Matthew Tkachuk will miss the start of the Florida Panthers season with a lower-body injury, likely sidelining him until December. He logged 52 games last year, posting 57 points, after twice winning the Cup and tearing an adductor and a sports hernia during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Fantasy managers should plan for a big early-season void, with Reinhart and Verhaeghe stepping into larger roles and the Panthers needing depth to weather the absence.

The U.S. Olympic setup remains hopeful, as GM Bill Guerin says they’re planning to have Tkachuk in Milano Cortina 2026, shaping a potential high-impact duo with Brady Tkachuk down the line. Florida also faces injury headwinds beyond Tkachuk, with Tomas Nosek out long-term, tightening the margins for roster depth and production as the season opens. Tkachuk’s Cup-winning moments and leadership will be missed early, but the pipeline could push others to elevated fantasy value.

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.