The Anaheim Ducks have made a surprising move by signing veteran forward Mikael Granlund, who previously played for the Dallas Stars. Despite Granlund not being linked to the Ducks prior to the signing, the team jumped at the opportunity to enhance their roster. This addition comes after a season where the Ducks showed marked improvement, and with the hiring of experienced coach Joel Quenneville, they are clearly aiming for a more competitive edge.

Granlund expressed optimism about joining a team that he feels is ready to take the next step towards winning. In his previous season, he contributed 21 points in just 31 games for Dallas and is expected to provide a scoring boost for the Ducks alongside their younger talents. If he can maintain his performance, this move could be a significant steal for Anaheim, positioning them as contenders for a playoff spot.

The Anaheim Ducks are navigating a critical offseason, with a key player, goalie Lukas Dostal, still unsigned after the departure of veteran John Gibson. Dostal, projected as the starting goalie, recently filed for arbitration, hinting at a potential resolution soon. NHL writer Joe Tansey predicts the Ducks will rely on Dostal to lead a young team potentially eyeing a playoff spot in the near future.

Despite the uncertainty, confidence in Dostal remains high, given his previous solid performance last season with a GAA of 3.10 and a save percentage of .903. Complementing him will be experienced backups Ville Husso and Petr Mrazek, but Dostal's ability to rise to the occasion could be pivotal for Anaheim’s success in the upcoming season.

The NHL offseason has been a frenetic period of roster reshuffling, with teams navigating the draft, trades, and free agency in just 10 days. The Florida Panthers have emerged as big winners, maintaining their core while securing key additions like Jeff Petry and Daniil Tarasov, positioning them for another deep playoff run. The Anaheim Ducks also excelled, acquiring Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund, which enhances their youthful roster, while shedding salary by trading John Gibson and Trevor Zegras. In St. Louis, GM Doug Armstrong made strategic moves that bolster the Blues’ depth, adding experienced players while moving on from Zach Bolduc.

Other teams, like the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens, are poised to capitalize on their offseason moves, making significant additions like Nikolaj Ehlers and Noah Dobson, respectively. The offseason grades reflect a clear distinction in team strategies, with teams like the Ducks and Panthers receiving high marks for their aggressive and savvy maneuvers, while others like the Toronto Maple Leafs face criticism for failing to adequately replace star players lost to free agency. It’s clear; these moves will shape the competitive landscape as teams gear up for the upcoming season.

Gabriel Vilardi, a forward for the Winnipeg Jets, joined 10 other NHL players in filing for salary arbitration, aiming to negotiate a contract that better reflects his recent performance. Last season, Vilardi achieved personal bests with 27 goals and 61 points in 71 games. Among those also filing are notable names like Kaapo Kakko from the Seattle Kraken and Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks. The arbitration deadline is set for 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, with hearings scheduled between July 20 and August 4.

The outcomes of these hearings can vary; last year, only one player, defenseman Spencer Stastney of the Nashville Predators, received a contract through arbitration. This year’s arbitration filings come amidst a competitive landscape, where young talent is increasingly being evaluated against their recent contributions.

The Anaheim Ducks are gearing up for a significant offseason as they seek to revamp their roster. After missing out on top free agents despite having substantial cap space, the Ducks have made a notable addition in Mikael Granlund, expected to enhance their offensive capabilities. However, the team must also address the status of key restricted free agents Mason McTavish and Lukas Dostal, who have been the subject of trade rumors, raising questions about their future with the franchise.

With both players being integral to the team, it's imperative for Anaheim to manage their assets wisely. Dostal is anticipated to take on the starting goalie role following John Gibson's trade, while McTavish, last season's third overall pick, showcased his potential by scoring 22 goals and tallying 30 assists. Resigning both players is critical to the Ducks' plans as they navigate a complex offseason.