Detroit expects James van Riemsdyk to join practice soon after missing camp for family reasons, with a return likely ahead of the Oct. 9 season opener. He’ll need medical clearance and on-ice ramp-up, giving him roughly a week to settle in.

In JVR's absence, Emmitt Finnie, Elmer Söderblom and Jonatan Berggren have shared top-line duties with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Detroit will be cautious with physicals but aims to have the veteran contributing when the puck drops, shaping early-season fantasy projections.

Mason McTavish and the Ducks are at odds over term as training camp approaches, signaling a prolonged negotiation that could influence his fantasy ceiling and Anaheim’s long-term cap plan.

Elliotte Friedman’s latest Thoughts compiles a web of rumors—from Zegras and Drysdale’s 2023 bridge deals to the wider mock trades involving Karlsson, Rakell, Rust and Hoglander—highlighting how camp chatter could shift rosters and fantasy value.

The Detroit Red Wings have secured a vital part of their future by re-signing Elmer Söderblom to a two-year contract after a promising second half of the previous season. At 6-foot-8, Söderblom, drafted in the sixth round of 2019, has proven his worth with a $1.25 million cap hit. This signing is part of a busy week for the team, also bringing Jonatan Berggren and Albert Johansson on board.

Söderblom made a significant impact after his call-up in January, gathering 11 points in 26 games. His size has been advantageous, particularly in power play situations, allowing him to effectively screen goalies and fight for rebounds. With these contract extensions, the Wings are signaling their commitment to building a competitive team for the coming seasons.

Jonatan Berggren has secured a one-year contract worth $1.825 million with the Detroit Red Wings, solidifying his place on the roster ahead of the upcoming season. The 24-year-old forward has shown promise this past season, tallying 24 points with 12 goals and 12 assists across 75 games. With the potential to enter restricted free agency looming, the Red Wings have made a strategic move to retain him.

Selected 33rd overall by Detroit in the 2018 NHL Draft, Berggren has accumulated 58 points (29 goals, 29 assists) over the course of 154 career NHL games, showcasing his developing offensive potential. His consistent performance could be a key factor for the Red Wings as they look to improve in the upcoming season.

The Detroit Red Wings have secured defenseman Albert Johansson with a two-year contract, featuring an annual average value of $1.13 million. Johansson, 24, demonstrated significant growth during the latter half of the 2024-25 season, solidifying his place as a mainstay in the lineup. After a coaching shift improved his standing, an injury to fellow defenseman Jeff Petry allowed Johansson to establish himself effectively.

Alongside Johansson, the Red Wings are also looking to finalize contracts with forwards Jonatan Berggren and Elmer Söderblom, both of whom are restricted free agents. This focus on retaining young talent indicates the team's commitment to building a competitive roster for the upcoming seasons.