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.

Connor Hellebuyck powered Winnipeg to the Presidents’ Trophy with a Hart- and Vezina-winning season, posting 47-12-3, .925 SV% and 2.00 GAA. He carried the Jets deep into the playoffs, including two shutouts against Dallas, before a seven-game tilt with St. Louis underscored the climb ahead. Postseason numbers highlighted blemishes, but his big-picture focus remains on consistency and the crease foundation he’s built.

With Jonathan Toews adding veteran heft, Winnipeg eyes another Cup run. The offseason context includes Linus Ullmark in Ottawa and Dustin Wolf in Calgary, framing a league-wide backdrop as Hellebuyck and the Jets pursue continued elite play and a deeper playoff push.

ESPN fantasy hockey hinges on goaltending. A starter thriving in saves and wins, while limiting goals against, can swing a season; a couple of bad outings can derail it. Top nets like Vasilevskiy, Hellebuyck and Oettinger offer clear cushions, while Shesterkin and Gustavsson present high ceilings. The piece advocates drafting one elite goalie early, then shopping for sleepers to fill the rest in 10-12 team leagues, using workload trends to guide picks.

Beyond the obvious anchors, it spotlights mid-tier options and late-round gambles, such as Swayman, and emphasizes monitoring surges and coaching context. In deeper leagues, secure a one-two punch, then pivot to high-ceiling backups who can emerge. ESPN Mock Draft Lobby is recommended to test rosters and refine the strategy.

Dustin Wolf's seven-year, $52.5M extension with Calgary signals a firm vote of confidence in the Flames’ future in net. The 24-year-old posted 53 games last season with a 29-16-8 record, 2.64 GAA and .910 save, earning Calder Trophy runner-up and All-Rookie honors; Calgary aims for stability behind him as they chase playoff relevance.

His omission from the Olympic orientation camp aside, Wolf sits at the center of Calgary’s long-term plans, a benchmark against which peers like Hellebuyck set the standard in the goalie market. The deal starts in 2026-27, anchoring a Flames squad navigating a crowded landscape for keeper-category fantasy value.

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.