Crosby clings to Olympic hope as Milan-Cortina 2026 nears, a return born from NHL-NHLPA-IOC-IIHF accords that ended a 12‑year absence. The veteran remains a storyline anchor even as the league resumes its best-on-best stage.

Among the next wave, McDavid, Makar, Nylander, MacKinnon, Matthews, Eichel and Reinhart loom as headliners for a 12‑nation field that also includes Czechia, Slovakia, Sweden, Finland, Italy and more. The 4 Nations Face‑Off teased a faster, sharper game and a premium fantasy/betting canvas.

The real shift is balancing NHL duties with Olympic ambition, a dynamic Crosby helps define for 2026, as young stars rise and the sport’s best-on-best spectacle finally returns.

Matthew Tkachuk will miss the start of the Florida Panthers season with a lower-body injury, likely sidelining him until December. He logged 52 games last year, posting 57 points, after twice winning the Cup and tearing an adductor and a sports hernia during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Fantasy managers should plan for a big early-season void, with Reinhart and Verhaeghe stepping into larger roles and the Panthers needing depth to weather the absence.

The U.S. Olympic setup remains hopeful, as GM Bill Guerin says they’re planning to have Tkachuk in Milano Cortina 2026, shaping a potential high-impact duo with Brady Tkachuk down the line. Florida also faces injury headwinds beyond Tkachuk, with Tomas Nosek out long-term, tightening the margins for roster depth and production as the season opens. Tkachuk’s Cup-winning moments and leadership will be missed early, but the pipeline could push others to elevated fantasy value.