Chicago's defense is packed, and Wyatt Kaiser remains unsigned as camp nears. Kaiser and a fit with Connor Allen could form a sturdy third pair if Chicago sorts out nine to ten viable NHL defensemen on the roster. A wave of young blueliners—Del Mastro among them—has the organization eyeing movement to balance role and ice time, making this a true numbers game for the Blackhawks.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are shaping their camp approach with a crowded one-way contract situation, and the chatter around Jack Roslovic adds another layer to their roster shuffle. On the West, Luke Hughes looms as a key pressure point for New Jersey, while Auston Matthews primes to regain form after health trips. Mitch Marner’s 70-goal ceiling lingers as a fantasy anchor in Toronto, even as moves ripple through the lineup.

Mitch Marner spoke frankly about playoff heartbreak and the personal toll it took, including security at home after the Maple Leafs’ elimination and a harsh online backlash. He described leaving the Leafs—after nine seasons and a $96-million extension—and landing with Vegas in a high-stakes reset. The piece frames a bittersweet exit, with Marner reflecting on his bond with teammates and the reality of fan passion shaping a star’s next chapter, including fantasy implications of a fresh top-line role in Vegas.

New Jersey Devils coaching staff locked in and a 13-game nationally televised slate set this season, signaling a push for fantasy-friendly exposure around the club. Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes grab headlines as NHL Network’s top-25 born this century, underscoring breakout potential and increased Team USA coverage. Connor McDavid voices a clear Edmonton focus, while Mitch Marner addresses Leafs Nation and safety questions, shaping early-season narratives and fantasy implications.

Expect Hughes targets to ride top-line minutes and power-play opportunities if Devils’ systems hold. McDavid remains fantasy royalty, but external Toronto chatter could influence distribution. These threads frame day-to-day fantasy decisions and season-long upside for managers tracking Devils updates against the star-loaded broader NHL landscape.

Anaheim Ducks aim to flip defensive depth into scoring by shopping young blue-liners for a top-six addition, keeping Trouba and Gudas on the shelf if the playoff push stalls. The rumor mill ties Ducks to marquee names like Mitch Marner, Jason Robertson and Martin Necas, while the Kings chase forward prices around Adrian Kempe’s extension. Hutson and Reinhart surface in broader market chatter, with Rossi’s deal shaping McTavish talks.