Nikita Prishchepov rocketed from unranked to a top-10 Colorado Avalanche prospect after a breakout rookie year split between the Colorado Eagles and a 10-game NHL cameo. He signed an entry-level deal and impressed with his size and learning-mentality, drawing favorable comparisons to Val Nichushkin and signaling a patient path to a longer NHL stay. Fantasy-minded readers should watch his development timeline and potential early role with Colorado.

Colorado’s investment and his AHL-to-NHL transition lens highlight a high-ceiling, lower-risk asset for long-term dynasty rosters. If he sticks, he could offer late-season upside and speculative upside in keeper formats, especially if he lands a net-front/2nd-line role or power-play time down the road.

Nashville’s Luke Evangelista faces a contract tug-of-war: the Predators want long-term security, leveraging eight-year-cap flexibility in the last window to sign eight-year deals; Evangelista and agent Judd Moldaver push for a bridge to maximize security as the cap keeps rising. In Anaheim, Pat Verbeek’s stance on term could push Mason McTavish toward a shorter deal, reshaping his early fantasy upside. The contract tension sets up a dual-track fantasy arc for both players as negotiations heat up.

The dynamic affects roles, minutes, and power-play exposure, with Evangelista potentially stepping into top-line duty on a longer leash if a long-term deal lands, while a bridge could keep his yearly price down but delay ceiling acceleration. For McTavish, a shorter-term path might turbocharge leverage for more minutes and PP time if he proves himself, even as the Ducks balance risk and reward in a growing core.

Tyson Barrie retires after 14 NHL seasons at 34, ending a mobile, playmaking blueline chapter that spanned Colorado, Toronto, Edmonton, Nashville and Calgary. He posted 110 goals and 398 assists in 822 games, with 212 power-play points (180 assists) and 47 playoff outings with 2 goals and 19 assists. Last season he appeared in 13 games for Calgary after signing a one-year deal. The NHL announced the retirement on X.

His exit reshapes Calgary’s defense and special-teams approach, with fantasy owners eyeing the subsequent reshuffle of minutes and PP roles. The Flames must adapt, opening doors for younger blueliners and changing how managers value Calgary defenders and PP options in drafts and waivers.