Luke Hughes remains unsigned with the Devils as camp approaches, with a cautious market and no immediate movement. Luke Evangelista’s status with Nashville hasn’t progressed, as the Predators signal a different-season approach. Lukas Reichel is on Chicago’s trade radar, and Jack Quinn’s $3.37M deal is used as a benchmark for other RFAs. Bedard’s preseason role and surrounding Leafs/Rangers chatter reflect a wary market. The Ducks’ example shows how fast deals can land, so track Hughes’ signing timeline, Reichel’s destination, and Quinn’s leverage for fantasy value.

Luke Evangelista’s contract dispute with the Nashville Predators centers on a benchmark set by Jack Quinn’s two-year, $3.375M AAV deal, a reference used by Evanglista’s camp that Nashville reportedly isn’t matching. The stalemate mirrors broader league churn as veteran stars like Evgeni Malkin surface in trade chatter, with three teams (Montreal, Tampa Bay, Florida) weighing offers while Penguins GM Kyle Dubas signals Crosby and Malkin will decide their futures this season.

All of this frames a delicate balance for Nashville’s cap timing and the Predators’ long-term plan. Fantasy managers should monitor how this kneecaps Evangelista’s rookie-year leverage and who benefits on the periphery if this drags, including potential moves that could shift ice time and power-play roles.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has been suspended for one game following a dangerous cross-check against Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield. The incident occurred during a recent game, leading to Nurse missing the Oilers' regular-season finale. Despite this setback, he will be eligible to return for the playoffs as the Oilers prepare for their first-round matchup against the Kings. Nurse has a history of suspensions and fines that underscore the impact of his physical style of play.

The NHL Department of Player Safety determined that Nurse delivered an intentional cross-check to Byfield's head while he was on the ice, meriting supplemental discipline. The nature of the incident, along with Nurse’s disciplinary history, played a pivotal role in the decision to impose a suspension. Nurse’s absence is particularly critical for the Oilers as they enter the playoffs, given that fellow defenseman Mattias Ekholm will also be unavailable.

The Philadelphia Flyers extended their winning streak to two games with a commanding 7-4 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Matvei Michkov showcased his talent, scoring two goals, while Samuel Ersson contributed with 17 saves in his first start of the season. The Sabres, who had won their previous three games, struggled defensively, as their coach Lindy Ruff pointed out a lack of discipline leading to early goals for the Flyers. After jumping to a 2-0 lead, the Flyers saw the Sabres respond with three consecutive goals. However, Michkov's equalizer ignited a dominant performance from Philadelphia, allowing them to regain control and secure the win.

In a thrilling encounter, the Seattle Kraken triumphed over the Buffalo Sabres 6-4, with Jamie Oleksiak netting the pivotal goal in the second period. Oleksiak's strike came shortly after Tage Thompson equalized for Buffalo, showcasing the intense back-and-forth action of the game. The scoring frenzy began early, with Jack Quinn giving the Sabres an initial lead before Seattle surged ahead with goals from John Hayden, Chandler Stephenson, and Matty Beniers.

Despite Buffalo's attempts to rally through Jason Zucker and Thompson's goals, the Kraken regained control with third-period goals from Adam Larsson and Jared McCann, whose performance included a goal and two assists. The victory marked Seattle's dominance over Buffalo, improving their all-time record against the Sabres to 7-1, with their only loss occurring earlier this year.