Ryan Papaioannou was named the 21st head coach of the Wheeling Nailers, a move tied to the Pittsburgh Penguins' development pipeline. The 41-year-old led the Brooks Bandits for 16 seasons, turning them into a junior hockey factory with seven AJHL titles, a BCHL championship, and multiple national Junior A crowns. His career record sits at 907-217-48, a .774 win rate and a .794 points percentage, punctuated by two massive 50-win seasons and a historic 33-0 regular-season run in 2018-19. The Nailers tout the hire as a catalyst for on-ice success and community impact, while the Penguins highlight his proven talent development. The hire also deepens the Penguins’ link to players who have reached the NHL, including Bandits alumni who moved through Papaioannou’s system on their way to pro careers.

Papaioannou’s tenure at Brooks produced top prospects and award-winning seasons, underscoring why Wheeling and the Penguins view this as a pivotal step in player development. He spoke about Wheeling as a great place to raise a family and a storied organization with a Penguins affiliation that makes the opportunity especially appealing. The connection to NHL stars and current pros—most notably Cale Makar—illustrates the pipeline effect his teams have historically fostered. Penguins officials, including Jason Spezza, stressed the value of his sustained winning and the long track record of developing players who move on to the NHL.

The 2025–26 Norris Trophy landscape centers on three frontrunners: Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski, with a pack of seasoned stars ready to push. Makar sits as the +135 favorite, driven by 30 goals and 92 points last season, plus heavy minutes and elite power play. Hughes trails at +190, known for 60 assists and 76 points in 68 games, with durability the key risk. Werenski jumps to +850 after a 82-point breakout season, yet team context and playoff progress could swing the vote. Beyond them, the field features Dahlin, Josi and others who could seize momentum in a tight, narrative-driven race.

The Montreal Canadiens are poised to make Lane Hutson the highest-paid defenseman in the franchise's history, with projections suggesting he could command a contract comparable to Cale Makar's in Colorado. Hutson's management is likely to strategize around short-term deals, awaiting the announcement of Makar's salary, which could range between $12 to $15 million per year. This approach reflects a broader trend in the NHL where players leverage short contracts to maximize earnings based on market adjustments.

Despite the risk of injury that comes with betting on oneself, the Canadiens' management under Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes aims to avoid overspending in critical areas. Hutson’s potential contract numbers may set a new precedent for the Canadiens, following in the footsteps of other top defensemen in the league.

In an exciting NHL season, key players have emerged as both game-changers and reliable Fantasy picks. Conor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks' gem, continues to impress with his offensive prowess, making him a top choice for fantasy managers. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils' Jack Hughes is proving his worth as a dual-threat, contributing significantly in points and assists.

On the defensive front, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche is not only tallying points but also fortifying his team's defense, making him invaluable in the defenseman category. Goalies like Igor Shesterkin and Connor Hellebuyck are solid anchors for teams, consistently racking up wins and save percentages that are fantasy gold. As the season progresses, carefully monitoring these players will be crucial for any serious fantasy contender.