Mason McTavish sits at the center of Ducks trade chatter, but Anaheim intends to keep him. His camp has explored options, yet the Ducks’ playoff push and a crowded center rotation limit immediate changes. The fit with the current group remains strong, and dialogue has cooled as talks haven’t produced a blockbuster offer.

Two-way development, role clarity, and cap space shape the dynamic. If a ridiculous bid arrives, Anaheim will reassess; otherwise, McTavish’s growth path in Orange County stays the priority, with the team holding his rights as a prime building block for the years ahead.

Gustavsson has one year left on his Wild deal, and Minnesota faces a tough call: lock him in at a team-friendly price or let Wallstedt accelerate his rise. The starting-goalie market sits around five-and-a-half to six-and-a-half million, so any extension could influence Wallstedt’s timeline and the club’s cap strategy this season.

Wallstedt’s potential breakout and Gustavsson’s regression risk loom large for fantasy managers. The Oilers chatter in the broader rumor mill underscores how dynamic goaltending markets are across the league, making this a must-watch for dynasty and seasonal leagues alike.

Aaron Luchuk is back with the Orlando Solar Bears for 2025-26, returning as the franchise’s all-time leader in goals (93) and points (223) and tied for assists (130) with Michael Brodzinski. He posted 59 points in 72 games last season and earned a 2025 ECHL Mid-Season All-Star nod, highlighting a seven-year pro career that includes 314 ECHL games, plus stints in the AHL and Europe. Luchuk needs five more ECHL points for 300, and his return stabilizes Orlando’s attack while boosting fantasy upside for Solar Bears followers and Lightning affiliates.

His return hinges on continued scoring punch, especially with Brodzinski as a prime setup man. The Lightning affiliation adds potential NHL exposure down the line, making Luchuk a compelling dynasty-type asset for fantasy players who track ECHL ladders and call-up risk. Expect a top-line role and power-play time that could lift his production and keep Orlando in the mix for year-long fantasy value.

McDavid's extension with the Oilers remains unsigned as training camp approaches, with talks focused on the big picture rather than dollars. A four-year framework is floated as a likely middle ground, preserving Edmonton's cap flexibility while pursuing sustained contention. Season start could proceed without a deal in place, shaping early decisions around the star’s future and the team’s long-term plan.

Panarin and the Rangers surface in similar rumor chatter, highlighting how star salaries and timing influence market dynamics. The Montreal Canadiens are also noted in this backdrop, underscoring league-wide tension between elite talent and cap discipline as Edmonton weighs its next move.

Penguins countdown to 2025-26 centers on Crosby and Malkin anchoring a lineup that blends veteran playmaking with a wave of fresh talent. McGroarty and Koivunen push for opening-night roles as September previews unfold.

Sept 11-15 brings the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo against New Jersey, Boston, Buffalo and Columbus, then camp and a Sept 22 preseason vs Montreal, with Detroit visiting Sept 26 at PPG Paints.

Olympic chatter adds tempo as Crosby eyes Team Canada; other Penguins may join Italy in February. For fantasy managers, this mix of proven stars and rookies shapes early lineup decisions and the path to breakout performances.