Fantasy Hockey: Early‑Round Picks With High Upside for 2026
A breakdown of the top early‑round fantasy hockey selections for 2026, highlighting players with strong statistical foundations and value relative to their ADP.
Sep 7, 2026
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Zach Werenski
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Zach Werenski across Hockey.
Cale Makar’s Record‑Breaking $163.2 Million Contract Sets New NHL Standard
Cale Makar agreed to an eight‑year, $163.2 million deal that makes him the highest‑paid player in NHL history, surpassing Kirill Kaprizov’s recent record and cementing a long‑term commitment to the Avalanche.
Aug 28, 2026
Monsters’ New Era: Bootland Takes the Helm as Blue Jackets’ AHL Squad Eyes Playoff Return
The Cleveland Monsters confront a pivotal 2026‑27 campaign under new head coach Nick Bootland, navigating the loss of top talent and aiming to translate a deep prospect pool into AHL success.
Aug 22, 2026
Fantasy Hockey Defensemen Tiers for the 2026‑27 Season: A Comprehensive Guide
An in‑depth look at the 2026‑27 fantasy hockey defenseman landscape, highlighting top performers, multi‑category contributors and breakout candidates.
Aug 21, 2026
Blue Jackets’ Offseason Quandary: Free Agent Uncertainty and Coaching Outlook
The Columbus Blue Jackets confront a critical offseason as they navigate the resignations of Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment and Boone Jenner while weighing the possible return of coach Rick Bowness.
Aug 21, 2026
Blue Jackets’ 2026‑27 Outlook
The Columbus Blue Jackets face a transitional 2026‑27 season marked by player departures, a new starting goalie and modest expectations for improvement.
Aug 21, 2026
Cale Makar Tops EA Sports NHL 27 Ratings Amid Elite Defenseman Surge
Cale Makar shares the highest overall rating of 95 in NHL 27 with Zach Werenski and Quinn Hughes, highlighting a breakout year that saw him finish second in Norris Trophy voting and cement his status as a perennial award finalist.
Aug 20, 2026
NHL’s Growing Player Demands Threaten League Stability
Unreasonable contract expectations and trade disputes are eroding team cohesion, fan trust, and the financial health of franchises across the NHL.
Aug 19, 2026
Sabres’ Scoring Drought and the Quest for Playoff Contention
The Buffalo Sabres confront a 44‑goal deficit after losing Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram, while young talent and contract negotiations with Quinn Hughes loom over their playoff ambitions.
Aug 17, 2026
NHL off‑season reshuffles and injury concerns ahead of 2026‑27
From August 8 to 16, 2026, the league witnessed major trades, surprising signings and medical updates that will influence team strategies and fan expectations.
Aug 17, 2026
J.P. Hurlbert’s Michigan Commitment Mirrors Dylan Larkin’s Path
Drafted by Detroit with the 2026 first‑round pick, J.P. Hurlbert brings a prolific scoring record and a childhood dream of playing for the University of Michigan, setting the stage for a career that could follow the footsteps of former Wolverines star Dylan Larkin.
Aug 16, 2026
Blue Jackets’ Off‑Season Rankings Spark Discussion Ahead of Festival Parade
The Columbus Blue Jackets sit at 27th in the latest off‑season rankings, while standout defenseman Zach Werenski earns national recognition and Dante Fabbro prepares to lead the Italian Festival Parade.
Aug 16, 2026
Chase Reid Emerges as the Next Defensive Powerhouse for the Seattle Kraken
Chase Reid, the Seattle Kraken’s 2026 first‑round selection, has quickly become the talk of the hockey world, earning comparisons to elite defensemen and predictions of a bright international future.
Aug 15, 2026
Bruins’ staff reshuffle and Blue Jackets’ outlook dominate off‑season buzz
The Boston Bruins are reshaping their hockey operations as Ben Smith returns to Boston College, Zach Werenski reaffirms his love for Columbus, and several teams navigate trade rumors, GM searches, and player comebacks.
Aug 14, 2026
Zach Werenski Commits to Columbus Blue Jackets Amid Playoff Push
Zach Werenski reaffirms his commitment to the Columbus Blue Jackets, blocking trade rumors and aiming for a playoff return while eyeing a long‑term contract extension.
Aug 14, 2026
Fantasy Hockey 2026‑27: Early Rankings Reveal a Deep Talent Pool
Top forwards and defensemen are projected to exceed 100 points, while elite goaltenders vie for Vezina honors, but injury concerns and camp role shifts could reshape draft strategies.
Aug 13, 2026
Metro Division Offseason Grades: Rebuilds, Trades, and Uncertain Futures
An overview of the Metropolitan Division’s offseason moves, highlighting major trades, rebuild progress, and the lingering questions that could define the league’s most dynamic division.
Aug 12, 2026
David Pastrnak’s Hall of Fame Trajectory and Brad Marchand’s Enduring Legacy
The Athletic’s latest Hall of Fame rankings place Boston’s David Pastrnak on the brink of induction, while veteran Brad Marchand continues to add milestones. Their combined achievements reflect a decade of offensive dominance for the Bruins.
Aug 12, 2026
Rasmus Dahlin’s Breakout Season Propels Sabres to Playoffs and Hall of Fame Talk
Rasmus Dahlin’s 2025‑26 campaign, marked by a third‑place Norris Trophy finish and a 74‑point season, helped the Buffalo Sabres snap a 15‑year playoff drought. With a long‑term contract and a trajectory that points toward the Hockey Hall of Fame, his rise is reshaping the franchise’s outlook.
Aug 10, 2026
NHL Hall of Fame’s 2026 Tier System Evaluates Players by Longevity and Impact
The latest Hall of Fame framework blends career longevity, recent performance and future eligibility, spotlighting a select group of players poised for induction.
Aug 10, 2026
Quinn Hughes’ Contract Standoff Forces Minnesota Wild to Reevaluate Future
With Quinn Hughes still unsigned, the Minnesota Wild face a critical decision that could reshape their roster, drawing lessons from the Carolina Hurricanes’ recent rebuild and exploring multiple trade scenarios.
Aug 5, 2026
True Value Metric Redefines How NHL Players Are Measured
An exploration of the True Value metric, its components and the surprising shifts it creates in player rankings
Aug 3, 2026
Fantasy Hockey Rankings: Top 300 Players and Key Insights for the 2026‑27 NHL Season
With the 2026‑27 NHL season opening on September 29, analyst Matt Larkin unveils his comprehensive top‑300 rankings, highlighting the safest bets, breakout candidates and sleepers across forwards, defensemen and goaltenders.
Jul 30, 2026
Dallas Stars’ Prospect Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
The Stars have navigated a volatile off‑season, losing top prospects but uncovering hidden gems among wing players and depth centers.
Jul 28, 2026