Injury and lineup notes ripple through the NHL, with Luukkonen re-aggravating a lower-body issue for Buffalo and Huberdeau among those being evaluated in Calgary. Kotkaniemi also sidelined by a stick-to-face incident but nearing return. Vlasic, Hart, Varlamov, and Lee provide goaltending and lineup updates shaping early-season depth charts. Namestnikov, Toews, Batherson, Eller, Jensen, Rust, and others surface in practice or status updates, signaling streaming and matchup considerations for fantasy managers this week.

Rumors swirl around Hutson, McLeod, Hart, and Markstrom, hinting at potential roster moves or extension talks that could alter upside in the near term. Namestnikov practicing with Winnipeg, Toews listed day-to-day, and Batherson skating keep watch on several teams’ depth and PP time as injuries create opportunities. Overall, the note pack emphasizes timing of returns and which players could emerge as fantasy differences if healthy.

Fantasy takeaway: monitor status updates and practice reports closely, as even minor timing shifts can open or close top-line and power-play opportunities. The mix of returns, evaluations, and rumours suggests flexible rostering and opportunistic adds over the next several days.

Jack Eichel is entering the final year of his eight-year, $80 million contract with Vegas, with an extension expected to be settled soon. His career-best 94-point season keeps him as a fantasy anchor, and stabilization on a new deal should preserve high-end production regardless of timing.

Rasmus Andersson’s Calgary future is murky amid trade chatter and long-term fit questions, while Calgary’s pipeline of Parekh, Brzustewicz, and Mews adds complexity to his valuation. Toronto’s Nick Robertson also surfaces in rumors, underscoring how extensions and deadline moves are reshaping fantasy value league-wide.

Anders Lee’s Islanders contract status is being watched as Mathieu Darche favors a patient start to the season. Lee remains the captain with a year left, and there’s no urgency to re-sign yet, leaving fantasy managers to monitor early-season roles. Separately, Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes sparked talk of a potential future pairing, while Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton enter the broader roster chatter. Calgary Flames’ rumored roster-flexibility adds another layer for speculative moves and value targets.

With the recent acquisition of Mitch Marner by the Vegas Golden Knights, the Toronto Maple Leafs are actively searching for a top-six forward to enhance their newly revamped roster. General manager Brad Treliving acknowledges the need for more talent upfront despite recent depth additions. He emphasizes the importance of making strategic moves to replace Marner's offensive contributions. Given the scarcity of elite free agents, trades now represent Toronto's best opportunity to bolster their offense.

One potential trade target is New York Islanders captain Anders Lee, as suggested by NHL analyst Lyle Richardson. Lee, 35, is in the final year of his contract, and if the Islanders' playoff hopes dwindle, he may be available. With a proven track record, including a 29-goal season last year, he could fill the gap left by Marner effectively, provided Toronto manages its salary cap strategically.