Ducks sleeper Lukas Dostal stands out as a potential 55+ game starter behind a retooled lineup, making him a late-round goalie target with upside. Kuzmenko lands in a prime spot on Kopitar’s wing, a 65+ point pace feasible in top-line duty and power play time. Perfetti is primed for a breakthrough in Winnipeg on a second line and top PP, while Barzal returns to health with 80-point ceiling if his hot-streak carries into a full season.

These picks hinge on opportunity, health and line-mate chemistry, with a few clear risks: Barzal’s health history, Kuzmenko’s initial role, Perfetti’s consistency and the Jets’ overall offensive depth. For managers chasing value, these names offer meaningful upside without breaking the bank in drafts, especially in deeper formats that reward PP time and shot volume.

Isles push a youth-forward era with Matthew Schaefer at the center. The 18-year-old defenseman, the top pick, is drawing heavy hype after a strong camp, with Barzal touting him as a future top blueliner. Comparisons to Makar and Hughes loom as New York rebuilt its back end and even moved Noah Dobson to clear space. Schaefer figures to chase a Calder bid in a stacked 2025 rookie class alongside Demidov, while fantasy managers map his early minutes and power-play upside.

Expect gradual but meaningful ice time, with PP1 exposure likely coming sooner than later if he adapts to NHL pace. The Dobson trade underscores a blue-line pivot toward speed and puck movement, boosting Schaefer’s ceiling but adding risk as he climbs from prospect to regular. Monitor his deployment, pairing, and the evolving Isles’ structure for fantasy harvest.

NHL announces the 2026 draft dates (June 26-27) with a city decision expected by year-end and a March 6 trade deadline. Barzal is ready to return from last season’s injury, emphasizing mental readiness and a six-year commitment. Kaprizov is labeled a blank-check candidate for Minnesota, while Seth Jarvis reports strong shoulder rehab and may revisit center duties. Gambrell and Labanc sign PTOs with Nashville and Carolina, respectively, and Mason McTavish faces a bridge-deal question for Anaheim. A Rangers front-office reshuffle hints at strategic shifts that could affect moves and depth. Fantasy takeaway: map out draft targets, watch lineup churn, and exploit late-season depth moves.

NHL chatter tightens around how these moves could ripple through rosters and cap space, influencing who lines up as top-scoring wings, center depth, and insurance on center-heavy lines. As teams finalize rosters and кeep assets flexible, fantasy managers should monitor immediate impact players, potential role changes, and how the trade deadline could unlock value for sleepers down the stretch.