Noah Dobson’s Montreal reset could lift him toward a 65–70 point pace, anchored by a refreshed top six and expanded power play.

Jeremy Swayman enters a season with less off-ice disruption and a steadier Bruins blue line, boosting his fantasy floor and win potential.

Austin Matthews should rebound behind Toronto’s strengthened supporting cast, with Carter Verhaeghe delivering sustained two‑way value in Florida. Andrei Svechnikov’s return to form in Carolina makes him a top‑tier two‑way asset, while Mitch Marner remains central to Toronto’s attack.

Late draft whispers around Mason Lohrei and Anton Wahlberg point to valuable depth in the blue lines and deeper leagues.

Tampa Bay’s off-season pivots around holding the core while upgrading the defense and discipline without blowing the cap. Kucherov, Point, Stamkos, Hedman, and Vasilevskiy remain fantasy anchors, but the room for big acquisitions is closed. The real question: can TB cultivate depth and a tougher defensive identity to challenge Florida’s Panthers and a deeper east? The answer will shape your fantasy stance on TB stars and sleeper d-men in drafts.

Expect continued emphasis on structured penalty kill, stable coaching, and rookie contributions from the wings. If young speed can complement the star power, TB can stay a playoff threat; if not, the window could narrow quickly, making a few late-round picks on Lightning depth a savvy move.

Alexis Lafrenière faces a defining season with the Rangers as he attempts to translate flashes into consistent production. This offseason assessment stresses urgency, better pace, smarter shift management, and earning top-six and power-play responsibilities. If Lafrenière commits to the grind, his fantasy trajectory could finally take off.

Best-case, Lafrenière reunites with Panarin and Trocheck, seizes a top-line role, and benefits from elevated even-strength and power-play opportunities. His playoff spark from two seasons ago signals his ceiling when energized, making him a high-upside target in fantasy formats that value minutes and opportunity.