Adrian Kempe aims for a lucrative extension with the Los Angeles Kings, with reports placing his target around 10–11 million per season and a preference to finalize before Christmas or training camp. The path to deal closure remains a priority, with patience prioritized over rushing terms.

Nicolas Hague’s arc moves from a Vegas verbal agreement to a Nashville trade and a four-year, $22 million pact with the Predators, while whispers of Mitch Marner sign-and-trade flared but didn’t materialize. Rumors also touch the Canadiens and Penguins, with Kaprizov, Eichel, McDavid, Hart, and Stolarz driving ongoing league chatter and offseason intrigue.

A refined NHL defense breakout model now targets blueliners likely to deliver true fantasy impact beyond sporadic scoring, focusing on age, experience, and a first sustained FPPG above a historical median. It flags defenders entering a true breakout window (roughly 23–27 years old, 170–380 games) who can push into top unit minutes and PP time, while accumulating hits and blocks that translate to fantasy points.

Among the names highlighted: Bowen Byram, Jamie Drysdale, Dylan Samberg, and K’Andre Miller, plus others who could unlock a real late-round upside if opportunity aligns. The framework aims to separate true contributors from depth players, guiding drafts with data-backed confidence.

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.