Early-week NHL fantasy push centers on waiver-wire depth and targeted streams. Anton Lundell looks like the Panthers’ answer to Barkov’s absence, while Elias Lindholm returns to a prime Bruins role. Shane Pinto and Matty Beniers offer high ceiling with top-line/minor adjustments, and Marco Kasper plus Leo Carlsson carry multi-position appeal in deeper leagues. Defenders Ekblad and Nikishin push for steady PP time, with solid goalie streams in Vejmelka and Jarry on deck for the week.

Short-term adds include Brazeau, Nazar, McBain and Jarry, while Malkin, Bedard, Hayton, Keller, Schmaltz, Barkov, Tkachuk and Jones shape daily decisions across races and spots. Track schedule density, lines, and PP usage to maximize both season-long value and daily fantasy upside.

Matthew Schaefer, 18, opened his NHL chapter for the New York Islanders with poise in a 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh. He logged 17:15 of ice time, earned his first point by threading a pass to Drouin for a fluttering equalizer, and looked comfortable throughout. Coach Patrick Roy lauded his confidence and willingness to shoot as the Islanders push for a faster rebuild around their new young core.

The debut, paired with fellow rookie Max Shabanov, signals a rapid ramp for the Isles’ blue line as they chase progress in a brutal Metropolitan Division. Even in defeat, Schaefer’s performance offered a blueprint: speed, smart decisions, and a readiness to attack from the back end, traits fantasy managers will want to monitor as the season unfolds.

Matthew Schaefer, 18, made a poised NHL debut for the New York Islanders, collecting an assist just 12 minutes in and logging 17:15 of ice time. His early impact, plus the club’s aggressive puck movement, signals a fast-track development plan as the Isles push for immediate improvement in the Metropolitan.

Despite the 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh, Schaefer’s composure and willingness to shoot helped underscore the Islanders’ youth-forward ascent. Penguins veterans Crosby, Malkin and Letang exploited late opportunities, but the night largely belonged to the rookie’s breakout potential and the franchise’s long-term trajectory.

Hamilton sits at the center of trade chatter as New Jersey navigates a tight cap, with Luke Hughes on deck and Kovacevic out until January. Devils insist Hamilton won’t be moved to clear cap space, valuing his mix of power-play punch and zone work in a Cup-window lineup. Hamilton stresses focus on controllables and his no-trade clause. In Pittsburgh, Bryan Rust stresses loyalty to the Penguins amid potential asset moves as Malkin, Rakell, and Jarry swirl in rumors, shaping fantasy angles and cap plans.