The new NHL season is upon us, marking the return of ESPN Fantasy Hockey with exciting player movements. The Florida Panthers revel in their second consecutive Stanley Cup win, while teams are gearing up for the 2025-26 season. Notable developments include the New York Islanders selecting Matthew Schaefer as the top draft pick, the Vegas Golden Knights acquiring Mitch Marner, and veteran Brent Burns joining the Colorado Avalanche.

As fantasy enthusiasts prepare for their leagues, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve with updated rankings based on predicted fantasy points for the entire season. The ranking system assigns points to various actions, ensuring a strategic approach to drafting players. Key ranking highlights are Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge, followed closely by stars like Auston Matthews and Connor Hellebuyck, among others.

The Colorado Avalanche have recently reshaped their roster in unexpected ways, highlighted primarily by the controversial trade sending Mikko Rantanen to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Martin Nečas and Jack Drury. General Manager Chris MacFarland's decision aimed to facilitate Nečas’s potential alongside star player Nathan MacKinnon, especially considering his impressive performance with 11 goals and 28 points in 30 games. However, Nečas's future in Colorado is uncertain, especially with his contract set to expire after the next season and questions surrounding his consistency in goal-scoring.

This trade has sparked conversation about the Avalanche's long-term strategy, particularly in light of the looming free agency of top defenseman Cale Makar, who is expected to command a significant salary that could affect the team's cap space. Nečas's performance this season will be crucial not only for his future but also for the Avalanche's assessment of the Rantanen trade, further complicating decisions as they approach the trade deadline.

The Colorado Avalanche have made a strategic addition to their coaching staff by hiring Dave Hakstol as an assistant coach, primarily to enhance their power-play unit, which underperformed in the playoffs. The Avalanche were only successful on 3 out of 22 power-play opportunities during their first-round series against the Dallas Stars. Hakstol, who has head coaching experience with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Seattle Kraken, is expected to bring valuable expertise to a team featuring stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. His previous stint saw him lead the Kraken to the playoffs, where they eliminated the Avalanche.

Hakstol's extensive background includes coaching at the University of North Dakota, where he achieved significant success, and international coaching with Team Canada. His appointment comes after the Avalanche parted ways with Ray Bennett, the former assistant responsible for the power play. Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland expressed confidence in Hakstol's ability to contribute positively to the team and help elevate their performance.

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have confirmed a significant extension to their collective bargaining agreement, ensuring a harmonious working relationship in the league until 2030. The deal's approval followed a vote from both the Board of Governors and the entire NHLPA membership. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed gratitude for the unwavering collaboration that this agreement fosters, highlighting its potential to enhance the fan experience and the growth of the sport.

This four-year extension introduces notable changes, including an expanded 84-game regular season, streamlined contract lengths, and a playoff salary cap. Notably, a full-time traveling goaltender position will replace the use of emergency backup goalies, marking a shift in protocol. While this agreement promises uninterrupted hockey, some veteran players, like Colorado Avalanche's Ben Hause, sense the end of their careers approaching as the league evolves.

The Colorado Avalanche have brought in Dave Hakstol as an assistant coach, infusing fresh energy into Jared Bednar's coaching team. Hakstol, formerly at the helm of the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken, recently led the Kraken to a surprising playoff victory over the Avalanche. With his rich coaching background, including a notable tenure at the University of North Dakota, he is expected to elevate Colorado's performance, particularly on the power play.

Hakstol's experience, including a Jack Adams Award nomination, highlights his ability to optimize talent. As he takes over from Ray Bennett, who was let go after the Avalanche's playoff exit, the Avalanche look to leverage their robust roster, including the recent acquisition of Brent Burns. The coaching staff anticipates a dynamic approach to power-play strategies, especially considering the caliber of players like Cale Makar and Devon Toews on the roster.