Buffalo Sabres are nudging toward adding a proven top-six forward, eyeing Eeli Tolvanen as a plausible midseason target if Seattle isn’t in the playoff chase. Tolvanen posted a career-high 23 goals and has one year left on his deal, making him a high-upside rental with potential cost tied to a 20-goal pace and conditional picks or blue-chip prospects such as Isak Rosen, Devon Levi, or Noah Ostlund. If Seattle dangles Tolvanen, Buffalo could pursue a package that includes a first-rounder or a strong prospect, balancing immediate impact with future assets.

The chatter also covers a broader trade-market and draft-pick dynamics around 2026 selections, with Penguins’ Kyle Dubas discussing teams attempting to re-acquire their 2026 picks and the possibility of offer sheets viewed as leverage by teams like Winnipeg and San Jose. The report lists offer-sheet candidates (Sebrango, Kupari, Holtz, Zary, Evangelista, McTavish, Rossi) and notes some teams’ interest in specific names (Zary, Evangelista, McTavish, Rossi). It also notes extension talks for Dustin Wolf, UFA Matt Grzelcyk, and various waiver/rookie-target angles shaping both teams’ in-season contorts. The piece closes with a reminder to subscribe and follow for ongoing rumor-driven discussions across the league.

Mason McTavish is viewed as Anaheim’s future cornerstone, with six-year, $6.7 million projection circulating in the chatter. The Ducks’ cap space gives them room to lock in a core piece without strangling future moves, and McTavish’s steady production plus a Ryan O’Reilly-like game have evaluators optimistic about his long-term ceiling.

Connor Zary’s knee concerns cast a shadow over Calgary’s forward group, forcing Calgary to weigh risk versus reward as they shape Zary’s next contract. Brady Tkachuk’s clear commitment to Ottawa sets a tone for how bumpy negotiations with RFAs can impact franchise trajectories. Between Verbeek’s reputation for tough negotiations and these injuries and contracts, the league is watching closely how development, cap management, and extended rookie timelines influence fantasy value.

Ryan O’Reilly’s comparison as a benchmark for McTavish’s potential suggests a high ceiling if Anaheim lines him with the right pieces, while Zary’s health trajectory will heavily influence Calgary’s lineup construction and the Flames’ approach to development. The dialogue around these RFAs isn’t just about today’s skater totals; it’s about how teams balance long-term cores with cap reality, shaping value for fantasy managers this season and beyond.

Contract negotiations between the Calgary Flames and restricted free agent Connor Zary have hit a standstill, raising questions about the lack of urgency to finalize a deal. Zary's ice time has noticeably decreased following the Flames' acquisitions of Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, complicating his situation further. Meanwhile, defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov is garnering attention as a potential target for the New York Rangers, should he enter free agency, as reports suggest he would favor a move to the Big Apple.

As the NHL draft approaches, teams like the Sharks are rumored to be considering various prospects, although some discussions have cooled. The Blackhawks appear set to retain their No. 3 overall pick despite trade inquiries from teams including the Rangers, Sabres, and Flyers. The Kings, holding the No. 24 pick, are also exploring trade options to secure an additional second-round pick.

The Calgary Flames are reportedly considering a bridge deal for Connor Zary, a pending restricted free agent (RFA) who recorded 27 points in 54 games last season, despite battling injuries. A potential three-year contract around $3 million could be in the works, similar to Alex Newhook's deal with the Montreal Canadiens. The Flames also need to address their other RFAs, Kevin Bahl and Morgan Frost, and may need to shift their strategies.

Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators face a challenging situation regarding their forfeited draft pick stemming from the Evgenii Dadonov trade mishap. They could either forfeit their 2025 or 2026 first-round pick, depending on NHL leniency. With a shortage of assets for offer sheets and a need for scoring support, potential free-agent targets include notable wingers such as Nikolaj Ehlers and Ryan Donato. The Senators are also evaluating whether to retain Claude Giroux, who may require a lucrative contract extension.

Recent updates from the NHL reveal significant injury news impacting various teams. Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy returned to practice in a black jersey, marking a step toward recovery from his shoulder injury sustained in February. However, he still lacks a definitive return timeline. Meanwhile, Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary is currently week-to-week with a lower-body injury, adding to the team's challenges.

Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin participated in morning skate, showing progress after hip surgery in December, while Detroit Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek is expected to start skating soon. In contrast, Florida Panthers' standout Matthew Tkachuk is further from a return after missing 16 games due to a lower-body injury, with expectations that he may miss the remainder of the regular season. The injury list extends to the Nashville Predators, with Colton Sissons likely out for the season, and the Philadelphia Flyers facing ongoing absences, including Rasmus Ristolainen.