Buffalo opened 2025-26 with playoff-reality checks after a shutout loss to New York, a season-opening injury to Josh Norris, and a three-game stretch with just two goals. With Ruff on the hot seat and Adams weighing options, patience may be tested as the Sabres chase a brighter path. The weekly power rankings spotlight a league-wide mix of fast starts and looming breakout bets, underscoring fantasy angles: center depth, top-line defensemen, and early-season pace to exploit.

Nick Foligno of the Chicago Blackhawks is taking a leave of absence for his daughter’s follow-up heart surgery. In four games this season he has 0 goals and 2 assists after becoming captain last year. His absence could shift Chicago’s forward mix and power-play duties as the team navigates an early-season stretch. Marcus Foligno is his brother with Minnesota, while their father, Mike Foligno, played 15 NHL seasons. Chicago’s road assignment at St. Louis is noted in the report.

Montreal Canadiens sit on a healthy cap cushion as the ceiling rises, with six core players around $47 million and an internal-cap philosophy guiding future moves. The club aims to add a left-handed centerman while preserving flexibility for longer-term deals, notably with Mike Matheson. Lane Hutson’s extension stabilizes the younger core, and Montreal is prepared to wait for the market to thaw before pursuing additional roster tweaks, including possible exits if teams fall out of the race.

Buffalo Sabres could roll Zach Benson tonight as Lindy Ruff signals lineup readiness for Greenway, Luukkonen, and Kesselring, while Josh Norris faces a lengthy absence. Across the league, Brady Tkachuk headlines injury woes for Ottawa, Huberdeau returns to practice with Calgary, Slaggert lands in practice with Chicago, and Edmonton eyes Walman back with Janmark and Regula near return. Trade chatter swirls around Pittsburgh; Kus, blues, Canucks options, and Kings-Kempe rumors fuel fantasy chatter.