With the NHL season approaching, fantasy managers are keenly eyeing players who could make a significant impact. Notably, Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild is poised for another stellar season, having scored 40 goals and 75 points last season. His scoring prowess makes him a top-tier pick for fantasy leagues.

Additionally, the young and talented Matty Beniers from the Seattle Kraken has shown promise as a rising star, scoring 57 points in his rookie season. His trajectory suggests potential for even greater output this year, making him a compelling option for managers looking to build a formidable roster.

On the other hand, veteran players such as Alex Ovechkin remain a reliable choice, especially given his goal-scoring consistency. Ovechkin's experience coupled with a potent offensive skill set keeps him relevant in any fantasy draft. As the season begins, these players will be at the forefront of discussions among fantasy enthusiasts.

The ongoing development of various NHL players has been a focal point in recent discussions among analysts and enthusiasts alike. Notably, Alex Ovechkin continues to showcase his remarkable goal-scoring ability, maintaining his status as one of the league's elite forwards. Meanwhile, young talents like Matty Beniers and Owen Power are making significant strides in their respective teams, demonstrating the bright future of the NHL.

In the crease, seasoned goaltenders such as Igor Shesterkin and Connor Hellebuyck remain crucial for their teams, often being the decisive factor in close matches. The evolving strategies and performance metrics are also changing how teams approach the game, particularly concerning analytics that favor specific player roles during critical game moments.

Gabriel Vilardi, a forward for the Winnipeg Jets, joined 10 other NHL players in filing for salary arbitration, aiming to negotiate a contract that better reflects his recent performance. Last season, Vilardi achieved personal bests with 27 goals and 61 points in 71 games. Among those also filing are notable names like Kaapo Kakko from the Seattle Kraken and Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks. The arbitration deadline is set for 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, with hearings scheduled between July 20 and August 4.

The outcomes of these hearings can vary; last year, only one player, defenseman Spencer Stastney of the Nashville Predators, received a contract through arbitration. This year’s arbitration filings come amidst a competitive landscape, where young talent is increasingly being evaluated against their recent contributions.

The Seattle Kraken have secured forward Tye Kartye with a two-year contract extension, valued at an average annual salary of $1.25 million. At just 24, Kartye displayed notable growth, achieving six goals and seven assists over 63 regular-season games last season. His performance in the AHL also shone through with two goals and two assists across three games for Coachella Valley. General Manager Jason Botterill expressed optimism about Kartye's development within the organization, highlighting his efforts to improve during his time with the team.

In the previous season, Kartye's rookie campaign saw him net 11 goals and contribute nine assists in 77 games, alongside a playoff performance of three goals and two assists in 10 games. This extension solidifies the Kraken's commitment to nurturing a promising talent who is expected to continue developing and impact the team's success moving forward.

Ryan Lindgren, a newly signed defenseman for the Seattle Kraken, has made a notable transition from a goaltending background to a pivotal role on the blue line. After signing a four-year, $18 million contract, Lindgren aims to strengthen a Kraken defense that struggled last season, allowing 3.20 goals per game.

Despite not being a prolific scorer—boasting only 14 goals and 88 assists in 405 NHL games—Lindgren emphasizes his defensive capabilities, focusing on shot blocking and maintaining a tight defensive game. Having previously partnered with Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox, he's eager to build chemistry with his new team. Lindgren's commitment reflects a desire to rebound from a challenging 2024-25 season, which included a broken jaw that hindered his performance.