NHL salaries are rising with the cap, and the new reality isn’t as crazy as it seems. Kaprizov’s $17M AAV anchors Minnesota’s long-term plan as cap growth to about $113M in two years opens space for big-money extensions. The market now prizes proven scorers and blue-liners who can be fit into the payroll, even if a few young players land $9M deals. The chatter centers on whether we’ll see “superteams” emerge as a real strategy with the cap expanding, while teams guard against overpaying rookies who may not yet justify top-tier money.

Fantasy leagues should note that rising ceilings make mid-tier stars more valuable and give teams latitude to lock in depth. The next wave of contracts will test the balance between elite top-lines and supporting casts, with price tags reshuffling player value across positions in the process.

Winnipeg erased a 4-2 deficit in the third and topped Calgary 5-4 in a shootout, with Tanner Pearson delivering the deciding goal in the seventh round. The Jets leaned on depth scoring—Haydn Fleury, Gustav Nyquist, Alex Iafallo and Parker Ford finding the back of the net as Connor Hellebuyck stopped 25 of 29. Calgary got a two-goal night from Nazem Kadri, but went 0-for-5 on the power play as Dustin Wolf faced 35 shots. In the Canucks-Oilers tilt, Vancouver pulled off a 3-2 OT win on Conor Garland’s early OT strike after Jonathan Lekkerimaki tied it late in the third; Edmonton got goals from Kasperi Kapanen and Leon Draisaitl, with Pettersson leaving after an elbow to the head in the second.

The night showcased preseason storylines: Jets’ scoring depth and goaltending steadiness versus Flames’ run-and-gun through Kadri’s a.m. two-goal effort, plus a Canucks win that underscored Garland’s finishing touch and Lekkerimaki’s timely equalizer. Both games offered a closer look at roster battles, special-teams execution and how fantasy assets might ride the momentum into the regular season.

Dustin Wolf will shoulder Calgary’s goaltending workload in 2025-26 after a seven-year, $52.5 million extension, establishing him as the Flames’ presumed workhorse. The 24-year-old was Calder Trophy runner-up last season, posting a .910 save percentage and 2.64 GAA in 53 games, helping Calgary surge down the stretch. Huska said the group must shield him by limiting high-quality chances and managing workload.

Wolf embraces the challenge amid competition from Dan Vladar and prospects Dustin Cooley and Ivan Prosvetov. The Flames’ arena transition adds optimism as Calgary builds toward a championship window. His size chatter persists, but preparation, durability and a clear role shape his fantasy upside this season.