does Nazem Kadri land?

Nazem Kadri entered this offseason as one of the NHL's top unrestricted free agents. The 31-year-old had a career-best 87 points in 71 games and was fresh off a Stanley Cup run in which he produced seven goals and 15 points in 16 games.

The consensus was that Kadri could have a pick of suitors. He seemed to prepare as such, switching agents (to Darren Ferris) during the season and homing in on a lucrative, long-term pact reflective of a strong recent history.

But now it is mid-August and Kadri remains a free agent. The longer that's true, the harder it will be for Kadri to reel in a big-ticket contract. By now, most clubs have made their major moves. Cap space is tight all over, especially for contending teams.

Columbus locked up Johnny Gaudreau. Detroit nabbed Andrew Copp. The New York Rangers wooed Vincent Trocheck. Heck, Florida and Calgary swapped Jonathan Huberdeau and Matthew Tkachuk, then inked them both to long-term deals. Money's been spent, just not on Kadri.

How long until it happens? Will Kadri reveal a next stop by the time he brings the Cup home to London, Ontario, on Aug. 27?

Kadri has been linked through multiple media outlets to the New York Islanders. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported last week that New York was offering Kadri a seven-year contract in the $49 million range. Colorado also reportedly put an extension closer to four years and $24 million on the table.

Almost any team doling out a Kadri-sized contract now would have to make corresponding cap-related shuffles. The Islanders could certainly use Kadri's contributions after averaging less than three goals per game in 2021-22, and Kadri has a history with GM Lou Lamoriello from their time in Toronto. In fact, it was Lamoriello who signed Kadri to his deal that just expired, a six-year agreement worth $27 million.

Will it now be Lamoriello giving Kadri a significant raise? Stay tuned.

2. Which veterans will sign new deals?

We know Kadri will play somewhere next season. What about some of those other free agents still available, particularly those in the later stages of their careers?