Connor McDavid anchors the 2025–26 season as the benchmark for NHL excellence, with FanDuel listing him at +200 for Hart Trophy supremacy, a reflection of his sustained, all‑around dominance. The MVP race centers on whether any challenger can truly threaten his standard, given his speed, vision, and clutch play. A slate of contenders—Auston Matthews, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jack Eichel—enter the season with elite scoring chops and the potential to push McDavid in a high-stakes battle for the award, while Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov loom as credible late‑season accelerants. This mix shapes team planning, fantasy projections, and bettor expectations as the season unfurls.

Auston Matthews projects to keep Toronto on offensive tilt, with a 50‑goal pace within reach if the supporting cast clicks and health cooperates. Kaprizov brings relentless energy and playmaking to Minnesota, a healthy 80‑plus game run could push him into triple‑digit point territory and MVP contention. Eichel offers steady two‑way leadership with Vegas, where structure and playoff pedigree bolster his numbers. The ongoing narrative hinges on health, depth, and how defenses adapt to McDavid’s multifaceted impact, making the MVP race one of the season’s defining stories for fantasy managers and bettors alike.

This week's NHL action offers an intriguing mix of performances and potential breakout stars. The standout has been Connor McDavid, who continues to dominate the league with his scoring prowess, leading in points once again. His performance has reignited the debate regarding his impact on the Oilers' playoff hopes. Meanwhile, teams like the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning are also making waves as they jockey for playoff positioning.

Emerging talents such as Matty Beniers and Adam Fantilli are drawing attention for their exceptional play, making them vital picks for fantasy managers looking for an edge. The trade deadline approaches, adding more uncertainty to player values and potential team dynamics. Understanding these shifts is crucial for fantasy enthusiasts aiming to make informed decisions.

The NHL and the NHL Players' Association are nearing a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that will modernize the league's operational structure. Key highlights include a shift towards an 84-game season starting in 2026-27, a cap on player contracts at six years for free agents and seven for re-signing players, and the uniformity of signing rights for drafted players. The agreement aims to close loopholes that currently let teams exploit long-term injured reserve (LTIR) strategies, such as the Tampa Bay Lightning's usage of Nikita Kucherov during their playoff run, which drew significant criticism for salary cap circumvention.

Additionally, signing bonuses will be capped at 60% of a player's total salary to encourage teams to consider buyouts. The NHL has also projected a steady increase in the salary cap over the next three seasons. The relationship between the league and the PA has markedly improved, evolving into a more collaborative partnership, unlike the adversarial histories of past negotiations.

Connor Hellebuyck has made history by winning the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player while also securing the Vezina Trophy for the league’s top goaltender for the third time. This achievement makes him the first goaltender to win the Hart since Carey Price in 2015, with a standout regular season record of 47 wins and only 12 losses. Alongside Hellebuyck, Nikita Kucherov and Leon Draisaitl were also finalists for the Hart Trophy, highlighting their exceptional performances in the NHL.

Despite his stellar regular-season stats, Hellebuyck faced struggles in the playoffs, where he only managed six wins in 13 starts. Hellebuyck's playoff performance starkly contrasted with his regular-season dominance, including an .866 save percentage and a GAA of 3.08. Meanwhile, Kucherov led the league with 121 points, and Draisaitl topped the goal-scoring charts with 52 goals, showcasing the competitive edge among top players.