Atlantic divisional depth, big-money extensions, and bold predictions headline the season preview. Florida Panthers lock in eight-year, $9M-per-season for a sturdy defender, signaling a new cap reality that could reshape down-ballot moves as the cap continues to rise. Edmonton Oilers lock in Nabllock for three years while McDavid edges toward a $20M annual cap hit, forcing fantasy managers to rejigger around elite talent and supporting casts. The Panthers–Lightning rivalry chips at preseason action, underscoring the value of defense and goaltending in seasonal and weekly lineups.

From Winnipeg and Anaheim to Columbus and San Jose, the panel eyes surprises and breakout candidates like Fantilli, while aging stars such as Ovechkin and Crosby loom against rebuilding teams. With coaching stability, development trajectories, and cap discipline shaping rosters, fantasy players will chase value in depth, keeper leagues, and live-betting angles as a dynamic season unfolds.

NHL's 2025 top-25 blends proven stars with budding stars and splits the difference between regular-season dominance and playoff pedigree. Panarin’s drop sparks debate about whether goals alone outrun clutch moments, while Hedman, Slavin and Heiskanen anchor a defense-first core that could tilt where players land this season.

FanDuel’s top-10 Cup odds spark a season-long debate across the league. Jets need more offensive pop, Leafs must replace Marner’s production while relying on a sturdy, if aging, defense and goaltending, Devils face health questions, and Hurricanes’ high-velocity game must translate to deep playoff runs. Panthers must survive Barkov’s absence, Avalanche depth is tested, Vegas stays elite if healthy, Lightning face aging concerns, Dallas must finally push through conference finals, and Edmonton’s bid hinges on goaltending and McDavid’s contract.

Four Central contenders—Jets, Avalanche, Wild, Stars—enter 2025-26 with veteran depth and rising youngsters, creating a fantasy-friendly mix of stable 2C roles and deeper lines. Depth and early lineup stability could decide playoff seeds as the calendar turns.

Jets lean on Jonathan Taves's return and Gustav Nyquist's scoring touch to stabilize the middle, while Kaprizov's health and Brock Nelson's presence could unlock Minnesota's top six.

Avalanche rely on Landeskog's comeback, Mikko Rantanen's health, and Brent Burns's leadership to bolster top-line output and defensive structure. Stars count on Robertson and Wyatt Johnston to anchor the attack, with early-season chemistry shaping the playoff chase.

Watch for 2C battles, line shuffles, and injury timelines—these factors will drive fantasy value more than last season's totals.