Carey Price’s $10.5 million cap hit is at the center of Montreal’s cap-clearing debate, with the Canadiens aiming to move him using futures rather than gutting their current roster. They have signaled they won’t part with top prospects Michael Hage and David Reinbacher, whose rising stocks and potential as a future top-four backbone make them priceless assets in trade talks. The team is juggling LTIR timing and a September 1 bonus, while staying over the cap for now, signaling more maneuvering could follow once Price is moved.

Oilers chatter links Edmonton to cap-friendly shuffles, notably Jake Walman, as teams chase flexibility. Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk remains a wildcard, weighing a 50/50 surgery decision that could sideline him for two to three months after a torn adductor/sports hernia, a fitness-health risk coach Paul Maurice described as hampering his playoff form. The summer’s cap arithmetic and asset valuation underline a delicate, high-stakes chess game among Montreal, Florida, and rival suitors.

In short, cap space, asset value, and injury timelines are shaping a volatile market where price-tag moves could cascade into further roster reshaping for the start of the season.

Edmonton’s plan to chase a big top-nine forward hinges on creating cap space before the trade deadline, potentially by shedding salary and using a 2027 first-round pick as a bargaining chip. The strategy centers on a two-step approach: trim payroll now to enable a blockbuster move later, then pounce when the market tightens and teams hold back cap space for the stretch run.

Key timing and personnel are in flux. Mattias Janmark’s 1.45 million hit and 10-team no-trade clause complicate a deal, while Adam Henrique’s no-movement clause reduces odds of a trade. Jake Walman’s contract discussions enter the mix as a potential piece, and the Oilers’ cap plan could hinge on extending or reshaping the defense core to maximize flexibility for a top-line addition.

With the Oilers owning a 2027 first-round pick, the math could tilt toward a splash for a forward or even a goaltender depending on how the roster is reshaped. The broader question remains whether Edmonton can stabilize its cap window enough to add a player who can immediately lift the lineup in high-leverage segments of the season and beyond.

Connor McDavid, fresh off another Stanley Cup Final appearance, has become the center of contract extension discussions for the Edmonton Oilers. With July 1 marking his eligibility for an extension, insiders predict negotiations will ramp up soon. NHL commentator Bob Stauffer anticipates a flurry of extensions by August 28, potentially covering McDavid along with teammates Mattias Ekholm, Jake Walman, and Vasily Podkolzin.

Stauffer, alongside fellow insider Frank Seravalli, confidently stated that McDavid is likely to re-sign with the Oilers, a move that hinges on the team's competitive aspirations. McDavid himself has expressed a willingness to remain if he sees a strong championship window. He is coming off an impressive season with over 100 points in just 67 games, further solidifying his status as a pivotal player for the Oilers.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman is entering the last year of his contract with a $3.4 million cap hit and is poised for more responsibilities, including increased power play time. With his impending status as a UFA, securing a new contract early might be prudent for the Oilers, particularly since comparable players like Brandon Montour, Neal Pionk, and Noah Hanifin command salaries upwards of $7 million. Meanwhile, discussions between the Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild surrounding Marco Rossi suggest active trade interests, especially with potential candidates like Dakota Joshua mentioned.

Despite efforts to finalize a deal, the two teams have yet to find common ground. Minnesota's reluctance to part with Rossi indicates his perceived value, especially considering he shares an agent with K’Andre Miller. The offseason period is crucial for teams like the Oilers and Canucks as they assess their rosters and strategize for upcoming seasons.

The Stanley Cup Final showcased some impressive playoff beards, with players from the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers letting their facial hair flourish. Jonah Gadjovich of the Panthers humorously noted the state of his beard, while praising teammates who have improved since last year. Fans have embraced their players' beards, with some even creating fan groups based on their favorite players' distinct looks. Special mentions included Mattias Ekholm's Viking-inspired beard, recognized by dedicated fans, and Stuart Skinner's woolly goaltender beard that reflects his playoff journey.

As the competition heated up, some players utilized their beards for playful taunting, like Gadjovich during his encounter with Darnell Nurse. Other distinctions were made, like Jake Walman's grooming-ready beard, and the comedic nature of Anton Lundell's attempts at growing one. Ultimately, Sam Bennett of the Panthers won the coveted 'Beard of the Year' for his performance and impressive facial hair, which has become a symbol of his contributions to the Panthers' playoff run.