Some parts of the new CBA go into effect immediately, with LTIR tweaks, no deferred compensation and a tighter paper-loan policy changing how teams manage cap in 2025-26. Other provisions land later, including ELC and min-salary rules ahead of 2026-27, plus mandatory neck protection and European eligibility shifts. Opening Night kicks off 2025-26 with a tripleheader as Sonny Milano gears up for camp, Hildeby inks with Toronto, Prokhorov joins the Islanders, and Kaprizov’s contract talks heat up Minnesota.

Fantasy players should map immediate cap implications, LTIR usage, and recall limits to roster construction. The Leafs, Islanders, Wild, and Capitals headline the season’s strategic shifts, with goaltending depth and young players likely to see opportunities as rosters adapt to the new rules and timing.