Quiet offseason lull persists as RFAs linger and extensions loom, with signs of movement only as training camp approaches. Mason McTavish, Marco Rossi, and Luke Hughes remain unsigned, while Kirill Kaprizov and Connor McDavid sit at the top of extension watch lists. Brady Tkachuk’s long‑term stay with Ottawa anchors fantasy lineups, keeping top‑line production and power‑play time in focus. Montreal’s Carey Price and Boston’s goaltending situation add goaltending intrigue, underscoring the need to monitor creases and workload shifts. As August fades, the pace should pick up, but fantasy managers must track signings that could reshape lines, minutes, and usage.

The discussion tracks the broader league mood: teams balancing cap space, camp rosters, and the ever‑present risk of injuries if signings miss time. Expect bridge deals and late‑summer negotiations to ramp up, with extended timelines possibly affecting depth chart clarity. For fantasy players, the core takeaway is to watch RFAs and marquee extensions closely, as these moves drive role certainty, power‑play exposure, and potential shifts in goaltending responsibilities ahead of a fresh season.

Sergei Ovechkin, six years old, stole the spotlight at the Ovi Cup gala in Moscow, blasting four goals in a charity all-star game that mixed current NHL stars with Russian greats. His pace and nose for the net were evident as he struck twice in the opening frame against Igor Shesterkin, helping Team Ovechkin roll to an 11-7 win over Pavel Datsyuk’s squad. The scene was as much a family moment as a showcase for upcoming talents, with Kirill Kaprizov feeding Sergei and Matvei Michkov contributing a multi-goal performance for the Ovi side.

Alex Ovechkin watched from the bench, praising Sergei’s progress and hinting that the brothers’ hockey journeys will be supported in the spirit of a holiday for kids. The event drew a who’s who of veterans and rising stars, including Malkin’s hat trick for Team Datsyuk, plus appearances by Fetisov, Kamensky, Sergachev, Orlov, Marchenko, and Zamula. The Ovi Cup remains a fertile proving ground for Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan’s young talent, with Sergei and Ilya shaping a family legacy that will be watched closely by fantasy enthusiasts eyeing the sport’s next-generation athletes.

Connor McDavid anchors the 2025–26 season as the benchmark for NHL excellence, with FanDuel listing him at +200 for Hart Trophy supremacy, a reflection of his sustained, all‑around dominance. The MVP race centers on whether any challenger can truly threaten his standard, given his speed, vision, and clutch play. A slate of contenders—Auston Matthews, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jack Eichel—enter the season with elite scoring chops and the potential to push McDavid in a high-stakes battle for the award, while Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov loom as credible late‑season accelerants. This mix shapes team planning, fantasy projections, and bettor expectations as the season unfurls.

Auston Matthews projects to keep Toronto on offensive tilt, with a 50‑goal pace within reach if the supporting cast clicks and health cooperates. Kaprizov brings relentless energy and playmaking to Minnesota, a healthy 80‑plus game run could push him into triple‑digit point territory and MVP contention. Eichel offers steady two‑way leadership with Vegas, where structure and playoff pedigree bolster his numbers. The ongoing narrative hinges on health, depth, and how defenses adapt to McDavid’s multifaceted impact, making the MVP race one of the season’s defining stories for fantasy managers and bettors alike.

The Minnesota Wild are set to meet with Kirill Kaprizov to discuss an extension when he returns from Moscow. Kaprizov has expressed his love for Minnesota, and GM Bill Guerin is optimistic about reaching an agreement, potentially for an eight-year deal worth $15 million annually. If Kaprizov opts for a shorter contract, it could compel the Wild's management to enhance the team's competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Jack Roslovic, a free agent forward previously with the Carolina Hurricanes, is eyeing new opportunities as he continues to seek a contract. With 22 goals last season, he’s a valuable asset for teams needing depth at center. The Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New Jersey Devils are potential landing spots, each with varying cap space and team needs.

Connor McDavid appears to be leaning towards a short-term deal with the Edmonton Oilers rather than a lengthy contract. Speculation points towards a potential two to four-year agreement, with McDavid possibly using this approach to push the franchise to improve its competitive edge. The Oilers, after losing key assets, aren't as formidable as they were during their recent playoff appearances. McDavid's strategy seems to temporarily retain some leverage while ensuring the team remains focused on winning.

On the other hand, Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild is likely to command a hefty contract, possibly more than $15 million per year. The Wild, acknowledging his pivotal role in their success, may have to overpay to secure his services, especially given their struggles in free agency. With rising salary caps, Kaprizov's next deal could again be short-term, despite the team’s desire for a longer commitment to lock in their franchise star.