Marco Rossi’s three-year, $5 million-per-season contract with Minnesota strengthens his bid to be the Wild’s true middle, with a $6 million qualifying offer due after 2027-28 and no three-year trade protection. His short-term ask vs longer-term offers from peers nudges Rossi toward the front of a shifting center market. Comparables like Stankoven, Coronato, Peterka, and Knies have set a higher bar, while Connor McDavid’s potential extension looms as the ultimate market signal for star contracts.

The deal structure comes as the NHL casually widens gambling and gaming ads in arenas, and Wild GM Bill Guerin sought to improve without dragging Rossi into futures. If McDavid’s extension lands before training camp, it could push the ceiling for young players and reshape dynasty and daily fantasy valuations, particularly for mid-market centers with upside.

Rossi’s move also places Rossi and Minnesota on a clearer path to recapture offensive balance, adding depth behind the top line and underscoring how evolving contract dynamics influence fantasy projections across the league.

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.