Sidney Crosby trade chatter swells as Pittsburgh weighs a potential rebuild. Friedman notes Crosby will drive the decision, with timing tied to the Olympics and late-season form. A pre-Olympics move is unlikely, but a late-season pivot to Colorado or Montreal could reshape his fantasy outlook based on new linemates and deployment. Even at 38, Crosby’s elite minutes and power-play presence keep him central to fantasy plans whichever jersey he wears.

For fantasy managers, the key is how deployment shifts with Pittsburgh’s direction. The possibility of a fresh start elsewhere injects upside and risk alike, as Crosby’s historical pace and vision meet unfamiliar surroundings and teammates. The storyline remains unsettled, but the prospect of Crosby in a different uniform adds a new layer to the season’s fantasy calculus.

Spencer Knight signed a three-year, $17.5 million extension with the Chicago Blackhawks, starting in 2026-27 at an average salary of $5.83 million. The 24-year-old goalie was moved from Florida to Chicago in March for Seth Jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick, signaling a long-term bet on Knight as the crease cornerstone.

Knight owns a 95-game NHL resume with a 2.83 GAA and .904 SV%, including a 17-16-3 line and a 2.72 GAA/.902 SV% in 2023-24 across Panthers and Blackhawks, with 15 Chicago starts after the trade. Chicago praises his athleticism and calm positioning as it aims to build around him for four seasons.