NHL announces the 2026 draft dates (June 26-27) with a city decision expected by year-end and a March 6 trade deadline. Barzal is ready to return from last season’s injury, emphasizing mental readiness and a six-year commitment. Kaprizov is labeled a blank-check candidate for Minnesota, while Seth Jarvis reports strong shoulder rehab and may revisit center duties. Gambrell and Labanc sign PTOs with Nashville and Carolina, respectively, and Mason McTavish faces a bridge-deal question for Anaheim. A Rangers front-office reshuffle hints at strategic shifts that could affect moves and depth. Fantasy takeaway: map out draft targets, watch lineup churn, and exploit late-season depth moves.

NHL chatter tightens around how these moves could ripple through rosters and cap space, influencing who lines up as top-scoring wings, center depth, and insurance on center-heavy lines. As teams finalize rosters and кeep assets flexible, fantasy managers should monitor immediate impact players, potential role changes, and how the trade deadline could unlock value for sleepers down the stretch.

The Cleveland Monsters suffered a 5-2 defeat against the Charlotte Checkers at Bojangles Coliseum, marking their third game of the season with a record of 1-2-0-0, placing them fifth in the AHL's North Division.

Will Lockwood opened the scoring for Charlotte, but Joseph LaBate quickly equalized. Aidan McDonough's two power-play goals helped the Checkers build a strong lead. Despite a late goal from James Malatesta, the Monsters could not overcome the deficit.

Former Ottawa Senators player Austin Watson has been assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL by the Detroit Red Wings, marking his return to the league after five years. Watson signed a one-year, two-way deal and previously played part-time with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Watson, drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2010, has faced personal challenges and was honored for his sobriety last year. He has played 515 NHL games, scoring 60 goals and 58 assists.