Luke Hughes' extension with the Devils is near the top of camp-talk, with teams weighing long-term security against a bridge deal to keep him in RFAs as cap space tightens. At 21, his ceiling argues for flexibility, and camp is a few weeks away, making a deal likely before the session begins.

Confidence from Nico Hischier and Devils brass frames the process; Hughes’ development and projected power-play impact keep him central to the team’s plans, elevating his fantasy upside this season.

Mitch Marner spoke frankly about playoff heartbreak and the personal toll it took, including security at home after the Maple Leafs’ elimination and a harsh online backlash. He described leaving the Leafs—after nine seasons and a $96-million extension—and landing with Vegas in a high-stakes reset. The piece frames a bittersweet exit, with Marner reflecting on his bond with teammates and the reality of fan passion shaping a star’s next chapter, including fantasy implications of a fresh top-line role in Vegas.

NHL and NHLPA’s Milan stop launches a first-of-its-kind cross-sport activation with Serie A clubs Inter and Milan, spotlighting a shared global fan pulse for hockey and soccer. In a week of events in Milan, 26 NHL stars will mingle with European soccer icons, with a focus on Olympic visibility ahead of Milano Cortina 2026. Seven players named to preliminary Olympic rosters—Aho, Heiskanen, Seider, Raymond, Hischier, Nylander, and Zibanejad—anchor the roster as Inter hosts a training session and Milan’s opener vs Cremonese. The journey includes jersey exchanges with Serie A legends and a broadcaster summit to amplify cross-border storytelling.

The alliance aims to translate on-field star power into digital and live experiences for fantasy audiences and global fans, leveraging both leagues’ brands and broadcast ecosystems. A historic jersey swap at MSG from a March 2025 moment between Mika Zibanejad and Pirlo/Materazzi underscored the ambition to fuse hockey and soccer narratives. As Milan pivots toward 2025–26, the collaboration is framed as a blueprint for cross-sport engagement, talent mobility, and a broader, more immersive fan experience that transcends traditional league boundaries.

As the NHL season progresses, players from the Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs are starting to make their mark. Pyotr Kochetkov has emerged as a formidable goaltender for the Hurricanes, showcasing remarkable skills that could redefine the team's defensive strategy. Kochetkov's ability to command the crease and make critical saves may give Carolina the edge they need for a deep playoff run.

On the other hand, the Maple Leafs are benefiting from the offensive prowess of William Nylander, whose scoring ability has been instrumental in Toronto's success. His combination of speed and finesse is making him a player to watch, especially in crucial matchups. As both teams look to solidify their standings, the performances of these key players will be pivotal.