Smelling salts have become a routine pre-faceoff jolt on NHL benches, interpreted by players as a quick switch into game mode. Dubois, now with the Capitals, says it helps him click into competition, and peers like Robert Thomas and Seth Jarvis describe the wake-up buzz as real, while Connor Bedard notes it’s a personal choice. The practice sits amid safety debates and evolving policies across hockey and football.

The NHL studies the policy, Hockey Canada and the PWHL restrict usage in youth and pro settings, and the NFL has tightened access amid FDA warnings. Capitals, Blues, Hurricanes, Blackhawks and Panthers illustrate a spectrum of opinion on its value and risks for fantasy lineups.

Canada’s 4 Nations roster set the Olympic stage in the shadow of 2026 Italy, with Thomas and Suzuki still chasing a spot after last December’s snub. The event doubles as a prove-it sprint for veterans and a coming-out party for rising stars, as 18 weeks remain to the Games. The battlefield widens: health, form and timing will decide who lands in the Olympic lineup and who misses out.

Calder Trophy candidates Demidov, Snuggerud, Leonard, Koivunen, Misa, Shabanov, Rinzel, Parekh, Buium, Schaefer, Askarov and Merilainen stand out as high-upside targets for dynasty and keeper rosters. Demidov could hit a 65-point ceiling with Montreal if Laine and Dach stay healthy and gel; Snuggerud projects 60–65 on a top line; Leonard brings multi-cat value with scoring and hits; Koivunen could thrive on Crosby’s wing. Deeper leagues eye Misa, Rinzel and Parekh for immediate gains, while Buium and Merilainen loom as longer-term upside.

Value opportunities arise from top-line opportunities, exclusive power-play roles, and the ability to contribute across categories. The mix of young talent across Montreal, St. Louis, Washington, Pittsburgh and San Jose creates multiple viable in-season streams for fantasy managers. Dynasty rosters should pounce on these rookies now, and redraft players may find late-round steals among this group as the season unfolds.

In short, these rookies offer a blend of immediate point upside, multi-category contributions and long-term growth potential. Target the right mix of high-floor producers and high-ceiling dice rolls to build a versatile, championship-ready roster.

NHL confirms an 84-game regular season and a new Retired Players Emergency Healthcare and Wellness Fund of 4 million annually to support current and former players with family doctors and mental-health services. The deal also boosts retiree insurance subsidies to 10,000 per year and cements long-term post-care protections for alumni through 2030, with players like Robert Thomas highlighting pensions and health benefits as a top priority. The package coexists with talks on Olympic participation, a decentralized draft, and ongoing governance efforts around Hockey Canada matters.