Mikhail Sergachev’s Norris Trophy ceiling centers on offensive surge and zone-entry efficiency. Utah Mammoth’s top-liner logged heavy minutes, ran the power play, and led PK duties, but Norris voters prize all-around offense. To enter the Norris conversation, Sergachev would likely need a 80-to-90-point surge and fewer zone-entry concessions, signaling a true 1D duo capable of driving both ends of the ice.

His path mirrors elite contemporaries: Hedman’s steadiness, Werenski’s breakout, and McDonagh’s leadership. If Sergachev augments offense while tightening transition play, Utah’s rebuild could tilt toward contention as he anchors both leadership and production, reshaping fantasy value and playoff outlook.

Rangers stay in win-now mode, not sellers, as Panarin looms and a coaching shake-up injects fresh energy into the lineup. The piece argues New York remains a playoff team even if defending issues linger, and Panarin’s presence could be the keystone as the club weighs next steps after this season. The Roslovic chatter adds drama, but the prevailing read is that the Rangers will explore options without sacrificing immediate competitiveness. The broader chatter around Blues, Senators, Avalanche and Blue Jackets underscores how wide the market could be once Panarin’s status and Roslovic’s negotiations come into sharper focus. Toronto’s cap squeeze and the Hurricanes’ spot on Roslovic’s radar heighten the intrigue for bidders and buyers alike, with Toronto positions and Carolina’s cap math shaping potential fits.

Artemi Panarin’s value remains a centerpiece for fantasy and betting models, delivering big regular-season impact even as playoff debates swirl. Jack Roslovic’s contract clock accelerates the market, with teams weighing a bid that fits both cap and role. For fantasy managers, the takeaway is clear: Panarin’s staying power keeps him near the top of the ladder, while Roslovic’s market volatility could create opportunistic moves for those chasing late-round value or speculative add-ons. The snapshot of a seller’s market long-term remains distant, as liquidity and timing hinge on coaching decisions, cap relief, and who blinks first in the Panarin-Roslovic arc.

Columbus signs Brendan Smith to a professional tryout, adding a veteran blueliner with a track record of physical play and versatility. Smith, who split last season between forward and defense with Dallas, appeared in 32 games and produced 1 goal and 5 assists while logging about 13 minutes per night. The Jackets view him as a training-camp option who could slot into a depth role if he proves he can adapt to Columbus’ system.

Smith’s career spans 15 NHL seasons and six teams, giving CBJ a mentor-type presence for their younger defensemen. Columbus GM Don Waddell framed him as a character-driven, veteran presence who competes hard and defends well in the zone. For fantasy managers, this move isn’t an immediate driver; Smith would need a defined roster spot and significant minutes to become relevant, likely in a third-pair/PK role if he earns the job.

The Stars brought him in last summer as a depth piece, but his ice time dwindled and postseason opportunities were scarce. CBJ’s move signals a depth-focused approach in camp, not an outright wage for a top-four role. Monitor preseason usage: if Smith claims minutes and special-teams time, he could become a late-season depth option; otherwise, he remains a name to know rather than a target.

Colorado’s offseason was busier behind the scenes than it appeared. The core remains intact, but the Avalanche reshaped depth, cap space, and staff as they push toward a 2025-26 run. Brent Burns’ addition shores up a right-handed defense core, while cash-saving moves — Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to Columbus — clear space for Burns, Kiviranta, and a guardrail of young players. Colorado also locked in Nabokov as a goaltender-in-waiting, kept Manson and Johnson’s presence, and shuffled AHL leadership to align with the NHL club. The club sits with roughly $2.1 million in cap space early, plus flexibility to hold O’Connor out until his return. The plan: carry 14 forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies at the start, bank cap space, then target a natural 3C near the trade deadline if needed. The rookie tournament in September will hint at the final depth chart, and patience could pay off as they navigate a tight cap.

Beyond the roster moves, Colorado’s appetite for quiet efficiency stands out. The organization revamped its staff — Hakstol replaces Bennett on the bench, and Popovic and Letestu shift roles in development and the Eagles system — signaling a holistic approach to power plays, coaching, and player development. The path to success remains the same: balance the lineup, protect the core, and leverage cap flexibility to chase late-season upgrades. The message is clear: the Avalanche aren’t sprinting, they’re positioning for a measured, sustainable push toward another deep run.