Max Domi of the Toronto Maple Leafs recently celebrated the return of Jonathan Toews to the NHL, sharing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. Toews, a Chicago Blackhawks legend, signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets, marking his comeback after battling health issues. Domi, who played alongside Toews during the 2022-23 season, expressed pride in Toews' resilience. The former captain of the Blackhawks had faced significant health challenges, including long COVID and chronic inflammatory response syndrome, which had sidelined him during previous seasons. This new chapter allows Toews to return home to Manitoba, where he aims to make a significant impact.

The Boston Bruins are banking on improved performances from their two major free agency signings, Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, after disappointing inaugural seasons. Lindholm, expected to be the top center, struggled with consistency and managed only 47 points, missing a substantial part of the preseason due to a back injury. His chemistry with David Pastrnak finally emerged towards the season's end, leading to optimism for the next season. Zadorov, on the other hand, led the NHL in penalty minutes and faced challenges adapting to new defensive pairs, although he began to find his footing post-trade deadline. Bruins GM Don Sweeney is hopeful that both players can elevate their game and make a significant impact in 2025-26.

Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins revealed that he would have been ready to play had the Bruins made the playoffs, following recovery from a shoulder infection. However, he confirmed he will not participate in the World Championships. Elias Lindholm faced a lower back injury before training camp, impacting his early season performance. Mark Kastelic is sidelined with concussion issues, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate game appearances.

In injury news, Calgary Flames' Adam Klapka left a game with a lower-body injury, while Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks will be in a cast for three more weeks. The Columbus Blue Jackets' Dean Evason noted Zach Aston-Reese is nursing injuries. Good news for the Florida Panthers as all players are set to be available for Game 1 of the playoffs, while the New York Islanders are dealing with absences due to illness and injuries. The New Jersey Devils report positive steps for Jonas Siegenthaler, although he remains out for now.

As the NHL's 2025 trade deadline approaches, teams weigh their decisions on whether to acquire or offload players in hopes of securing a playoff spot. However, not all trades yield the expected results. The deals from last season highlight the risks involved, as some teams paid steep prices for underwhelming performances.

The Vancouver Canucks' acquisition of Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames was particularly costly, involving multiple assets including a first-round pick. Lindholm's lackluster regular season and his subsequent departure to the Boston Bruins left Canucks fans questioning the move. In contrast, the Flames capitalized on the deal, selecting promising talent Matvei Gridin with Vancouver's draft pick.

Similarly, Sean Monahan's tenure with the Winnipeg Jets proved disappointing. Though initially appearing to be a great fit, he was unable to produce in the playoffs, leading to a costly first-round pick heading to Montreal without any return. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights' trade for Anthony Mantha saw him fail to impact the postseason, leading to a quick exit against the Dallas Stars.

On the flip side, some teams, like the Carolina Hurricanes, benefited from smart acquisitions that paid off in playoff scoring. The lessons learned from these trade deadline moves could significantly influence strategies as the deadline looms once more.

The waiver wire continues to offer intriguing options for fantasy hockey players. With players like Elias Lindholm of the Boston Bruins enjoying a resurgence, now back on the top power-play unit, he's racking up 2.29 fantasy points per game over his last seven. Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets made an impact in his season debut, while Pierre-Luc Dubois is steadily improving his stats with the Washington Capitals, making him a must-roster candidate.

Valeri Nichushkin of the Colorado Avalanche is on the verge of returning, which could bolster the Avalanche's struggling offense. Meanwhile, Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a key player on a potent power-play unit, is widely available and should be picked up quickly. Lastly, Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers is showing promise, contributing significantly to his line's performance. These players could play a pivotal role in your fantasy team's success this season.