Mikko Rantanen’s Dallas debut reshapes the Stars’ Cup odds, pairing his two-way game with a thriving Oettinger-led net. Colorado’s return of Landeskog shores up a veteran core around MacKinnon and Makar, while Blackwood’s addition gives the Avalanche a reliable postseason floor. The Central remains a brutal gauntlet with Winnipeg, Chicago and Nashville in pursuit.

Gulutzan takes over in Dallas as Trotz and Tourigny loom in leadership roles elsewhere, Bedard’s Chicago era begins, and Utah’s young core signals a pipeline move. The projected finish stays Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg at the top, with a crowded chase behind them and fantasy implications across every line.

Day 2 of Avalanche camp sharpened defensive structure and 5v5 pressure, with Wedgewood steadier between the pipes as Blackwood sits sidelined. Landeskog set the tone with leadership and a slot goal, Nichushkin showed a sharper stride and heavier shot, and MacKinnon drove the offense with intensity. Burns and Middleton provided blue-line depth, while Toews and Malinski tested veteran pairing chemistry. A mix of veterans and young skaters surfaced as clear depth options ahead of the preseason.