Legendary Canadiens Goalie Ken Dryden Dies at 73

The upcoming 2025-26 NHL season presents both opportunities and challenges for fantasy hockey managers focusing on teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks. The Avalanche face a shallow pipeline, with young players like Nikita Prischepov and Ivan Ivan unlikely to make significant impacts, though Gabriel Landeskog could be a valuable mid-round draft pick after missing the previous season. Martin Necas has the potential to elevate his game in a contract year while playing alongside Nathan MacKinnon. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks, despite being a struggling team, look to young center Frank Nazar to step up, though his fantasy upside may be limited without strong winger support or power-play time. Connor Bedard remains a high-upside but high-risk fantasy asset, with competition emerging from prospects like Lane Hutson and Macklin Celebrini, and his right-wing eligibility could boost his value. Additionally, rising players like Sam Rinzel and Artyom Levshunov may earn power-play opportunities, offering potential fantasy value despite the Blackhawks' overall team struggles. The hockey community also mourns the passing of Canadiens legend Ken Dryden, remembered for his Hall of Fame career and contributions to hockey literature and brain trauma awareness.