A eight-year deal for Jackson LaCombe anchors Anaheim’s blue line through the mid 2020s, backing a young core that already produced 43 points in 75 games last season. The Ducks are betting on his two-way game and continued development to fuel a competitive rise in Orange County.

With Mason McTavish locking in a six-year extension and Seattle looming as the opening opponent, Anaheim signals long-term commitment to a fast-rising nucleus. Pat Verbeek emphasized building from the back, setting a roadmap for a durable, defense-first foundation that can spark sustained offensive growth.

LaCombe signed an eight-year, $72 million extension with the Ducks at 9 million AAV, the largest in franchise history, starting in 2026-27. The deal cements him as a cornerstone on Anaheim’s blue line alongside Radko Gudas as the team rebuilds toward a playoff push.

McTavish followed with a six-year, $42 million extension, and LaCombe’s 60 points in 148 games last season—paired with Gudas—boost his fantasy ceiling. With Worlds gold in 2025 and Olympic potential for 2026, LaCombe projects as a top-four anchor and PP option as Anaheim targets a postseason return.

NHL fantasy flag-planting for 2025-26 centers on proven stars and high-upside youngsters, led by Kucherov’s consistent scoring and premier power play production. A mix of veteran accuracy, breakout potential with new line dynamics, and goaltending depth across Utah and Colorado shapes a balanced ESPN standard lineup. The format favors multi-category contributors and reliable workloads, with opportunities for rookies like Rinzel to surprise and veterans like Bouchard to anchor blue-line production.

Key stories include Dorofeyev benefiting from Marner’s Vegas arrival, Suzuki’s top-line chemistry with Caufield, Tuch’s goals plus blocks, Cuylle’s Rangers breakout path, and steady goaltending upside from Vejmelka and Blackwood. It’s a bold blend of floors and ceilings designed for 2025-26 fantasy success.

Team USA announced 44 invitees to its Olympic Orientation Camp, but Lane Hutson was notably omitted. Hutson, who won the Calder Trophy and set rookie records with Montreal, isn’t on the 2026 roster because the blueline depth is elite and size is a factor at the Olympic level.

Fantasy takeaway: Hutson remains a high-upside dynasty target. The current path to a top-four role for him will take time, likely pushing his Olympic debut to 2028 or 2030. In the meantime, he should be stashed in keeper leagues and monitored for how Montreal maximizes his speed and puck-moving talent as he develops.