The Anaheim Ducks are exploring trade opportunities for star winger Mitch Marner, but with budgetary constraints limiting their offer. Having over $30 million in available cap space, the Ducks will prioritize resigning their restricted free agents, including Lukas Dostal and Mason McTavish, while also preparing for future expenditures for Jackson Lacombe's impending contract. Speculation suggests the Ducks won't go beyond their budget, despite interest in Marner, emphasizing their cautious approach to roster adjustments.

Meanwhile, the New York Rangers are amidst a significant cap space maneuver, especially following Chris Kreider's trade to the Ducks. With nearly $16 million available and discussions surrounding K’Andre Miller’s bridge deal, the Rangers are assessing their options, including potential trades for defensemen like Vladislav Gavrikov. The complexity of trades involving players like Alexis Lafreniere and their financial implications complicates the Rangers' strategy heading into free agency.

In the NHL's 2024-25 season, several players have emerged as exceptional value for their performance relative to their salaries. Simon Holmstrom of the New York Islanders stands out with 45 points and a cap hit of just $850,000, resulting in a remarkable point value of $18,889. His offensive contributions were significant, especially during Mathew Barzal's absence. Meanwhile, Jackson LaCombe from the Anaheim Ducks also proved his worth, tallying 43 points for a value of $21,512, showcasing his ability on the blue line.

Veteran James van Riemsdyk of the Columbus Blue Jackets displayed strong production with 36 points despite limited ice time, while Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning reached new career highs with 37 points. Tanner Pearson of the Vegas Golden Knights and Eric Robinson from the Carolina Hurricanes also provided solid contributions on lower salaries, showing that savvy fantasy managers can find value in less heralded players.

As the NHL season kicks off, fantasy enthusiasts can dive into a thrilling 10-game slate on April 1, 2025. With teams like Ottawa, Anaheim, and Vegas boasting high implied totals, strategic lineup construction is key. Notable goalie picks include Elvis Merzlikins, showcasing potential for positive regression despite recent struggles, and Adin Hill facing the Edmonton Oilers. Among forwards, Aleksander Barkov and Nikita Kucherov lead the charge with solid recent performances, while Alexander Wennberg offers exceptional value.

For defensemen, Jackson LaCombe is highlighted for his impressive form, making him a valuable asset against the San Jose Sharks. Keep an eye on injury updates and news to make informed decisions, and utilize RotoBaller's tools for enhanced analysis and lineup optimization.

The NHL season has unveiled an array of fantasy surprises and disappointments. Among the notable fantasy revelations, Anaheim's Jackson LaCombe has emerged as a potential 50-point defenseman, boosting his value as a top power-play anchor. Conversely, Boston's Jeremy Swayman has struggled mightily, suggesting he should be avoided in most leagues. Buffalo's JJ Peterka has proved to be a rising star, averaging 0.85 points per game, complementing the top line impressively.

Carolina's Shayne Gostisbehere has established himself as a power-play specialist, while Columbus’ Sean Monahan reclaims his role as a top-line center. Calgary's rookie goalie Dustin Wolf is solidifying his status as a Calder candidate. The Blackhawks see Connor Bedard as their only consistent forward amidst underwhelming performances from others. Colorado's Valeri Nichushkin has shown he can be a fantasy stalwart when healthy, while Dallas' Thomas Harley faces potential regression without Miro Heiskanen.

Detroit's Patrick Kane is bouncing back, making him a mid-round pick next draft season, while Edmonton's Stuart Skinner appears to be off fantasy radars after a disappointing season. Florida's Mackie Samoskevich could be a sleeper if he earns a top-six role next year. LA’s Darcy Kuemper and Minnesota's Filip Gustavsson are both proving their worth as top netminders. Meanwhile, Montreal’s Nick Suzuki showcases durability and offensive capability, while Nashville’s Steven Stamkos hints at a possible bounce-back next season.

On March 26, 2025, NHL DFS contests offer an exciting array of players to consider for optimal lineups across DraftKings and FanDuel. In goal, Spencer Knight stands out as a solid pick against the New Jersey Devils, priced favorably at $7.2K on DK and $7.0K on FD. Meanwhile, centers like Matt Duchene could provide surprising value against the Edmonton Oilers, especially after recently scoring two goals and three assists in his last six games.

Wingers such as Erik Haula have been red-hot, scoring in three consecutive games and positioned on the top line against the Chicago Blackhawks. On the defensive side, Jackson LaCombe emerges as a strong candidate, showcasing impressive stats with the Ducks and his involvement in both power play and penalty-killing units. Goody has curated effective stacks, with a focus on players like Terry, Strome, and Vatrano for a solid performance. Keep an eye on injury news and last-minute updates to finalize your lineups!