Penguins and Canadiens kicked off the 2025-26 preseason in Quebec with Pittsburgh seizing early pace as Brunicke, Puustinen and Broz generated a quick-slot sequence that Broz finished. Murashov steadied the crease as Blomqvist handled the other end, and the night drifted into a tense 3v3 OT before a shootout drama exposed both teams’ depth. A slate of Pens’ youngsters and veteran additions offered clear fantasy angles—depth scoring, PP roles, and goaltending development shaping camp plans.

Newcomers and veterans alike flashed bite: Dumba and Mantha contributed offensive moments; Fabbri brought edge; Pickering and Broz logged multiple impressive plays that could push for NHL time. Murashov’s 17 saves on the night, including shutout potential in OT, plus Blomqvist’s composed show, give the Pens a hopeful goaltending narrative. Montreal’s Dobson and Clifton added complexity to the back end, and a long shootout stretch teased the season’s early line combos and call-ups.

Pittsburgh’s 2025-26 Over/Under slate centers on a veteran-heavy depth model. Anthony Mantha can push meaningful goal totals if he stays healthy, with a path to roughly a 14–15 goal pace before a potential deadline flip to a playoff contender. Justin Brazeau, Connor Clifton, and Parker Wotherspoon provide affordable bottom-six and third-pairing value, while Matt Dumba adds a veteran edge with upside softened by a lower scoring ceiling. The plan leans on controlled risk and deadline capital, anchored by Crosby, Malkin, and Jarry.

Mantha’s health and hand-eye around the net remain the keystones for optimism; Brazeau and Wotherspoon help balance depth with defensive value; Clifton slots as a versatile right-shot defenseman, and Dumba’s role hinges on carving out minutes in a crowded back end. If the Penguins can thread favorable matchups and leverage deadline leverage, these signings could pay modest dividends for fantasy and bets alike.

The Buffalo Sabres have secured Conor Timmins by signing him to a two-year contract worth $4.4 million, thereby avoiding arbitration. Timmins, a 26-year-old defenseman, was acquired in a trade that involved sending Connor Clifton to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This marks Timmins' fifth team in six NHL seasons, with a career total of six goals and 46 points across 159 games. Last season, he achieved a personal best with three goals and 15 points in 68 games split between Pittsburgh and Toronto. With Timmins aboard, the only restricted free agent left for the Sabres is goalie Devon Levi.

The Buffalo Sabres have successfully avoided a salary arbitration hearing with Conor Timmins by signing the defenseman to a two-year contract worth $4.4 million. Acquired in a trade that sent Connor Clifton to the Pittsburgh Penguins, this marks Timmins' fifth team in six NHL seasons since he was drafted in the second round by Colorado in 2017. Last season, he achieved a career-high of three goals and 15 points over 68 games split between Pittsburgh and Toronto. The Sabres still have one remaining unsigned restricted free agent, goalie Devon Levi.

Connor Clifton has been traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Conor Timmins and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The 30-year-old defenseman tallied 16 points this season (one goal, 15 assists) and has a year left on his contract worth $3.33 million annually. This move signals the Penguins' intent to bolster their defensive lineup, while the Sabres aim for future growth with Timmins, who has shown potential with 46 points in 159 games across different teams.

Timmins, a 26-year-old defenseman, is looking for a fresh start in Buffalo. He can become a restricted free agent next July. The Sabres also received Isaac Belliveau, a promising prospect, in this deal. Belliveau produced solid numbers in the AHL and ECHL, indicating potential for development. With the No. 39 pick in the draft, the Penguins selected 17-year-old Peyton Kettles, adding another piece to their future plans.