Lane Hutson’s extension talks loom large for Montreal, with eight years at roughly $10 million per season seen as a plausible starting point. Delays could push the price higher and squeeze the Canadiens’ cap, affecting defense depth and fantasy projections for teammates. In Vegas, Jack Eichel’s likely $13–14 million eight-year deal anchors the Knights’ payroll and could shift decisions on goaltending and top-line workloads.

Kaprizov’s potential bump may lift the ceiling for other elite wingers and RFAs, while surrounding rumors around Malkin, McLeod, and Carter Hart hint at a tighter goalie market and possible moves that shake up rosters. For fantasy managers, keep a close eye on these extensions—the cap math behind them often sets the tone for player value and leverage across the league.

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.

NHL rumor cycle centers on contract tempo for a slate of young stars and noted veterans. Logan Cooley sits on an entry level with Utah Mammoth, talks paused as he focuses on this season, with a likely in season revisit. Dylan Holloway may see extensions hinge on a strong start in St. Louis, while Bobby McMann has yet to enter talks with Toronto. Carter Hart's value is tethered to Vegas cap gymnastics, and Kiefer Sherwood remains unsigned in Vancouver. Rasmus Andersson remains a hot commodity with Dallas leading the charge and several rivals circling, including Toronto, Tampa Bay, Detroit, Columbus, and Boston. Earlier chatter between Vegas and Calgary faded, but teams still sniff around.

Fantasy players should monitor early-season production from Cooley, Holloway, and Hart as potential catalysts for contract chatter that could shift roles or incentives. Andersson's market activity signals a broader right shot defensemen premium; keep an eye on how cap space and LTIR usage shape signings. With inquiries spanning Canadiens, Senators, and others, the coming weeks could redraw depth charts and power dynamics across the league.