Colorado Avalanche odds lifted to 9.5-1 as Barkov’s knee surgery rattles the Panthers and opens a wide, unsettled field. The piece outlines what could go right for Colorado: Landeskog back means leadership and better faceoffs; Necas in a contract year could unleash 90+ point pace beside MacKinnon; the cap space lift enables smarter moves; and a deeper, versatile PP unit torches defenses. Key risks: Necas’ long-term deal, Nichushkin’s health, and depth beyond the top six. Fantasy take: track Landeskog’s off-season ramp, Necas’s line integration, and goaltending stability as the season unfolds.

NHL fantasy flag-planting for 2025-26 centers on proven stars and high-upside youngsters, led by Kucherov’s consistent scoring and premier power play production. A mix of veteran accuracy, breakout potential with new line dynamics, and goaltending depth across Utah and Colorado shapes a balanced ESPN standard lineup. The format favors multi-category contributors and reliable workloads, with opportunities for rookies like Rinzel to surprise and veterans like Bouchard to anchor blue-line production.

Key stories include Dorofeyev benefiting from Marner’s Vegas arrival, Suzuki’s top-line chemistry with Caufield, Tuch’s goals plus blocks, Cuylle’s Rangers breakout path, and steady goaltending upside from Vejmelka and Blackwood. It’s a bold blend of floors and ceilings designed for 2025-26 fantasy success.

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.