Mason McTavish signed a six-year, 7M AAV with Anaheim, signaling a long-term push for a high-floor, youth-driven core and reshaping the Ducks’ ceiling on term and cost control. The front office signaled a willingness to push for multi-year deals with peers like Terry and Granlund looming, setting a tone for the franchise’s cap strategy. Barkov’s 7–9 month injury for Florida tests depth and timing of relief, while Fleury’s Pittsburgh return and Raquel’s goal inject preseason intrigue and early fantasy context.

The second week of camp highlights who separates in the crowded forward pools and how teams balance term versus AAV in a rising cap environment. Nostalgia, rookies, and the looming waiver wire add drama as players chase roles, with previews centering on Lindholm, Lindell, Kachuk, Hughes, and McDavid-era chatter that could swing early-season value. A lively mosaic of signings, injuries, and prep sets the table for fantasy leverage this fall.

Kirill Kaprizov’s contract standstill is the central issue driving NHL chatter, with Minnesota Wild weighing cap realities, a no-trade nuance, and the potential for outsized winter deals that could reframe the market. The ripple effects touch top forwards and rivals as teams weigh risk and reward in a hard cap world.

Chicago’s aggressive move to lock in Spencer Knight signals a shifting goalie market, while other goaltenders and front-office moves—Fedotov to Columbus, Gorgiev signing with Buffalo, Luke Hughes in New Jersey—underscore how depth and price are reshaping dynasty and daily fantasy plans. The league’s playoff cap rules add another layer for late-season ambition and strategic deals.

Fantasy takeaway: track Kaprizov’s negotiations closely, because every dollar added to Minnesota’s cap could shift line combos and exposure across the Wild and beyond. With endorsements and new cap rules looming, structural risk becomes as relevant as raw talent in evaluating who to invest in this season.

Nikolaj Ehlers’ exit creates an early-season hurdle for the Winnipeg Jets, who pivot to veteran depth and a crop of youngsters to sustain their scoring punch. Gustav Nyquist arrives on a one-year, $3.25 million pact, offering a high-IQ playmaker with playoff experience, but he isn’t a direct replacement for Ehlers on speed or edge. The Jets have signed a handful of swing pieces and must rely on internal development to fill the void on the second line and in key moments on special teams.

Brad Lambert stands out as the closest path to the missing dynamic, but the jury is out on whether a late-blooming teen will slot in right away. Jonathan Caves returns to Manitoba, hinting at a gradual approach to NHL responsibility while Kyle Connor’s future contract looms large—either anchoring the core or prompting a major reshuffle. Adam Lowry remains a steadying force, yet a longer-term plan is brewing: will Winnipeg lean into its aging core or accelerate a youth movement with a couple of rookies already in the mix this year?

Camp vibe will determine the Jets’ direction. If Connor stays and Nyquist fills a second-line slot, Winnipeg can still push for a steady playoff path; if Connor is moved or salary demands push up the cap, the top nine could pivot dramatically. Either way, the Jets’ 2024–25 arc hinges on balance between proven veterans and breakout young players under new leadership, with training camp revealing the wheelhouse for their next two-to-three-year window.

The Winnipeg Jets are at the forefront of fantasy hockey discussions, presenting an abundance of talent for upcoming drafts. With Connor Hellebuyck, the best goaltender in the league, leading the charge, the Jets are poised to reclaim their position among the top teams in the NHL. Players such as Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor follow closely behind, complimented by rising stars like Gabe Valardi and Cole Perfetti, making for a strong offensive core.

Despite losing Nikolaj Ehlers this offseason, the Jets' remaining roster possesses substantial fantasy value, particularly in their top six. Valardi’s recent signing solidifies his role, while Morrissey continues to be a reliable point producer from the blue line. As the fantasy season approaches, the Jets stand as a team to watch closely.