Roope Hintz lands at No. 17 among NHL centers entering 2025-26, posting 67 points (28 goals, 29 assists) in 76 games. His two-way game keeps him in fantasy conversations, with Selke Award votes piling up over the past four seasons. Dallas’ star forward contributed 12 playoff points in 17 games last spring, though an injury in the Western Conference finals stemmed from a controversial Nurse slash. Hintz anchors the Stars’ lineup as part of a celebrated Finnish contingent that once included Mikko Rantanen, Mikael Granlund, Esa Lindell and Miro Heiskanen, a group nicknamed the Finnish Mafia. Granlund’s free-agency departure leaves Hintz, Lindell and Heiskanen as core holdovers, while Rantanen and Robertson remain crucial wings on a roster that leaned on depth and elite skill. NHL Network’s write-up underscores Hintz’s rhythm heading into the season and the historic four-point playoff burst by Hintz and Rantanen in a pivotal Game 6, a reminder that Dallas can lift a high-end fantasy ceiling when the star power is healthy.

For fantasy managers, Hintz remains a safe bet for 65–75 points with strong peripherals and continued two-way value. The Stars’ Finnish quartet signals sustained upside around leadership and chemistry, even as Granlund’s exit reshapes the depth chart. Dallas’ top wings (Robertson, Rantanen) and defensemen (Heiskanen, Harley) figure prominently in projections, with Lindell and Harley poised to carry significant minutes on the back end. Monitor Hintz’s health after the playoff injury and the evolving lineup, but the core fantasy appeal remains intact: elite point pace paired with excellent defensive impact and playoff pedigree.

The Edmonton Oilers are grappling with the aftermath of their second consecutive defeat in the Stanley Cup Finals, this time to the Florida Panthers, despite entering the series with home-ice advantage.

As they begin their offseason, the Oilers face pressing financial constraints, significantly due to a hefty eight-year contract with defenseman Darnell Nurse, valued at $9.2 million per season. The Oilers are now seeking answers to enhance their competitive edge but must navigate through the challenges imposed by Nurse's declining performance.

Last season saw Nurse tally only five goals and 28 assists, with even less production in the playoffs, raising concerns about the value of his contract, which restricts the team’s cap flexibility. As the Oilers plan their future, they must hope for a resurgence in Nurse's play to justify his contract and avoid further hampering their roster adjustments.

Darnell Nurse, the Edmonton Oilers' defenseman, recently made headlines not just for his on-ice performance but also for his humorous take on trade rumors. After a report suggested he would not waive his no-trade clause, Nurse cheekily posted a meme on Instagram with the caption 'Why you always lying?' This playful response indicates that, while a trade might not be imminent, he remains open to the possibility. At 30, having faced consecutive Stanley Cup Finals losses, Nurse may be contemplating a fresh start. In the previous season, he contributed significantly, recording 28 assists in 76 games, making him a valuable asset for any team considering a trade.

Connor McDavid's impending contract renewal looms large over the Edmonton Oilers, with analysts warning of potential salary cap pitfalls. If McDavid signs for a projected $18.5 million annually, the Oilers may mirror the Toronto Maple Leafs' costly strategy, committing a staggering 53.8% of their salary cap to just four players: McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse, and Evan Bouchard. This precarious balance raises concerns about team depth and future roster decisions.

Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette highlighted the risk of a top-heavy roster, suggesting that the Oilers could end up sacrificing necessary depth, much like the Maple Leafs have done. The Oilers, despite their success in reaching the finals, may face challenges replicating their current performance if they allocate such a significant portion of their cap to a mere four players.

In a thrilling Game 4, the Edmonton Oilers stunned the Florida Panthers with a remarkable comeback, erasing a three-goal deficit to secure a 5-4 overtime victory. Leon Draisaitl delivered the decisive goal, tying the Stanley Cup Final series at two games apiece. The action now shifts to Rogers Place in Edmonton for Game 5, where the Oilers aim to leverage their home-ice advantage as slight favorites against the Panthers. The over/under is set at 6.5 goals, reflecting the high-scoring nature of the series.

Key player props include Sergei Bobrovsky, who continues to impress with his saves, and Darnell Nurse, who has consistently contributed offensively from the blue line. Carter Verhaeghe has also emerged as a notable playmaker, making for intriguing betting angles as the series approaches its climax.