Duclair’s health and role with the Islanders take center stage as Roy and Duclair mend fences after a sharp late-season critique. A groin injury that sidelined him for two months reshaped his 2023-24 start, and Roy now expects him to reclaim pre-injury form. With a likely third-line role behind Pageau and Holmström and a four-year, $14M contract in hand, Duclair’s fantasy upside hinges on health and early-season deployment.

Last season’s 24-goal output with San Jose and Tampa Bay sets a high-water mark, but success for the Isles will require a clean bill of health and a quick lens into his role on opening night. If Duclair looks himself again, the Isles gain a versatile winger who can contribute across lines and power play, potentially shifting the balance of their depth-chart at the start of the season.

Tyrone Bronte signs with the Wichita Thunder for the 2025-26 season, marking a return to North American hockey after a productive overseas stint. The Melbourne native piled up 48 points in 40 AlpsHL games with KHL Sisak and added 38 points in 17 AIHL games with Melbourne Ice, while his college years at Michigan Tech shaped a versatile, playmaking profile. This move strengthens Wichita’s depth in the Sharks’ broader pro-pipeline, giving Bronte a path toward AHL duties and potential future call-ups.

Fantasy players should watch Bronte’s early role in Wichita, especially his power-play minutes and line placement. If he earns top-6 minutes and PP time, he could provide a steady stream of points in the ECHL with a realistic ceiling for AHL advancement, making him a plausible late-round stash for deeper leagues and prospect-focused strategies.

Max Curran's Prague-to-Colorado arc shows a 6-foot-3, two-way center maturing into a pro-ready asset for the Avalanche after a breakout 74-point WHL season and a 161st overall pick in 2024. A summer spent around Tomas Hertl hints at a fast, physical upgrade and a kid with ceiling on both ends.

Colorado envisions Curran as a versatile forward who can contribute across all zones, with the 2025 Rookie Showcase as his next proving ground as he charts a patient pro timeline after a pivotal junior year and a transformative trade-led path toward an NHL future.