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.

Carolina fell 2-1 to Tampa Bay in a tight preseason tilt, with Cayden Primeau turning in 18 saves on 20 shots. He wore 55 as a family tribute and is building depth after a Montreal trade for a 7th-round pick. The Canes outshot the Bolts 30-20 but couldn’t get the equalizer until late in the third.

Logan Stankoven tied it on a tip of a Kevin Labanc shot, while Labanc himself impressed on a Hurricanes tryout. Alexander Nikishin logged 23:08, two blocks, three hits, and looked comfortable at the point on the power play. Carolina heads to Florida on Wednesday after a Tuesday day off.

Carolina Hurricanes open preseason with a prospect heavy lineup against Tampa Bay Lightning at the Lenovo Center, focusing on development and depth. Alexander Nikishin is adjusting to North American ice while Logan Stankoven moves to center with Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake in the mix.

Nadeau and Unger Sorum emerge as top prospects, while Ruslan Khazheyev and Cayden Primeau split net. The schedule stays rigorous ahead of a Wednesday home date with Florida, and Hurricanes fans are urged to check streaming options on the team site.

Finnish prosecutors plan a near-100,000 euro fine for Mikko Rantanen after ruling his April 15 deferment filing delay for mandatory military service unauthorized. Finland’s day-fine system scales penalties to income, so the 10–15 day fines tied to Rantanen’s NHL salary would total roughly 56,500–84,750 euros (about $65,800–$98,600). He earned $9.5 million with Colorado in 2023–24. The delay occurred just before Colorado’s playoff opener, and the case threads through a three-team trade that sent him to Carolina, with former MVP Taylor Hall also moving to Carolina. Colorado received Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and two draft picks, before Rantanen was shipped to Dallas at the trade deadline, where he signed an eight-year, $96 million extension. The saga blends Finnish conscription law, hefty NHL salaries, and a tense playoff backdrop, making for a curious off-ice lens on on-ice value for fantasy watchers.

The Carolina Hurricanes have secured former Dallas Stars forward Logan Stankoven with an eight-year contract extension worth $6 million annually, starting in the 2026-27 season. This follows his acquisition from Dallas in exchange for star forward Mikko Rantanen during the previous season's trade deadline.

Stankoven, now 22, demonstrated impressive potential with 38 points during the 2024-25 season across both teams, notably tying for second among NHL rookies in game-winning goals. His performance in the playoffs further highlighted his talent, contributing five goals and three assists in 15 games for Carolina. General Manager Eric Tulsky expressed enthusiasm about Stankoven's commitment, emphasizing his integral role in the future of the franchise.