Pettersson, Shesterkin and Klingberg emerge as top positive regression candidates for 2025-26, with Pettersson eyeing a return to 30+ goals and 80+ points amid a fresh Canucks start, Shesterkin rebounding behind a steadier Rangers lineup, and Klingberg potentially reviving his PP quarterback role in San Jose. On the downside, Wilson, Walman and Kuemper carry clear regression flags: Wilson’s goal rate looks unlikely to hold, Walman’s role may shrink, and Kuemper could drift toward an average starter.

These projections hinge on health, coaching changes, and lineup stability, then translate into concrete fantasy implications: draft around risk-reward for goaltending with Kuemper, and target players like Pettersson and Shesterkin where firm performance anchors are likely despite surrounding team turbulence. The article places these players in a realistic context for 2025-26 rosters and DFS/casual fantasy planning.

Active players without a Stanley Cup remain fantasy gold, and the latest analysis spotlights how close several veteran stars are to lifting Lord Stanley. Brent Burns tops the ongoing list by career point shares, now aligned with Colorado on a one-year deal that keeps him squarely in Cup contention. Edmonton’s dynamic duo, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, continue to drive a high-ceiling offense as they chase another Finals run. Connor Hellebuyck headlines the goalie front for Winnipeg, while Mark Scheifele provides steady two-way value as the Jets push for a breakthrough. In Florida, Nate Schmidt and Tomas Nosek joined the Panthers last season and now eye a first Cup after the franchise’s triumph. Betting boards tilt toward Edmonton, Colorado and Florida, with odds shifting across operators as the 2026 chase intensifies.

Florida Panthers expect Matthew Tkachuk to miss months, out until December after offseason surgery to address a sports hernia and torn adductor. Tomas Nosek is out indefinitely after an offseason injury.

Tkachuk, who helped Florida win the Cup, had surgery in August and will use December to prep for USA Hockey at Milan-Cortina in 2026. He posted 23 playoff points in 23 games, including seven in the Cup Final vs Edmonton. The season opens Oct. 7 at home vs Chicago, with the Panthers navigating his absence.

Florida Panthers eye a third straight Cup, but health and cap pressures loom as Tkachuk recovers and depth is tested. The league-wide preview hinges on goaltending certainty, growth from young cores, and high-stakes off-season moves—from Swayman’s bid to reclaim No.1 in Boston to Hughes’ health in New Jersey and Marner’s Vegas exit in Toronto.

Beyond those headline questions, the piece assesses defensive pivots in Vegas, depth shifts in Minnesota with Kaprizov’s contract talk, and young guns like Demidov in Montreal and Celebrini in San Jose eyeing breakout years. ESPN also maps out 100 exclusive games and a rich out-of-market package as fans plot fantasy rosters.