Oct. 7 opens with a Panthers banner night and a tripleheader that kicks off an 84-game future horizon. Barkov’s knee surgery clouds the defending champs, while Connor McDavid remains the league’s focal point in a contract-year pursuit of the Cup. The Olympic break reshapes the calendar, with a two-week Milan pause and a sprint toward late-season drama.

Edmonton and Vegas sit as Cup favorites, Carolina and Colorado loom as dangerous contenders, and Dallas stays press-ready. The Rangers and Penguins renew classic rivalry vibes, with Sullivan and Ovechkin milestones riding alongside national TV showcases and the Stadium Series tease—all shaping early-season fantasy angles.

Florida claimed Cole Schwindt off waivers from Vegas to fortify forward depth as Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov deal with injuries. Schwindt previously joined Florida in 2021-22 and was part of the Calgary swap in 2022; last season he logged 42 games with Vegas (1 goal, 7 assists). With Barkov sidelined and Tkachuk out until December, the Panthers lean on youth, including Kai Schwindt in Charlotte, for early-season variety and potential breakout upside in fantasy leagues.

Florida’s move rekindles a familiar face and adds a versatile option behind the top line. The waiver claim highlights the franchise’s commitment to depth as they navigate injury risk. Kai Schwindt’s presence in the system further strengthens the pipeline, offering speculative upside if opportunities arise and the kids seize the moment in the early portion of the season.