Rangers head into 2025-26 with a clearer plan and a roster overhaul aimed at a sharp bounce-back after a brutal 2024-25. Core veterans and a sharpened defensive unit are front and center as Mike Sullivan attempts to unlock a higher ceiling for Sam Miller-era stars and the kids waiting in the wings. Alexis Lafrenière faces seven-year, $52.15 million expectations while Mika Zibanejad looks to reverse a recent slide. A revamped blueline—Gavrikov, Borgen, Vaakanainen, Soucy—should lift Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick, who enter a season with real coaching-driven structure in front of them. The 3C question looms large, with Parssinen, Raddysh and company vying for a defined identity. In net, Shesterkin anchors, but Quick’s age adds a layer of risk and opportunity.

Fantasy takeaway: Fox remains the anchor on the back end and a primary multi-category producer. Miller, Lafrenière and Trocheck form the high-upside trio, while the third line’s stability could swing 12-15 extra wins or losses in close fantasy calls. Watch for expanded roles for Cuylle, Perreault and Othmann if Sullivan trusts them in top or third lines. If Lafrenière finally breaks out, and Zibanejad recaptures his scoring touch, the Rangers become a subtle, high-upside playoff dart board for managers who can time hot streaks and injuries on a deep scoreboard.

Carolina Hurricanes go all-in this offseason, adding K'Andre Miller from New York and Nikolaj Ehlers to bolster the blueline and add firepower. They reportedly remain in on a Rakell pursuit, leveraging cap space for a Cup-or-bust push. Miller’s and Ehlers’ arrivals raise the Hurricanes’ floor on both ends, while Rakell would push their ceiling even higher, potentially reshaping lineups and power-play units across the East.

Fantasy implications bend toward opportunity. Ehlers likely slots into a prominent forward role, Miller shores up a top-four that should see more favorable starts and PP time, and Rakell—if acquired—could anchor a high-scoring top line. Carolina’s flexibility, aided by team-friendly deals, signals continued aggressive moves and a roaster reshaping that could redefine fantasy values in drafts and daily leagues this season.

Overall, Carolina’s aggressive build could shift East power dynamics, with multiple players seeing upside from the new talent around them. The mix of speed, scoring, and defense raises the Hurricanes’ playoff probability while giving fantasy managers several new high-upside targets.

Artemi Panarin drives a potential Rangers resurgence, with New York bullish on a quick rebound under a new bench boss. Panarin, who led the team with 89 points last season, remains a cornerstone as the Rangers navigate an expiring contract and a now-or-never window. The squad is banking on fresh energy and defensive improvements to translate regular-season dominance into playoff success, avoiding wholesale overhaul as they chase another deep playoff run.

Mike Sullivan’s hire as head coach injects championship pedigree and international experience, setting the tone for a more disciplined, energy-forward approach. With Panarin still at the center and an aging core, the Rangers must defend better and deepen scoring beyond their top line to maximize this moment. The team’s path hinges on cohesion, defensive structure, and timely contributions from new blood as they push to contend in 2025-26.

Brady Tkachuk is staying long-term with the Ottawa Senators, a move that solidifies the team’s core leadership and confidence heading into another playoff push. The decision edges the organization closer to a stable championship arc, with the downtown arena upgrade amplifying fan engagement and home-ice energy. For fantasy managers, the extension reduces risk around workload and chemistry on a team that already leaned on Brady as a top-line catalyst and power-play driver.

chatter around a potential Rangers pursuit faded as the captain committed, while his brother Matthew’s path—a stint in Calgary and now Florida—adds a meaningful backdrop to the Tkachuk family narrative. Ottawa’s core, led by Brady, aims to recapture the playoff taste, leveraging their new venue and a playoff pedigree to sustain production. The deal also signals stability for Ottawa’s offensive corps and defense in coming seasons, keeping Brady’s elite scoring and PP1 role a premium asset for fantasy rosters.

Brady’s long-term pledge aligns with Ottawa’s playoff-relevant trajectory and reinforces the team’s upside at home. Fantasy players should note that continued leadership, PP opportunities, and a growing core around Brady will likely keep his fantasy floor high, even as the Senators pursue sustained postseason contention. The downtown arena adds another layer of long-term growth potential for the franchise and its fantasy-friendly narrative.