Six NHL breakout candidates for 2025-26 could reshape fantasy rosters: Connor Bedard should push toward an 85–90 point pace with expanded minutes and rising shooting efficiency in Chicago. Quinton Byfield is poised to anchor the Kings’ top six, taking on tougher minutes and PP time en route to a 30-goal, 45-assist season. Matty Beniers enters classic two-way breakout territory, while Zach Benson could double his production with better linemates in Buffalo. Cole Perfetti and Logan Stankoven also carry clear routes to 70-plus point seasons with more ice time and power-play exposure. Dylan Guenther and Matthew Knies serve as reminders that big roles are often the gateway to fantasy relevance, even if their teams are rebuilding.

Nikolaj Ehlers signs with the Hurricanes on a six-year, 8.5M AAV deal, boosting a club that has reached the playoffs seven straight seasons and seeks its first Cup final since 2006. He’ll skate on a top line with Aho and Jarvis as Carolina looks to maximize scoring depth and chemistry this season.

The move adds Miller on defense and signals a broad, multi-year retooling to balance elite talent with cap flexibility. Coach Brind’Amour emphasizes gradual chemistry-building ahead of the Oct. 9 opener vs New Jersey, as Carolina chases another deep playoff run.

Kaprizov’s eight-year, $128M extension remains unsigned as training camps open, leaving Minnesota in a cap-tight hold while rumors swirl about a Carolina pursuit. The Hurricanes are floated as a pay-up option, with Svechnikov or Aho potentially shaping a trade and Kaprizov’s no-move clause complicating any deal. Fantasy takeaway: track Wild cap space and any move that could tilt Minnesota’s top-line stability versus Carolina’s high-end punch.

Past sign-and-trade chatter around Marner and Rantanen surfaces as a cautionary backdrop, with ownership hesitancy a recurring theme. Carolina’s perceived interest hinges on constructing a package that the Wild would accept, but the decision will hinge on Kaprizov’s willingness to relocate and the cost at the cap.

The Carolina Hurricanes faced a disappointing 5-0 defeat against the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final, leaving them trailing 2-0 in the series. Despite being the NHL's leaders in shot attempts, they managed only 17 shots in this match, a stark contrast to their 33 in Game 1. Captain Jordan Staal acknowledged the team's struggles, calling their performance 'not great.' Winger Taylor Hall pointed out that the Panthers' aggressive forecheck instilled hesitation in their attack, leading to missed shooting opportunities.

Andrei Svechnikov, the Hurricanes’ leading playoff scorer, found himself pressured, resulting in critical turnovers that contributed to Florida's early goals. The Panthers took a commanding 3-0 lead before the first period ended, demonstrating relentless energy and execution. Coach Rod Brind'Amour emphasized that his team needs to be on the same page to compete with the Panthers, highlighting the importance of mental resilience as they prepare for the must-win Game 3.