Early-week NHL fantasy push centers on waiver-wire depth and targeted streams. Anton Lundell looks like the Panthers’ answer to Barkov’s absence, while Elias Lindholm returns to a prime Bruins role. Shane Pinto and Matty Beniers offer high ceiling with top-line/minor adjustments, and Marco Kasper plus Leo Carlsson carry multi-position appeal in deeper leagues. Defenders Ekblad and Nikishin push for steady PP time, with solid goalie streams in Vejmelka and Jarry on deck for the week.

Short-term adds include Brazeau, Nazar, McBain and Jarry, while Malkin, Bedard, Hayton, Keller, Schmaltz, Barkov, Tkachuk and Jones shape daily decisions across races and spots. Track schedule density, lines, and PP usage to maximize both season-long value and daily fantasy upside.

Los Angeles paused Adrian Kempe’s extension talks, opting to regroup after a start to the season that suggests a pragmatic approach to a key veteran. Market dynamics, not urgency, seem to drive the hold as the Kings weigh cap flexibility against Kempe’s value on the wing.

Across the league, Kaprizov’s extension has rippled through winger valuations, nudging teams to recalibrate offers for players like Kyle Connor, Alex Tuch, and Artemi Panarin. Kempe’s camp remains hopeful, but the timing of negotiations could hinge on how the cap picture evolves and how other deals influence the market as the season unfolds.

Watch lists expand beyond Kempe: Minnesota Wild, Necas, Connor, Tuch, Panarin, and Lane Hudson feature as barometers for price and term. With revenue growth lifting the cap, longer deals could become more common, complicating early-season decisions for fantasy managers and bettors alike.

Buffalo keeps Alex Tuch in the spotlight as negotiations linger without a firm extension, leaving open the possibility of a midseason move if the Sabres stumble. Edmonton is a plausible fit if Buffalo decides to listen, and the broader market for Tuch’s services remains receptive should the price be right.

Martin Necas is drawing wide interest if he becomes available, with contending teams ready to pounce. The cap outlook and season trajectory could tilt decisions for both Buffalo and clubs eyeing his talent. Across the league, the dynamic of extensions, trades, and rising revenue shapes the chessboard for late-season moves.

Several NHL injuries and roster moves ripple through fantasy rosters. Josh Norris will miss a significant stretch for Buffalo with an upper-body injury. Jaccob Slavin is preparing to be evaluated after a limited third period for Carolina. Sam Girard is week-to-week for Colorado with an upper-body issue, and Dmitry Kulikov lands on IR for Florida with a possible surgery ahead.

Pietrangelo is on season-ending LTIR for Vegas, Barkov remains eligible to play (not on LTIR), Dadonov fractures and is out long-term, Trocheck is week-to-week for the Rangers, Rust is back for Pittsburgh, Lorentz exits for Toronto, and Fleury leaves Winnipeg’s game. These moves create shifts in minutes and fantasy value across the league.