NHL Fantasy: Players to add to your watch list as the season begins

New Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua, who previously wore No. 81 with the Vancouver Canucks, chose the number partly in honor of Phil Kessel, a fellow testicular cancer survivor. Acquired for a 2028 fourth-round pick, the 29-year-old has a $3.25-million cap hit and aims to build on his past performance after a challenging season post-diagnosis. Want More Context? 🔎

Montreal Canadiens rookie Ivan Demidov has been training diligently in Brossard while also enjoying a recent trip to New York City, exploring iconic sites like Grand Central Station and the Statue of Liberty. Meanwhile, teammate Alex Newhook attended J.T. Compher's wedding, where other former Canadiens players, including Jeff Petry, were also present, highlighting the interconnectedness of the NHL. Want More Context? 🔎

The 2025 NHL free agency saw the Ottawa Senators experience notable player departures, including goaltender Anton Forsberg to the Kings and forward Adam Gaudette to the Sharks, while filling gaps with new signings like Lars Eller and Jordan Spence. Although the summer signings weren't game-changing, retaining key players and the acquisitions from last season's deadline provided a solid foundation for the upcoming year. Need More Context? 🔎