Some parts of the new CBA go into effect immediately, with LTIR tweaks, no deferred compensation and a tighter paper-loan policy changing how teams manage cap in 2025-26. Other provisions land later, including ELC and min-salary rules ahead of 2026-27, plus mandatory neck protection and European eligibility shifts. Opening Night kicks off 2025-26 with a tripleheader as Sonny Milano gears up for camp, Hildeby inks with Toronto, Prokhorov joins the Islanders, and Kaprizov’s contract talks heat up Minnesota.

Fantasy players should map immediate cap implications, LTIR usage, and recall limits to roster construction. The Leafs, Islanders, Wild, and Capitals headline the season’s strategic shifts, with goaltending depth and young players likely to see opportunities as rosters adapt to the new rules and timing.

The Boston Bruins welcomed defenseman Hampus Lindholm back to practice, expressing joy in reconnecting with teammates and enjoying the game again. Fellow forward Mark Kastelic shared his positive mindset as he returns to practice, emphasizing a day-by-day approach.

In Chicago, defenseman Connor Murphy observed practice in a no-contact jersey due to a groin issue. Meanwhile, Darren Dreger announced that Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is anticipated to rejoin practice next week.

The Minnesota Wild saw Kirill Kaprizov and Brock Faber participating in the morning skate, though neither played recently. Jared Spurgeon is progressing, with hopes of returning soon. In Toronto, John Tavares left practice after an awkward fall, with coach Craig Berube confirming he is currently being evaluated for any potential injuries.

Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren has resumed practicing with the team following an upper-body injury sustained during last Friday's game against the Montreal Canadiens. While he is set to travel with the Capitals to Ottawa, Lindgren remains on injured reserve and will not participate in the upcoming match against the Senators. However, he may be activated in time for Saturday's game when Washington faces the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery noted the significance of Lindgren's return to the ice, stating, 'Not quite ready with being on the IR and that, but another positive step being on the ice today.'

The injury occurred when Lindgren was struck by Canadiens player Nick Suzuki, whose momentum was influenced by Brandon Duhaime. Lindgren exited the game shortly thereafter, resulting in a 3-2 overtime loss for the Capitals. This season, Lindgren has recorded a 10-8-2 record, with a 2.65 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage over 21 starts. Throughout his career, he boasts a record of 63-47-14 with a 2.77 GAA and .907 save percentage in 131 regular-season games.

In addition, forward Sonny Milano participated in his first full practice since suffering an upper-body injury on November 6 against the Nashville Predators. Wearing a non-contact jersey, Milano continues to work towards recovery. Although he has played in just three games this season, he has accumulated 137 career points over his tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks, and Capitals.

The Colorado Avalanche continue to face challenges with player injuries, as coach Jared Bednar confirmed that defenseman Samuel Girard is still day-to-day. Meanwhile, Valeri Nichushkin's condition has not improved, prompting concerns he might be sidelined longer than anticipated. Bednar also dismissed rumors regarding Gabriel Landeskog's inability to skate consecutively, maintaining that the team is managing their injuries closely.

Goaltender Scott Wedgewood, however, is set to return after missing four games due to an ankle injury. In other news across the NHL, several other players have been dealing with their own injury situations. Los Angeles Kings defenseman Joel Edmundson has returned after an upper-body injury, while New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin has resumed practicing following an illness.