Welcome back to the Weekly Wrap. This week we’ll complete our pre-season re-cap With two regular-season games in the books—thanks to the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils—the NHL season is officially underway. Those early European matchups have left us craving more, and luckily, we’ve only got one more sleep until the rest of the league gets going!
Over the weekend, the final pre-season games were played, and on Monday, the last roster cuts were made. There were a few surprising decisions, waiver claims, and some intriguing lineup possibilities that could have an impact on your fantasy hockey season.
Let’s get into it!
Pre-Season Recap
James Reimer (G, Anaheim Ducks)
The Buffalo Sabres’ decision to go with a youth movement in net, featuring Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, caught some off guard. Even though Levi outplayed Reimer in the pre-season, the fact that he’s waiver-exempt could have allowed the Sabres to start him in the AHL and keep Reimer around for depth.
With John Gibson sidelined on injured reserve for the next three to six weeks, Reimer is serving as veteran backup insurance for Lukas Dostal. But don’t be surprised if Reimer is waived again once Gibson returns. If Buffalo claims Reimer, they could send him directly to the minors without placing him on waivers again.
This is a situation to monitor closely, especially for fantasy managers who may be eyeing goalie depth. Reimer’s fantasy value will largely depend on Gibson’s health and the Sabres’ goaltending rotation.
Jacob Pelletier (LW, Calgary Flames)
In a move that shocked many, the Calgary Flames exposed former first-round pick Jacob Pelletier to waivers. Pelletier, now 23, has flashed NHL potential, but it’s clear the Flames no longer see him as part of their top-six plans. He’s been productive in the AHL, but concerns about whether that success will translate to the NHL are growing.
Pelletier cleared waivers on Monday, remaining in the Flames organization. This could serve as a wake-up call for the young forward, pushing him to reach a new level of performance. However, his current value has undoubtedly taken a hit, and for fantasy purposes, he’s become more of a long shot for those hoping for a breakout.
Still, situations like this can turn around quickly. If Pelletier responds with improved play, there’s a chance he could claw his way back into the Flames’ lineup later in the season.
Erik Brannstrom (D, Vancouver Canucks)
The Colorado Avalanche traded Brannstrom to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for defenseman Tucker Poolman (with 20% of his salary retained) and a 2025 fourth-round pick. Vancouver promptly waived Brannstrom, and as of Monday, he cleared waivers.
Brannstrom has struggled to establish himself as a full-time NHL defenseman. However, it’s worth noting that defensemen often take longer to develop, as we’ve seen with players like Gustav Forsling (D, Florida Panthers), who only recently hit his stride. It’s possible Brannstrom could figure things out eventually, but for now, his fantasy value remains low.
If your league still categorizes Brannstrom as a prospect, it might be time to move on and fill that roster spot with a player showing more promise.
Adam Boqvist (D, Florida Panthers)
Boqvist signed with the Florida Panthers for a modest $775,000 but could be poised for a big role this season, starting with the first power play unit.
Last year’s playoffs made it clear that the Panthers weren’t fully sold on Aaron Ekblad or Gustav Forsling as power play quarterbacks. In fact, Oliver Ekman-Larsson handled the duties during the Stanley Cup Final.
If Boqvist can get off to a hot start, he could become a hidden gem on defense with the potential to hit 50 points. While Boqvist may not be a long-term lock for this role, fantasy managers should act quickly—he’s rostered in 49% of Fantrax leagues, with a 97% increase in claims over the past 48 hours.
Victor Olofsson (LW/RW, Vegas Golden Knights)
Olofsson signed a one-year deal with the Vegas Golden Knights for $1.075 million after an underwhelming 2023-24 season with the Buffalo Sabres, where he registered just seven goals and 15 points in 51 games.
Surprisingly, Olofsson has emerged from training camp on the Golden Knights’ top line and first power play unit. His fantasy stock has surged, with a 26.5% increase in roster claims over the last 48 hours. While Olofsson’s long-term hold on these coveted roles is uncertain, if he can stay in the top six, there’s a realistic shot he could set new career highs in goals (28) and points (49).
Keep an eye on his early-season performance, as he’s positioned to benefit greatly from playing alongside elite talent in Vegas.
Jesse Puljujarvi (LW/RW, Pittsburgh Penguins)
Pre-season performances can be deceptive, but it’s hard to ignore Jesse Puljujarvi’s impressive start with eight points in four games, including a highlight-reel goal. Standing at 6’4″, Puljujarvi brings size and skill to the Penguins’ lineup, and though he was drafted in 2016, he’s only now surpassed his breakout threshold after 364 NHL games.
Puljujarvi begins the season on the Penguins’ third line and second power play unit, which doesn’t see much usage. However, if his strong play continues, he could find himself earning more opportunities and potentially delivering a sleeper season with 40 points or more. Puljujarvi may not want to recap this preseason. He seems pretty content to keep playing exhibition games.
Fantasy managers looking for a deep sleeper pick should consider taking a flyer on Puljujarvi, as he could exceed expectations in his role.
San Jose Sharks Youth Movement
The Preseason buzz is real. Excitement is building in San Jose as the Sharks enter the season with three highly-touted prospects—Will Smith (LW), William Eklund (RW), and Macklin Celebrini (C). This trio is generating buzz reminiscent of the 2016-17 Toronto Maple Leafs, which saw the debut of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and the first full season for William Nylander.
While the Sharks’ young forwards are generating excitement, their defense remains a concern. The team lacks a clear first power play option on the blue line, and unless Jake Walman or Henry Thrun steps up, the Sharks’ power play could struggle to support their budding stars.
For fantasy purposes, temper your expectations for the Sharks’ trio, but each player has the potential to push past 50 points this season—and perhaps even compete for the Calder Trophy.
NHL Award Predictions – with a Twist
It’s that time of year—everyone’s making predictions for NHL awards. But instead of the usual suspects like Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews, I’m picking players with an outside shot at having career seasons and stealing the spotlight.
Hart Trophy: Elias Pettersson (C, Vancouver Canucks)
Despite criticism for his playoff performance last season, I believe Pettersson will use the negative chatter as motivation and deliver a career year, taking home his first (and likely only) Hart Trophy.
Norris Trophy: Noah Dobson (D, New York Islanders)
Dobson broke out with 70 points last season and will be crucial to the Islanders’ playoff push. His defensive play will stand out alongside his offensive contributions. Runner-up: Mikhail Sergachev (D, Utah Hockey Club), who finally steps out of Victor Hedman’s shadow and posts a career year.
Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy: Kirill Kaprizov (LW, Minnesota Wild)
Kaprizov has flirted with 50-goal seasons but hasn’t hit the milestone yet. This year, I believe he’ll eclipse 50 goals and could even push for 60.
Vezina Trophy: Jacob Markstrom (G, New Jersey Devils)
With a healthy Dougie Hamilton and the addition of Brett Pesce, the Devils will have one of the NHL’s top defensive units. Backed by a high-powered offense, Markstrom could notch 40 wins and finish top five in saves above expected.
Calder Trophy: Conor Geekie (LW, Tampa Bay Lightning)
After a slow start on the third line and second power play unit, Geekie earns a promotion to the top six and clicks with Nikita Kucherov, delivering a breakout rookie campaign.
Sleeper of the Year: Jesse Puljujarvi (LW/RW, Pittsburgh Penguins)
Anthony Beauvillier lasts just five games on Sidney Crosby’s wing before Puljujarvi replaces him—and never looks back. In this alternate reality, Puljujarvi becomes a 65-point player and Crosby’s new favorite linemate.
There you have it, your pre-season recapped. Check back in seven days for another Weekly Wrap!
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