Quenneville’s Ducks bring a fast, high-energy camp as a new era takes hold in Anaheim. McTavish’s contract stalemate lingers, with Ducks lobbying for a 5.5x5 deal while his camp seeks a longer commitment, potentially delaying his season start. Granlund and Kreider inject playmaking and bite, with Granlund slotted at center in McTavish’s absence. Zellweger, Terry, and a revived fourth line supply speed and grit, setting the stage for a smoother transition from defense to offense and a playoff push.

Fantasy watch centers on Granlund’s top-six ceiling, Zellweger’s growing blue-line upside, and the timing of McTavish’s resolution. The team’s tempo suggests increased scoring and quicker puck movement, making depth players and line combinations intriguing bets as camp conclusions loom and the regular season nears.

A pivotal game unfolded in Dallas as the Stars claimed a 3-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead in the process. The spotlight shone on Michael Granlund, who showcased a brilliant performance with a hat trick, solidifying his position as the game's standout player. Dallas's Jake Oettinger also made headlines, delivering a stellar display in goal with 31 saves, effectively shutting down the Jets' offensive attempts.

Despite the loss, the Jets showed moments of promise, highlighting their potential to bounce back in the series. Yet, their struggles on the road continue to haunt them, now with a disappointing 0-5 playoff record away from home. The importance of special teams was evident, as Dallas capitalized on their power play opportunities, a factor Winnipeg failed to exploit.

Ryan Hartman's recent 10-game suspension has raised eyebrows, with many questioning its severity and the rationale behind the decision. Hartman was penalized for a face-first shove on Tim Shutz during a faceoff, a reaction fueled by frustration from earlier penalties. Hartman's history as a repeat offender—a total of 11 infractions, including previous suspensions and fines—played a significant role in the length of this suspension. The Minnesota Wild, now without Hartman and facing other roster challenges, must navigate a competitive landscape while dealing with injuries to key players like Kirill Kaprizov. Meanwhile, Mikael Granlund's trade to the Dallas Stars is seen as a strategic move to bolster their lineup amid injury concerns.

The San Jose Sharks continue to struggle, facing injuries and a six-game losing streak. The goaltending has been a significant issue, particularly after trading Mackenzie Blackwood in December and facing unexpected setbacks with their new goalie, Alexander Georgiev. Compounding these problems is a shaky defense, with only Jake Walman performing consistently. Meanwhile, injuries have plagued the blue line, and key forwards like Nico Sturm and Logan Couture have also been sidelined.

Amidst the chaos, rookie Macklin Celebrini has emerged as a beacon of hope, leading all rookies in goals and finding a rhythm with his line, while other young prospects like Will Smith are starting to shine. As the trade deadline approaches, the Sharks may consider moving veteran players, including Mikael Granlund and Mario Ferraro, to bolster their draft assets for a brighter future.