Active players without a Stanley Cup remain fantasy gold, and the latest analysis spotlights how close several veteran stars are to lifting Lord Stanley. Brent Burns tops the ongoing list by career point shares, now aligned with Colorado on a one-year deal that keeps him squarely in Cup contention. Edmonton’s dynamic duo, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, continue to drive a high-ceiling offense as they chase another Finals run. Connor Hellebuyck headlines the goalie front for Winnipeg, while Mark Scheifele provides steady two-way value as the Jets push for a breakthrough. In Florida, Nate Schmidt and Tomas Nosek joined the Panthers last season and now eye a first Cup after the franchise’s triumph. Betting boards tilt toward Edmonton, Colorado and Florida, with odds shifting across operators as the 2026 chase intensifies.

Kyle Connor's future with the Winnipeg Jets appears stable, according to NHL insider Dave Pagnotta. Despite the buzz surrounding high-profile contracts for players like Connor McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov, there are no current indications that Connor will leave Winnipeg. His salary expectations will likely hinge on the deals signed by these stars, with speculation suggesting he could command around $10 to $12 million per year.

Pagnotta emphasizes that Winnipeg understands the importance of keeping Connor in the fold, especially with other core players already committed. Unlike Nikolaj Ehlers, who was expected to test free agency, there’s a sense of commitment and clarity regarding Connor's situation. The team’s approach suggests they are prepared to allocate significant funds to retain him, reflecting his integral role within the roster.

Dallas Stars forward Mark Scheifele exhibited remarkable resilience as he played in a playoff game with the weight of personal loss, scoring the lone goal for the Winnipeg Jets shortly after his father's passing. This poignant moment resonated with Edmonton Oilers defenseman Troy Stecher, who shared a similar experience when he lost his father in 2020. Stecher emphasized the importance of family support and the emotional toll such losses take on players in high-stakes environments.

Stecher reflected on the mental challenges during his own playoff run following his father's death, noting that while the rink provided a temporary escape, the emotional scars lingered. As a testament to his father's legacy, Stecher has initiated fundraising efforts for diabetes research, aiming to create lasting positive change in honor of those who have passed.

Connor Hellebuyck, the standout goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets, emphasizes the resilience forged through adversity as a key component for the team's future growth. Following a season marked by high expectations, including a Presidents' Trophy-winning regular season, the Jets faced a heartbreaking playoff exit against the Dallas Stars. The emotional toll was heightened for Mark Scheifele, who played after the sudden loss of his father, highlighting the team’s solidarity.

Not only did the Jets’ playoff experience tighten their bond, it also served as a motivational catalyst as they look towards the next season. Players like Adam Lowry and Josh Morrissey expressed their commitment to supporting Scheifele, reinforcing the sense of family within the team.