Pettersson, Shesterkin and Klingberg emerge as top positive regression candidates for 2025-26, with Pettersson eyeing a return to 30+ goals and 80+ points amid a fresh Canucks start, Shesterkin rebounding behind a steadier Rangers lineup, and Klingberg potentially reviving his PP quarterback role in San Jose. On the downside, Wilson, Walman and Kuemper carry clear regression flags: Wilson’s goal rate looks unlikely to hold, Walman’s role may shrink, and Kuemper could drift toward an average starter.

These projections hinge on health, coaching changes, and lineup stability, then translate into concrete fantasy implications: draft around risk-reward for goaltending with Kuemper, and target players like Pettersson and Shesterkin where firm performance anchors are likely despite surrounding team turbulence. The article places these players in a realistic context for 2025-26 rosters and DFS/casual fantasy planning.

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.