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.