Preseason chaos between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning exposes a two-tier discipline system and an old-boy vibe that spills beyond the ice.

Greer’s cheap shot on Hagel and the Lightning’s heavy suspensions contrasted with Florida’s token penalties, fueling a storyline that insiders protect favorites.

For fantasy players, the drama flags risk around Panthers’ aggressors and potential depth moves as coaches juggle lines amid a league culture clash.

NHL teams face regression risks this season. Morgan Geekie jumps to the top line with Boston, shooting% spikes and a near-30 goal ceiling look probable but not guaranteed. Scheifele may drop from elite status as Jets’ PP changes bite his pace. Protas surprised last year, yet sustained 21% shooting is unlikely. Hagel, Stone, and Duchene all carry notable regression risk due to line shifts, health, or role changes. Expect 22–26, 30/77, ~20, and 21/40-type outputs respectively, with upside dampened by tougher matchups and shooting normalization.

Shots, lines, and power-play dynamics shape these projections. Each player’s fate hinges on role stability, opponents’ adjustments, and the persistence of high shooting rates. The piece weighs who might still carve solid fantasy value despite regression, highlighting top-line exposure, minutes, and the likelihood of less favorable matchups as seasons begin.

Aaron Ekblad returned to the Florida Panthers lineup after a suspension, making an impactful return against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In his first game back, he recorded an assist and logged nearly 20 minutes of ice time despite the Panthers suffering a 4-3 defeat. Ekblad addressed the elbowing incident that led to his suspension, expressing regret while emphasizing his intention was never to injure. Brandon Hagel, the player affected by the hit, expressed his concerns regarding the nature of the incident, questioning Ekblad's intentions. Despite the aftermath, Panthers' coach Paul Maurice praised Ekblad's presence as crucial to the team’s defensive strategy, highlighting his importance as they gear up for critical playoff games. As the series progresses, the Panthers must navigate these challenges to mount a comeback against the Maple Leafs.