Mikael Granlund's recent three-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks, valued at $21 million, marks a significant moment in his career as he moves from the Dallas Stars amidst a salary cap squeeze. While many sought new top-center talent, several notable names like Sam Bennett and John Tavares opted to remain with their current teams, intensifying competition for quality free agents.

Granlund, a versatile two-way player, previously contributed to the Stars' playoff runs, displaying a knack for scoring with 22 goals last season. With the Ducks eyeing playoff contention, they leveraged their cap space creatively, offloading Trevor Zegras and John Gibson to make room for Granlund and veteran Chris Kreider, signaling their intent to improve substantially.

In the ever-evolving NHL landscape, the emergence of young talent is reshaping team strategies and fan expectations. Notably, players like Samuel Fagemo and Ryan Strome have been making significant strides, adding depth to their rosters. Fagemo's speed and agility complement Strome's experienced playmaking, making them both essential assets for their respective teams.

As teams prepare for the season, keeping an eye on rookies and emerging players could be key for fantasy managers. The interplay between veteran presence and fresh talent often dictates team performance and can heavily influence draft strategies, particularly in leagues where depth can mean the difference between championship contention and mediocrity.

The Edmonton Oilers showcased a remarkable defensive performance, shutting out the Dallas Stars 3-0 in Game 2 of the NHL's Western Conference final, leveling the series at one game each.

Despite a previous loss where they allowed five unanswered goals, the Oilers rebounded effectively. The team, led by captain Connor McDavid, has shifted towards a more balanced play style, emphasizing defensive responsibility alongside their renowned offensive capabilities. McDavid stated, "Yes, we can play defence," highlighting the team's evolution from past seasons.

Stuart Skinner, the goaltender, recorded his third shutout of the playoffs, amassing 25 saves. This defensive cohesion has become crucial as they navigate through the playoffs, with the forwards actively engaging in defensive duties, contributing to fewer scoring opportunities for their opponents.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins opened the scoring, with further contributions from Brett Kulak and Connor Brown. Despite a costly minor penalty by Darnell Nurse, the Oilers managed to uphold their defensive intensity, preventing the Stars from capitalizing on their power plays. Moreover, the Oilers improved their special teams, converting a power play while nullifying Dallas' chances.

The upcoming playoff series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals features contrasting offensive styles. The Hurricanes boast the highest shot volume in the NHL playoffs, while the Capitals, led by Alex Ovechkin, favor a more selective approach that relies on defense and turnovers. Both teams are well-matched in defensive strategies, with no secrets between them, according to their coaches.

In the first round, the Hurricanes excelled on special teams, achieving a perfect penalty kill and a commendable power play success rate. Meanwhile, the Capitals have their work cut out for them, particularly given their struggles against the Canadiens' power play. Key players like Dylan Strome and Ovechkin have stepped up for Washington, with Strome leading the team in scoring during the previous round. Carolina also welcomes back goaltender Frederik Andersen and center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, enhancing their lineup as they face a formidable opponent in the Capitals.