Anders Lee’s Islanders contract status is being watched as Mathieu Darche favors a patient start to the season. Lee remains the captain with a year left, and there’s no urgency to re-sign yet, leaving fantasy managers to monitor early-season roles. Separately, Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes sparked talk of a potential future pairing, while Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton enter the broader roster chatter. Calgary Flames’ rumored roster-flexibility adds another layer for speculative moves and value targets.

Adrian Kempe wants to stay with Los Angeles and isn’t rushing a contract extension, signaling a likely continued top-six and power-play role if talks settle long-term. Jason Robertson’s pace is calmer, with a year left, keeping Dallas’ scoring firepower intact for now. Luke Evangelista’s Nashville talks remain unsettled, hinting at more ice time if a deal lands. Roslovic’s future is murky, while Leafs and Canucks loom as broader catalysts for potential roster shifts that could ripple through fantasy lineups as camp approaches.

The Vancouver Canucks enter camp with a clear question at center after J.T. Miller’s offseason exit: who will anchor the second line? Filip Chytil is the top internal bet, projected to work with Pettersson and Kane, while Vancouver pursues internal options like Raty, Sasson, and Mueller. Management admires patience but won’t ignore outside options if results lag, with playoff odds at +115 to make the postseason and a high cost for a quick fix.